3 things we liked and 3 things we didn’t like about Creature Commandos

While many are primarily DC Comics fans James Gunn next Superman film responsible DC Studios renovationThe comic book juggernaut technically broke off the starting blocks late last year with the release of the adult animated series, Commando Creatures.

The series — which dropped its first season finale today on Max — modeled much of its collective premise of C-to-D villains after Gunn’s version of Suicide Squad, It proved to be not only a much-needed first step in establishing the tone DC Studios is heading towards moving forward, but also an excellent return to form for a company returning to its roots in animation.

We liked: Great character writing

Like a lot Peacemaker and Guardians of the Galaxy, Commando CreaturesThe strength lies in its exceptional character writing and its diverse cast of misfits. Each episode alternated between the team’s mission and flashbacks, highlighting the backstory of a particular villain and juxtaposing it with their current adventure. Whether it’s freeing the Bride from her stalker-fiancé Frankenstein, the Nazi killing directives for the GI Robot, or the truth behind Weasel’s apparent child murders, each player is given an engaging backstory that effectively rounds them out as a character and reinforces Gunn’s overriding theme of not judging On the book by its cover. If there is an incentive to enter into the tradition of segregated capital, Commando Creatures It is fans’ gateway to diving into comics.

The needle falls

Music remains vital to narrative reduction and emphasis in Gunn’s work Commando Creatures He chose to replace the more expensive needle drops of nostalgia with Eastern European folk music. however, Commando CreaturesThe toe-tapping musical style effectively complements the choreography and backstory montage. If anything, the Manhattan-based band Gogol Bordello has gained a large number of monthly listeners thanks to Gunn’s diverse musical tastes.

Hit the action every time

Commando Creatures“The two-episode premiere hit the stage, slapping the board with animation so exciting it had DC fans pumping their fists with equal enthusiasm.” invincible and X-Men ’97 Fans do. Its remaining five episodes were no different. all Commando Creatures The combat was bright and flashy, with set pieces begging for stray weapons to be used as stage menace Mortal Kombat.

Furthermore, the type of deaths and injuries he suffered were the kind of gruesome and brutal that only an animated show could get away with depicting. You’ll laugh at Dr. Phosphorus as he flips a tank as it passes through him and, by proxy, melts through the mechanical weapon and its unsuspecting pilots, just as you’ll wince when he and Weasel slam the brakes on the brakes. Amazon warrior.

We didn’t like: Some of the humor fell flat

While most of the punches clap between Commando Creatures The cast described how bizarre DC Comics’ mythology and its lineup of non-mainstream heroes and villains were, and the show’s jokes didn’t always go as intended. The jokes that weren’t direct sidebars or punchlines tended to be either humorous visual gags over the annoying parts of comic book audiences indignantly steeped in ultra-right-wing sentiment, or they were based on how funny Eastern European pop culture would view the average American. Comedy is subjective, so viewers’ mileage will vary. But it’s hard not to feel your eyes glaze over waiting for the non-sequitur comedy to run its course so the show’s plot can resume.

Cruelty for her sake

along with Commando Creatures Embracing the bizarre touchstones of DC’s mythology, Max’s adult animated show has also spared no expense in showcasing the cruelty humanity is capable of – metahuman or otherwise. To DC Studios’ credit, many of the more brutal moments were done in service of the show and attached themselves to an attacker who got his comeuppance nicely.

However, the show turned lively in moments for its own sake. Whether it’s highlighting the cruelty of humanity in a crude way by having sex workers assaulted by drunken patrons, or having camera work depict a disabled babushka being brutally “mercy” killed (when that wasn’t the case at all), Commando Creatures At times he came across as a hot topic that he was edgy for the sake of it.

Meh’s season finale ends up teasing more to come

Planning and rhythm Commando Creatures They found a steady rhythm, pacing back and forth in time, fleshing out their group and progressing on their mission. But by the end, the show seemed to have lost some of its steam. While one can derive some depth from the unglamorous and abrupt way in which the show tried to tie up its loose ends, film noir-style, it came across as a faltering step rather than a tucked-in landing.

In typical comic book fashion, a cameo after the credits teased more adventures to come. Commando Creatures It has already been renewed for a second season, with new and returning characters set to pick up where the finale left off, but it wasn’t the great ending the show thought it would be. Instead of feeling revolutionary, I felt safe.

All seven episodes Commando Creatures Season 1 is streaming on Max. Season 2 is on the way.

Want more io9 news? Check when to expect the latest marvel, star warsand Star Trek Releases, what’s next for DC Universe in film and televisionAnd everything you want to know about the future Doctor Who.