DC Comics enthusiasts seeking thrilling tales of the Creature Commandos can rejoice, as this unique squad of supernatural soldiers boasts a rich legacy of captivating stories. James Gunn’s recent adaptation has provided a hilarious and action-filled adventure, undoubtedly igniting the appetite of fans eager for more escapades.
Set against the backdrop of Gunn and Peter Safran’s revitalized DC Universe, the series introduces Amanda Waller’s latest initiative, Task Force M. This eclectic team, comprising various monsters, is spearheaded by Rick Flag, Sr. While Gunn’s rendition offers a fresh perspective on the team, a plethora of stories exists for fans hungry for their dose of creepy heroics.
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Weird War Tales #93: The Origins of the Creature Commandos
Created by J.M. DeMatteis and Pat Broderick
The genesis of the Creature Commandos is a tale worth telling. Their inaugural comic, Weird War Tales #93, featured an anthology format that expertly intertwined war narratives with supernatural elements. In a standout story entitled “The Creature Commandos,”authors J.M. DeMatteis and Pat Broderick present a compact yet impactful version of the team. Despite the limited number of monsters, their introduction captivated audiences.
In this debut, Lieutenant Matthew Shrieve briefs U.S. military and government officials about Project M, introducing them to the daunting reality of his monstrous team. While the assembled leaders are initially alarmed by what they see, they ultimately approve the project. The Creature Commandos swiftly embark on a mission to a Nazi stronghold, successfully thwarting enemy plots, including the near replacement of global leaders with robotic duplicates. Thus begins their legacy of confronting threats that only they can successfully neutralize.
This landmark comic marked the first of numerous stories featuring the Creature Commandos, with nearly 20 additional installments leading to their final appearance in the anthology series. Early tales primarily spotlighted characters like Patchwork, Velcoro, and Wolfpack, but subsequently introduced new faces like Medusa and G.I. Robot, enriching the team’s mythos and establishing a lasting influence on the DC Universe.
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Seven Soldiers: Frankenstein – A Revitalization of an Icon
Created by Grant Morrison and Doug Mahnke
While the Creature Commandos feature their version of Frankenstein’s Monster through their core member Lucky, also known as Patchwork, James Gunn chose to directly incorporate DC’s own interpretation of the iconic creature. This creative direction finds its roots in Grant Morrison’s acclaimed Seven Soldiers project, especially the tie-in miniseries Seven Soldiers: Frankenstein.
This four-issue saga follows Frankenstein as he confronts various supernatural challenges, each intricately linked to a larger, ominous threat posed by a group known as the Sheeda, who aim to claim Earth. Along the way, he partners with the Bride, an undying warrior from the enigmatic S.H.A.D.E., who keeps a watchful eye on his perilous, pulp-inspired exploits throughout the DC Universe.
Morrison’s unconventional storytelling is complemented by Doug Mahnke’s dynamic artwork, making this a thrilling read for fans of unique comic narratives. While it stands alone, integrating it within the larger Seven Soldiers metaseries adds layers of complexity. For those fond of old-school action meshed with horror, this comic delivers an exciting experience.
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Flashpoint: An Alternate Timeline for the Creature Commandos
Created by Jeff Lemire and Ibraim Roberson
DC Comics aficionados will recall the chaos unleashed by Barry Allen’s time-traveling escapades during the Flashpoint event, drastically altering the fabric of the DC Universe. The consequences were profound; heroes metamorphosed, histories rewritten, and in the fray, even Frankenstein and the Creature Commandos found their origins drastically modified.
In the Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown series, penned by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Ibraim Roberson, Frankenstein emerges as a founding member of the Creature Commandos. This iteration portrays the team as having been dormant for nearly seven decades due to the emergence of G.I. Robot, while new threats loom, most notably led by the granddaughter of the original commander, Matthew Shrieve.
Although set in an alternate universe, this storyline showcases characters mirroring those found in the current Creature Commandos series, presenting a darker and more serious portrayal. However, its influence on the New 52 adaptation of the Commandos cannot be overstated, as it broadened the team’s roster and scope significantly.
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Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – An Evolution of the Team
Created by Jeff Lemire and Alberto Ponticelli
Following the upheaval of Flashpoint, the New 52 era ushered in a fresh perspective on the DC Universe, allowing creators to delve into deeper, darker narrative veins. Jeff Lemire took this opportunity to craft stories in series like Animal Man and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., which paired Frankenstein with the Creature Commandos for the first time in the prime continuity.
With Frankenstein’s Bride missing following an encounter in a town beset by monsters, he joins a revamped version of the Creature Commandos—dubbed Division M. Together, they navigate challenges that span galaxies and encounter diverse creatures, all while dealing with the thrilling chaos that unfolds when their commander, Father Time, lends them out to track down a rogue OMAC from Checkmate.
This engaging series surpassed the darker tones set in Flashpoint, adding depth to the team’s lore by introducing new members, including Khalis, a mummy—finally incorporating a classic monster into the mix. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. resonates closely with the lively tone of the current Creature Commandos series, providing an enjoyable experience for fans.
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Creature Commandos: Where Horror Meets Action
Created by David Dastmalchian and Jesus Hervas
It is not uncommon for comic publishers to generate content aimed at capitalizing on the buzz surrounding upcoming adaptations. With the anticipation building for the TV series, DC launched its first self-titled Creature Commandos comic in over two decades. This endeavor was helmed by seasoned horror creators David Dastmalchian and Jesús Hervás, each renowned within the genre, ensuring quality storytelling.
Under the DC Horror imprint, this series reintroduces the classic lineup while providing a modern twist. Depicting the team as part of Project M, they operate under Matthew Shrieve’s leadership, unaware that General Eiling is secretly aligning with the formidable threat of Brainiac. The series combines the thrill of classic monster action with contemporary storytelling elements.
Despite its novelty, this series has quickly made a name for itself among readers. It takes an innovative approach to the original lineup, striking a balance between the nostalgia of the classic team and intriguing new narratives. Fans of the Creature Commandos will find much to enjoy here, as it masterfully combines horror and humor, making it a must-read for anyone enamored with the genre.
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