‘Creature Commandos’ Brought Back a Long-Forgotten Superhero Tradition

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The Creature Commandos series has made an impressive debut in James Gunn’s DCU, offering glimpses into a fully-realized DC Universe brimming with history that extends far beyond the narrative of the show. It draws inspiration from real-world events and the profound legacy of DC Comics as a publishing house, shedding light on aspects of superhero tales often overlooked. In Episode 3, titled “Cheers to the Tin Man,”, we delved into the backstory of the character G.I. Robot (portrayed by Sean Gunn), a military robot engineered for combat against Nazis who seemed to grapple with life post-World War II.

I had the pleasure of witnessing an episode where G.I. Robot served alongside Sgt. Rock and the lads from Easy Company, hinting at Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming Sgt. Rock movie. This episode, much like a superhero battling in World War II, underscores a crucial aspect of the early development of the superhero genre. Similarly, the Creature Commandos engaging with an ascendant alt-right military and American fascism echoes James Gunn’s DCU vision – our heroes are once again standing up for social justice, as they originally did. In this context, Creature Commandos, coupled with Gunn’s statements about his forthcoming Superman film, underscore a commitment to the early principles of DC and comic book superheroes as a means to address contemporary issues.

The History of Superheroes in World War II

The beginning of World War II is typically traced back to September 1, 1939, marking the day when Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler’s rule, invaded Poland. It’s worth noting that this event occurred approximately a year after Superman made his first appearance in comics, and in the same year Batman was introduced. Marvel Comics, known then as Timely Comics, launched Namor the Submariner and the original Human Torch on August 31, 1939, just one day before Poland was invaded. Although the U.S. didn’t officially join the war until December 8, 1941, following the Pearl Harbor attack, several comic book writers and artists, many of whom were young Jewish immigrants with possible relatives being oppressed by the Nazis, expressed their political views through their work during this period.

The creation of Captain America by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby vividly demonstrated their backing for U.S. involvement in World War II. In fact, Captain America was designed as a counterpoint to America’s peace movement, as evidenced by his debut in comic #1, which depicted him delivering a powerful punch to Adolf Hitler.

At that point, this decision was somewhat contentious, as the pro-Nazi German American group, the German American Bund, began harassing Timely Comics’ offices through intimidating letters and calls. Matters escalated when members of the German American Bund started lingering outside the offices, necessitating intervention from the New York City police. However, history now views Captain America and his creators favorably due to their bravery in standing up against injustice, utilizing comic books as a means to reach a broader audience. The debut issue of Captain America was an enormous success, selling out rapidly.

During World War II, comics like DC’s Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman frequently showcased dramatic covers depicting these characters engaged in the war. However, the narratives within these comics usually steered clear of the actual conflict out of sensitivity towards real soldiers who were fighting. Instead, many of their villains served as stand-ins for the Axis Powers. Conversely, Marvel’s Captain America and Namor played more active roles in the war in their own stories. Interestingly, comic books turned out to be popular among soldiers due to their compact size, ease of sharing, and low cost, making them a valuable addition to their gear.

Following the conclusion of World War II and the homecoming of soldiers, also known as G.I.s, a new generation of children started listening to their fathers recount war tales, thereby creating a fresh audience for comics. As a response, DC introduced comic series centered around war, such as “Our Army at War,” “Star Spangled Stories,” and “G.I. Combat.” The surge in war-themed comics, along with horror and romance genres, quickly outshone the popularity of superheroes. However, this trend was brief, as the superhero eventually reclaimed its dominance within the comic book world as the preferred narrative style. Despite DC’s attempts to revive some of its war-themed titles, it has primarily achieved success by updating concepts like The Suicide Squad and The Losers, placing them in a more contemporary setting. Although war stories appear to have lost their appeal, they remain an essential part of the superhero genre, a fact that James Gunn acknowledges.

Superheroes Fighting for Social Justice Cause

Thank you for the Tin Man’s portrayal, as it not only depicted G.I. Robot eliminating Nazis overseas but also at home, including a flashback scene where he took down a band of Neo-Nazis in America. Although this depiction of violence is more intense than traditional superheroes from the past, the concept of superheroes confronting hate groups within the United States is not a novel idea. In fact, just one year after World War II ended in 1946, the radio show “The Adventures of Superman” ran a 16-episode arc titled “Clan of the Fiery Cross,” where Superman tackled The Ku Klux Klan.

The serials brought the Ku Klux Klan’s prejudice into sharp focus for a massive TV audience, revealing their secret phrases and customs courtesy of intelligence gathered by activist Stetson Kennedy. This portrayal caused significant harm to their reputation, from which they never fully recovered.

This storyline was later revisited and delved deeper in the 2019-2020 three-issue limited series titled “Superman Smashes the Klan,” written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Gurihiru.

In the midst of the Great Depression, Superman first emerged as a champion of the working class. However, it was “Clan of the Fiery Cross” that solidified him as a hero advocating for social justice, focusing on his character as an immigrant standing up for America’s ideals against those trying to restrict them. Over the years, the superhero mythos has evolved, with Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns depicting Superman as a symbol preserving the existing order in Ronald Reagan’s era. Yet, time and again, Superman and other superheroes have come to be seen as figures who strive to aid and empower those less fortunate.

In some cases, viewers may prefer to separate politics from superhero tales; however, it’s essential to understand that politics are an integral part of this genre. Superheroes symbolize justice and stand against injustices such as bigotry, oppression, and exploitation. Comics like Creature Commandos demonstrate that the DC Universe not only faces fantastic dangers but also grapples with real-world issues. The series appears to suggest that the DCU is learning from its past, drawing inspiration from war comics and socially-aware stories like “Superman Smashes the Klan.

How This Impacts the DCU

The Creature Commandos and the Superman trailer suggest that James Gunn’s DC Universe will draw upon the company’s extensive history to create stories featuring vibrant characters, not just that, but ones that reflect on the era they are set in. Interestingly, the army of Circe in Creature Commandos, known as the Sons of Themyscira, seems to be a group of men who hold anti-feminist views, mirroring the arguments made by certain individuals who criticized the all-female screenings of Wonder Woman that took place at Alamo Drafthouse in 2017.

James Gunn’s DCU approach differs notably regarding World War II compared to the MCU. In contrast to “Captain America: The First Avenger,” where Steve Rogers fought during WWII against HYDRA, a sub-group of the Nazis, his battles in the war were kept separate from the actual Nazi regime’s power. The film primarily focused on a fictional offshoot group, blending elements of pulp sci-fi and adventure tales. This decision was partly due to Disney preferring not to portray Nazis prominently within their content. Additionally, this approach helped maintain respect for the genuine sacrifices made by soldiers during WWII, ensuring that Captain America’s presence didn’t overshadow their heroism. However, Gunn is planning a unique twist on this narrative.

In the creation of the MCU, it was intended to mirror our own world, thus limiting changes in Captain America: The First Avenger regarding historical events; however, James Gunn’s DCU will present an alternate reality where metahumans and powerful individuals like G.I. Robot significantly influenced and altered World War II. This alternative history was hinted at in Creature Commandos, and it seems that Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming Sgt. Rock movie will continue exploring this World War II storyline. Despite the project being recently announced for development, a World War II film as one of the DCU’s initial productions represents an ambitious step for its cinematic universe, offering the opportunity to challenge audience expectations of traditional “comic book movies.

James Gunn’s version of Superman contemplates how a character like Superman can adapt to not only the modern 21st century but also the present political landscape. During a Q&A prior to the release of the Superman trailer, Gunn stated that this Superman is motivated by compassion and an unwavering faith in humanity’s goodness.

Initially, our nation appears worn down, much like a beaten Superman. Yet, I trust in humanity’s inherent goodness, and I firmly believe that most individuals within this country, regardless of their political or ideological views, strive to lead decent lives. It may appear otherwise from different perspectives, but this movie is about that. It showcases the fundamental kindness of human beings, a quality that is often deemed unfashionable and under attack by certain powerful and influential negative voices.

In contrast to modern adaptations of DC Comics that have predominantly focused on themes from the last four decades, such as “The Dark Knight Returns,” “Batman Year One,” and “The Killing Joke,” the current live-action era of DC Universe (DCU) is heavily influenced by its Golden Age (1930s to 1940s). This shift could potentially dethrone Marvel, as it offers a refreshing change of pace. With war stories and socially relevant issues, these new productions, including “Creature Commandos” and “Superman,” have the potential to captivate audiences tired of traditional superhero themes like skybeams and multiverses. Here’s to hoping that DC can redefine what a “superhero” movie can be, much like the Tin Man from those early years. Long live the DC Universe!

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2025-01-11 18:32