The first season of the animated series Monster Commandos, part of the new DC Cinematic Universe helmed by James Gunn, has concluded, setting the stage with intriguing cliffhangers across its seven episodes. Here's a detailed look at the key elements introduced and the connections made to the broader DC universe.
Peacekeeper and Suicide Squad are Canon
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James Gunn confirmed the canonical status of The Peacemaker series and The Suicide Squad before the show's release. John Economos, an ARGUS agent and Amanda Waller's sidekick from The Peacemaker, makes an appearance, reinforcing the show's place within the DCU. Peacekeeper himself also features prominently in the series.
Themyscira, Bloodhaven, Star City, Gotham, and Metropolis
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The series introduces various iconic DC locations:
- Themyscira: Home to the Amazonian witch Cerci.
- Gotham: Where Dr. Phosphorus was a criminal before being apprehended by Batman.
- Metropolis: The location of Galaxy Broadcasting System (GBS), where Clark Kent and Lois Lane worked.
- Bialia: Home to Dr. Phosphorus's wife and the origin of the Scarab that powers Blue Beetle.
- Jharkhanpur: Mentioned as the home of the villain Ram Khan and where a soldier served with Rick Flag Senior.
- Bloodhaven: The small town associated with Nightwing.
- Star City: The hometown of Green Arrow and the origin of the character Mermaid (Nina Mazursky).
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Sgt. Rock and Easy Company
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In episode three, G.I. Robot is revealed to have fought alongside Sgt. Rock and his team, Easy Company, during World War II. Sgt. Rock, a non-superhero character from the 1959 comic Our Army at War, is voiced by Maury Sterling in the series, with rumors suggesting Daniel Craig may portray him in a future movie.
Dr. Will Magnus
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Also in episode three, G.I. Robot is examined by Dr. Will Magnus, the creator of the Metal Men, a team of androids named after elements on the periodic table.
Class Z Villains from the DC
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The series features various villains from DC comics, including Animal-Plant-Mineral Man, Bloody Millipede, Shaggy-Man, Fisherman, Congorilla, Nosferata, Khalis, Kemo, and Egg-Fu, who are seen in the Argus prison.
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Weasels' Lawyer
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Elizabeth Bates, a reimagined version of the 1940s comic character Betty Bates, serves as the Weasels' lawyer. She combines legal prowess with physical action, akin to Daredevil but with sight and a different aesthetic.
Justice League and Other DC Heroes
In episode four, Cerci shows Amanda Waller visions of an apocalyptic future, featuring numerous DC heroes and villains:
- Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Supergirl, Booster Gold, and Robin (Damien Wayne)
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- Peacekeeper
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- Batman, Vigilante, Judo Master, and Metamorpho
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- Superman, Starfire, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), and Mr. Terrific
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- Gorilla Grodd
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James Gunn has expressed interest in further exploring Blue Beetle in the DCU.
Clayface
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In episode five, it is revealed that Dr. Ailsa McPherson was killed and impersonated by Clayface, voiced by Alan Tudyk. Tudyk also voices Dr. Phosphorus and Will Magnus in the series and has voiced Clayface in other DC animated projects. A Clayface movie, scripted by Mike Flanagan, is in development.
First Look at Batman in the New DC Cinematic Universe
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Episode six delves into the origins of Dr. Phosphorus, involving Gotham crime boss Rupert Thorne. Batman captures Phosphorus after a violent spree, providing the first glimpse of the Dark Knight in this new universe.
New Creature Commandos
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The season finale introduces a new lineup for the Creature Commandos, led by Bride:
- King Shark, voiced by Diedrich Bader.
- Dr. Phosphorus.
- Weasel.
- G.I. Robot, upgraded and restored.
- Nosferata, from the Superboy series.
- Khalis, previously mentioned as part of the Monster Commandos.
As fans eagerly await Season 2 and the upcoming Superman movie, these elements promise to deepen the narrative and expand the DC Cinematic Universe under James Gunn's direction.