Why the DCU’s Decision to Kill a Batman Villain Before His Debut Was the Right Move

Warning: This article includes spoilers for Creature Commandos, Episode 6.

In a bold narrative choice, the DC Universe has eliminated a Batman villain before his official introduction, and many see this as a strategic decision. As the release of the upcoming Batman film, The Brave And The Bold, appears to be quite distant, there remains considerable ambiguity regarding the Dark Knight’s future in the franchise. The inclusion of characters like Green Lantern Guy Gardner in the Superman film suggests that the studio is open to cross-pollination among its roster. However, the complexities surrounding Batman’s role seem more intricate.

With the character of Batman formally joining the DC franchise and numerous Gotham-related characters being established, the potential for the Caped Crusader to appear more frequently is feasible. Yet, the possibility exists that he may remain absent from the screen until his designated movie. Interestingly, even with Batman’s delayed appearances, it seems the DC Universe is not hindered from exploring other pivotal Gotham characters, as evidenced by the recent demise of a significant Batman villain.

Creature Commandos Kills Off Batman Villain Before DCU’s Dark Knight Appearance

Episode 6 of Creature Commandos marks significant progression in the storyline while simultaneously providing rich backstory for Doctor Phosphorus, a character that emerges as part of Amanda Waller’s new team. The episode reveals that Doctor Phosphorus’s transformation into a glowing figure is tied to the actions of Rupert Thorne—a notorious crime boss in both the series and DC comic lore—who plays a pivotal role in Gotham’s corruption.

Initially, Doctor Phosphorus sought Thorne’s assistance to fund his cancer research. Realizing the peril of his association, he attempts to sever ties, which tragically leads to the murder of his family by Thorne’s men. They frame him for the crime and attempt to kill him, ultimately resulting in his horrific transformation and acquisition of powers.

Phosphorus, driven by vengeance, utilizes his newfound abilities to eliminate Thorne, culminating in a montage where he exacts revenge on Thorne’s henchmen until Batman intervenes. This portrayal not only highlights Phosphorus’s descent into villainy but also substantiates the reasoning behind the early elimination of a significant Batman adversary.

The Strategic Move to Eliminate Rupert Thorne

One logical reason for killing off Rupert Thorne prior to Batman’s full introduction is the established connection between Thorne and Doctor Phosphorus in the comics. Given Batman’s plethora of associated characters, it suggests that emphasizing the link between Phosphorus and Thorne enriches the DC Universe’s narrative potential. Notably, this choice may lend credence to simpler anomalies—such as the fate of Clayface in an earlier episode—which ironically appears less impactful due to his elastic composition that allows for recovery.

Historically, in the comics, Doctor Phosphorus and Thorne are adversaries, with Thorne partially responsible for Phosphorus’s transformation. However, the creative adaptation reflects necessary changes to fit into the broader DC storyline. While the significant story arcs surrounding Thorne may not be directly translatable into the current DCU landscape, Gotham’s abundance of corrupt officials and crime bosses, such as the Maronis and Falcones, ensures that new storylines can flourish without Thorne’s involvement.

Creature Commandos: Avoiding a Common Pitfall as the DCU’s First Release

As the inaugural release in the new DC Universe timeline, Creature Commandos faces a pivotal challenge: to establish the foundation for a cohesive universe while retaining narrative flexibility for future projects. This demands a delicate balance—encouraging a rich world-building experience without becoming overly restrictive or disconnected from other DC characters and storylines.

Instead of limiting itself to a solitary narrative thread devoid of interaction with the larger DC Universe, Creature Commandos has boldly embraced interconnectedness. This approach, which includes significant moments like the early deaths of well-known characters and the unveiling of Batman sooner than anticipated, has sparked considerable excitement among viewers.

The series wraps up with its seventh episode set to air on January 9, 2025. This final chapter is expected to provide a riveting conclusion while setting the stage for exciting future developments within the DC Universe. The hope is that as the franchise expands into various thematic territories, it continues to integrate the captivating elements that defined Creature Commandos, even if that means sacrificing notable characters prior to the hero’s formal introduction.

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