This article contains spoilers for Creature Commandos
Overview
- Creature Commandos introduces an expansive DC universe characterized by a mix of deities and monstrous figures.
- The series showcases a revitalized G.I. Robot, making a notable return in its second season.
- Drawing inspiration from DC Comics, the narrative dives deep into G.I. Robot’s historical connections and development.
With the launch of Creature Commandos, creators James Gunn and Peter Safran have successfully inaugurated a vibrant new chapter in the DC Universe. This animated series arises from the legacy of 2021’s The Suicide Squad, reintroducing fans to the eclectic Task Force M as they embark on perilous missions filled with challenges and high-stakes drama.
Similar to its predecessor, Creature Commandos includes a shocking number of character fatalities throughout its seven episodes, particularly highlighted in the January 9 episode, “A Very Funny Monster.”This episode features the heartbreaking demise of Princess Ilana Rostovic (portrayed by Maria Bakalova) and a post-credit misdirection involving Eric Frankenstein (played by David Harbour). The finale also marked the untimely end of the underdeveloped Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao). However, amidst this chaos, there was an exciting revelation for fans.
G.I. Robot’s Return in the Creature Commandos Finale
The finale unfolds with the Bride (Indira Varma) overcoming Princess Rostovic’s threat and escaping Pokolistan alongside surviving team members, Weasel (Sean Gunn) and Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk). Back at the Belle Reve Correctional Center, the Bride received accolades from Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), prompting the conversion of a new wing for the Non-Human Internment Division.
Already confirmed for a second season, Creature Commandos hints at an expanding roster for the team. Alongside the anticipated return of King Shark from The Suicide Squad, new additions include Nosferata, a vampiric figure, and Khalis, a mummy. The survival of Eric Frankenstein suggests he will continue his pursuit of the Bride in the upcoming season, but the return of G.I. Robot is the standout surprise.
Initially featured in the series as one of its early casualties, G.I. Robot (voiced by Sean Gunn) received substantial attention in the third episode titled “Cheers to the Tin Man.”This episode elaborated on G.I. Robot’s tragic origins as an artificial intelligence designed solely for eliminating Nazis during World War II. Created under the guidance of Sergeant Franklin John Rock from Easy Company, G.I. Robot was left without a purpose after his comrades passed on, ultimately ending up under the control of Dr. Will Magnus, a scientist focused on developing advanced automata.
Fast forward to the events of Creature Commandos, where G.I. Robot is believed to have been destroyed by Circe (Anya Chalotra). However, in a twist of fate, a newer, upgraded G.I. Robot re-emerges within Belle Reve’s revamped facility. This iteration comes equipped with a more robust build resembling Marvel’s Hulkbuster, primed to tackle whatever new adversities season two may bring. Observant fans noted the original G.I. Robot sported the number “2”on his helmet, leading to speculation about the existence of previous iterations of the character. Moreover, lingering questions around Magnus’ research suggest the potential emergence of additional G.I. Robots.
The Comic Book Origins of G.I. Robot
The introduction of G.I. Robot’s return aligns with his storied legacy within DC Comics. First appearing in 1962’s *Star Spangled War Stories* #101, the character was initially named Joe and designed as a substitute for human soldiers. Despite early promise, he vanished after just three issues, paving the way for a second version named Mac, who sacrificed himself in a battle against a Tyrannosaurus.
The character saw a revival with a third iteration introduced in 1981’s *Weird War Tales* (vol. 1) #101 under the designation ‘J.A.K.E. #1’, which stands for Jungle Automatic Killer – Experimental. This lineage of G.I. Robot has continued into the modern DC era, with J.A.K.E. II gaining notoriety for his association with the Creature Commandos. This backdrop inspired Gunn’s animated portrayal, as he recharacterizes G.I. Robot for the expanding DC Universe in season two.
G.I. Robot’s latest incarnation in Creature Commandos marks his most significant role to date. He has made brief appearances in animated series like *Batman: The Brave and the Bold*, where he met his demise saving Sgt. Rock. Fans might have anticipated his comeback through Gunn’s admiration for Sean Gunn’s performance. In a discussion with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn remarked:
“There’s an innocence to G.I. Robot that I didn’t quite see until Sean stepped into the booth and started creating this character. His choices for G.I. Robot give the character this sweet, mechanic innocence.”
While it is exciting to learn that G.I. Robot will significantly contribute to the revamped Creature Commandos lineup, it’s tinged with melancholy due to Nina’s potential absence. Throughout his experiences, G.I. Robot only truly felt a sense of belonging during his time with the Commandos, particularly developing a bond with Nina. Her death will undoubtedly leave an emotional impact on the team. Even so, G.I. Robot’s upgraded capabilities hint at a promising future within the series as it progresses into its second season.
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