Monster Commandos Season 1: Cliffhangers and Connections
The first season of the animated series Monster Commandos, marking the launch of the new DC Cinematic Universe under James Gunn's creative direction, has concluded with intriguing cliffhangers and connections to the broader DC universe. Here's a comprehensive overview of the notable elements from the series' 7 episodes:
Peacekeeper and Suicide Squad are Canon
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James Gunn confirmed the canonicity of The Peacemaker series, excluding the Zack Snyder's Justice League cameo, before the show's release. John Economos, an ARGUS agent and Amanda Waller's sidekick, references events from The Peacemaker. Additionally, Peacekeeper makes an appearance. The first episode also establishes The Suicide Squad as part of the canon.
Themyscira, Bloodhaven, Star City, Gotham, and Metropolis
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The series introduces several iconic DC locations. The witch Cerci hails from Themyscira, home to Wonder Woman. Dr. Phosphorus, a Gotham criminal, was apprehended by Batman. Metropolis is represented by the Galaxy Broadcasting System, where Clark Kent and Lois Lane work. Bialia, ruled by Queen Bee, connects to Blue Beetle's origins. A soldier mentions serving with Rick Flag Senior in Jharkhanpur, home to Ram Khan. Bloodhaven is linked to Nightwing, and Star City to Green Arrow, where Mermaid's (Nina Mazursky) origins are explored.
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Sgt. Rock and Easy Company
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Episode 3 reveals that G.I. Robot fought alongside Sgt. Rock and Easy Company during World War II. Sgt. Rock, DC's most famous non-superhero, first appeared in the 1959 comic Our Army at War and has since made numerous cameos across the DC multiverse. Daniel Craig is rumored to portray him in an upcoming movie, while Maury Sterling voices him in the series.
Dr. Will Magnus
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Also in episode 3, Dr. Will Magnus, the creator of the Metal Men, studies G.I. Robot. The Metal Men are a team of androids named after elements from the periodic table.
Class Z Villains from the DC
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ARGUS prison cells house various villains, including Class Z villains from old DC comics. Notable inmates include Animal-Plant-Mineral Man, Bloody Millipede, Shaggy-Man, Fisherman, Congorilla, Nosferata, Khalis, Kemo, and Egg-Fu. James Gunn left the selection of characters for the prison scenes to the animators and co-showrunner Dean Laurie.
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Weasels' Lawyer
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Elizabeth Bates, Weasels' lawyer, is a reimagining of Betty Bates from the 1940s comic strip Lady-at-Law. She defends justice in court and fights crime, akin to Daredevil but with sight and a different aesthetic.
Justice League and Other DC Heroes
Episode 4 features a significant cameo scene where Cerci shows Amanda Waller visions of an apocalyptic future. James Gunn confirmed the appearances of Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Supergirl, Booster Gold, Robin (Damien Wayne), Peacekeeper, Batman, Vigilante, Judo Master, Metamorpho, Superman, Starfire, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Mr. Terrific, and Gorilla Grodd. Gunn also expressed interest in further exploring Blue Beetle, hinting at Sholo Maridueña's potential return.
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Clayface
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Episode 5 reveals that Dr. Ailsa McPherson was killed and replaced by Clayface, a Batman villain. Alan Tudyk voices Clayface, having also voiced Dr. Phosphorus and Will Magnus in the series, and Clayface in another DC animated series, Harley Quinn. Tudyk enjoys the contrast between the moronic and sinister portrayals of the character. James Gunn announced a Clayface movie with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan, raising questions about Tudyk's involvement.
First Look at Batman in the New DC Cinematic Universe
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Episode 6 delves into Dr. Phosphorus's origins, involving Gotham crime boss Rupert Thorne. Batman eventually captures the dangerous villain, offering fans their first glimpse of the character in the new DC Cinematic Universe.
New Creature Commandos
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The season finale introduces the new Creature Commandos team led by Bride, featuring King Shark (voiced by Diedrich Bader), Dr. Phosphorus, Weasel, the restored G.I. Robot, Nosferata, and Khalis. This sets the stage for an exciting Season 2 and builds anticipation for the upcoming Superman movie.