I'm officially sold on DC's Creature Commandos (as a better version of Suicide Squad)

WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for: DC HORROR PRESENTS: MINOR COMMANDS #1!

As a first reader Creature CommandosI wasn't sure what to expect, but now I'm convinced they're a darker and better version of the DC cult classic Suicide squad. Since it's Scary Season, this horror-based comic quickly became my favorite and now, thanks to it, I can't wait for the series to premiere in December.

David Dastmalchian, Jesús Hervás, Alex Guimarães and Ferran Delgado DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos #1 is what I would call a dark horse comic – I was surprised by how great it was.

This is a book that likely isn't on most comic book readers' radar, considering it features a lesser-known team with more obscure characters. However, with Creature Commandos TV series scheduled to premiere on December 5, 2024, I hope more fans will give this comic a chance. It offers a fresh take on the beloved Suicide Squad concept and, in my opinion, executes the concept even better. Following two people and four creatures, this series presents a darker, more brutal version of the Suicide Squad I've always dreamed of.

DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos #1 is the perfect reference point for new readers

The Creature Commandos first debuted in Strange war stories #93 (1980)

As I mentioned earlier, I knew nothing about Creature Commandos before delving into the comic. So if you're hesitant to read this book due to unfamiliarity with the team and characters, I can confidently say that you don't need any background knowledge to follow the story. This first edition is an excellent starting point. However, for those curious about the history of the Creature Commandos in the comics, they first appeared in Strange war stories #93 (1980) by J.M. DeMatteis. Known for being a team of creatures and misfits operating during World War IIthey have since become an iconic group in the DC Universe.

Elliot is on Dastmalchian's team “Lucky” Taylor (a creature resembling Frankenstein's monster), Wanda Griffith (a werewolf), Mina Rhodes (resembling something like a Gorgon), Vincent Velcro (a vampire), Lieutenant Matthew Shrieve (the leader of the humans), and Dr. Barbara West, a new addition to the story. Dr. West is portrayed as a slightly tortured – and possibly mad – scientist who studies and oversees the health of the creatures in the unit. Interestingly, Mina Rhodes, despite being a creature herself, also serves as Dr. West's assistant, adding an intriguing dynamic to the team's interactions.

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DC changes the composition of Creature Commando, introducing new faces to the team

Creature Commandos is a fresh take on the Suicide Squad concept

What convinced me that Creature Commandos are a better version of Suicide Squad is the fact that Amanda Waller's infamous Task Force However, what sets them apart is that they offer a fresh take on Suicide Squad, featuring lesser-known and new characters. The tone is also darker and gritty compared to the often campy tone of Suicide Squad. While campy gameplay can be fun, I prefer the version of Task Force X that has emotional depth and high stakes, and I think that's what we'll get in Creature Commandos.

After falling in love with comic book I I decided to research the team's history and was surprised to discover that Doctor West wasn't the only new name in the comics. While Elliot “Lucky” Taylor, Vincent Velcro, and Lieutenant Shrieve have appeared in previous versions of Creature Commandos. Wanda Griffith and Mina Rhodes are new characters who may be remixes or descendants of former members. For example, Warren Griffith was originally a werewolf on the team, so it seems his character may have undergone a gender change. Similarly, Medusa, originally known as “Myrrha Rhodes”, she was re-imagined as Mina Rhodes. There is no explanation for these changes as of yet, so it will be interesting to see if one is provided in later releases.

Suicide room A man with polka dots writes DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos Number

Writer David Dastmalchian played Polka-Dot Man Suicide squad (2021)

I have a terrible habit of not reading the creators' names until I finish the comic. So imagine my surprise when, after reading Creature Commandos and thinking it was reminiscent of a darker Suicide Squad, I noticed that the writer of the series was none other than Polka-Dot Man himself! Live-action film fans Suicide squad he will undoubtedly remember Polka-Dot Man, who was probably the best character in the movie. Well, the actor who played Polka-Dot Man, David Dastmalchian, is also a writer for DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos. This discovery amazed me and now I am even more convinced of it Creature Commandos is basically the latest iteration of DC Suicide squad.

DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos #1 is now available from DC Comics!

DC HORROR PRESENTS: MINOR COMMANDS #1 (2024)
	Screenplay: David Dastmalchian Artist: Jesús Hervás Colorist: Alex Guimarães Author of the letter: Ferran Delgado Cover artist: Tirso Cons