How ‘Creature Commandos’ Critiques (and Indulges In) Gender Dynamics

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As a long-time fan of James Gunn’s work, I must say that his latest creation, ‘Creature Commandos’, is a testament to his unique storytelling prowess. Having grown up on comic books myself, I can appreciate the way he seamlessly blends humor, action, and social commentary in this adult animated series.

In its first two episodes, Max’s animated series, Creature Commandos, is already diving into questionable territories. The program, conceived and scripted by DC Studios chief James Gunn, lives up to expectations as an excessively violent, playful, and darkly humorous superhero-like tale, making it a suitable beginning for the reimagined DC Universe. However, amidst the crude humor and peculiar characters, Gunn also subtly incorporated some insightful observations about gender dynamics, both in superhero narratives and fan groups.

However, for those who might worry that the show is becoming too scholarly, “Creature Commandos” still includes instances reminiscent of the stereotypes it criticizes. Yet, even within these predictable elements, Gunn manages to inject a touch of subversion. This delicate balance between conforming to audience expectations and challenging them will undoubtedly make for an intriguing watch as the series progresses through its final five episodes. It’s clear that Gunn has more on his mind than just action from comic books.

How ‘Creature Commandos‘ Pokes Fun at Gender Norms

In the debut episode’s opening scene, Creature Commandos boldly challenges certain segments of society’s arrogant mentality, represented by a group called the Sons of Themyscira. These gun-wielding followers of the renegade Amazonian sorceress Circe (portrayed by Anya Chalotra), align with her objective to seize Themyscira not for any philosophical purpose, but due to their belief that it’s unjust for this Amazonian utopia to be restricted solely to women. The design and behavior of these characters seem deliberately inspired by extremist militia groups such as the Proud Boys or Boogaloo movement, which emerged during the pandemic, and they echo the rhetoric commonly found in “men’s rights” communities on 4Chan.

In another perspective, this element of the story could be interpreted as Gunn taking advantage of an opportunity to vent some of his long-standing irritations towards unscrupulous individuals he’s encountered online. Known for his vocal stance online, Gunn has often been a target of right-wing trolls, who unearthed his old insensitive jokes as retaliation for his criticism of former president Trump, resulting in his dismissal from Disney in 2018. This decision was later overturned, allowing him to return to Disney, but he has continued to endure the hostility of internet trolls. As a result, it’s possible that transforming Creature Commandos’ alt-right militia group into a bunch of immature adults might serve as a subtle form of retaliation on his part.

The Bride and Frankenstein

Note: Spoilers below for Creature Commandos’ second episode, “The Tourmaline Necklace”

In the series, the portrayal of The Bride (Indira Varma) and Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour) is particularly prominent and unmistakable. Drawing inspiration from the 1935 film “Bride of Frankenstein,” the character of The Bride was brought to life at the request of Frankenstein’s monster, designed as his perfect match. However, upon being revived, she spurns Eric, despite his conviction that as she was made for him, she is his possession. Instead, she forms a bond with her creator, Victor Frankenstein, which evolves from a paternal relationship into something more complex. In a fit of jealousy, Eric kills Victor and The Bride manages to flee, leading to a centuries-long pursuit that culminates in the present day.

It appears quite evident that Gunn employs the characters of Frankenstein and The Bride as a means to scrutinize a particular type of male privilege, where Eric assumes The Bride will reciprocate his affection unconditionally and feels entitled to her undivided attention. He attempts to strip her of independence and self-determination, failing to acknowledge that he himself is a reborn being who defied his creator’s control by asserting his own freedom.

‘Creature Commandos’ Also Indulges in Fantasy

Even though Creature Commandos delves into self-reflection, it remains a rambunctious animated series, often indulging in popular fantasies. Rick Flag Sr., portrayed by Frank Grillo, initially tries to fend off the advances of Princess Ilana Rostovic from Pokolistan, who the Commandos are tasked with safeguarding. However, he eventually succumbs, leading to an extravagant and humorous love scene between them. This could be perceived as the show conforming to its role as a mature comic book narrative, featuring the attractive princess dating the rugged soldier. Yet, James Gunn still finds ways to subvert these expectations.

In this particular scene, the focus seems to lean more on Flag’s body rather than Ilana’s, and the camera lingers longer. His right-hand man is left waiting outside, only hearing exaggerated sounds of pleasure until he can continue with his crucial tasks. Essentially, the scene becomes a humorous audio joke. It feels like the show is attempting to strike a balance – making fun of our basic instincts while simultaneously aiming to be a series that keeps us engaged and tuned in.

As we move forward with the series, it remains to be seen whether this approach is sustained or if it’s merely a few subtle references in the first two episodes. However, regardless of the outcome, it seems to embody perfectly Gunn’s overall philosophy – providing quality genre entertainment while subtly infusing thought-provoking commentary. Stream on Max.

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2024-12-12 05:31