Discover DC’s Amazing Heroes to Explore If You’re Missing Creature Commandos

The animated series Creature Commandos, the inaugural project from James Gunn’s newly established DC Studios, has garnered enthusiasm from both fans and critics alike. This captivating series chronicles the escapades of an unconventional team of monstrous soldiers who are under the command of Amanda Waller. Furthermore, it not only marks the introduction of a fresh cinematic universe within DC but also highlights a lesser-known segment of its vast catalog: a rich array of characters inspired by wartime narratives.

While Creature Commandos transitions the team to a contemporary setting, its origins trace back to the tumultuous era of the Second World War. This global conflict proved a fertile ground for storytelling, drawing in many creators who had firsthand military experience. An array of DC’s military characters were born in this historical context, with several links to the significant events of World War II. For those who may be longing for the adventures of Creature Commandos, here are ten noteworthy military-themed features from the DC universe.

10 Balloon Buster: Keeping the Skies Clear in World War I

Balloon Buster: Rooted in Real Military Techniques

While many of DC’s famed military figures are linked to World War II, Balloon Buster, whose real name is Steven Savage, made his mark during World War I. Undertaking service with the Army Air Corps—an ancestor of today’s Air Force—Savage gained notoriety for his sharpshooting abilities, famously bringing down numerous German observation balloons. Over the years, he also developed a rivalry with another character known as Enemy Ace.

The practice of “balloon busting”was indeed a significant military tactic during the Great War, a time when aviation was still in its infancy. Soldiers known as “balloon busters”undertook the daring mission of taking down enemy observation balloons, becoming unsung heroes of that era.

9 The Boy Commandos: Unexpected Champions in WW2

Inspired by Comic Book Greats: The Boy Commandos as Wish Fulfillment

Created by the renowned duo of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby shortly after their success with Captain America, the Boy Commandos emerged as figures of aspiration for American youths during the early days of World War II. Comprising four war-orphaned children joining forces with an American GI named Rip Carter, they battled against Nazi forces. Rooted in a rather dark narrative, the series depicted children wrestling with the war’s grave realities.

Although a modern audience might find such a premise questionable, the Boy Commandos achieved remarkable success, reportedly matching the sales figures of iconic characters such as Superman and Batman. Their legacy marks a highlight in Simon and Kirby’s legendary partnership.

8 The Losers: More Than Their Name Implies

The Losers: DC’s Own Avengers within Military Stories

Originally introduced in G. I.Combat, the Losers carved out a place in DC’s military lore as they fought against seemingly insurmountable odds. Their narrative took a final, heroic turn during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, where they sacrificed themselves to dismantle a deadly German superweapon, thus embodying genuine bravery.

The Losers enjoyed a renaissance in the 2000s as part of DC’s Vertigo line, leading to the creation of a film adaptation that further cemented their legacy in popular culture.

7 The Unknown Soldier: A Master of Camouflage

The Unknown Soldier: A Character with Enduring Appeal

Arguably one of DC’s most notable military figures, the Unknown Soldier has graced several renowned publications over the years. This character, inspired by the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Washington D. C., portrays a faceless, disfigured warrior who continues to fight on numerous frontlines throughout his war stories. His skills in disguise and covert missions behind enemy lines create an intriguing narrative.

Esteemed writers like Christopher Priest and Garth Ennis have explored the darker aspects of the Unknown Soldier, offering fresh perspectives on the character’s complex saga. In 2008, writer Joshua Dysart took the narrative a notch higher by relocating the character’s adventures to Uganda, resulting in a series praised for its grounded storytelling.

6 The First Suicide Squad: Rugged Soldiers in Action

The Original Suicide Squad: The Foundation for Today’s Version

Although today’s Suicide Squad is predominantly viewed as a team of antiheroes, its first incarnation served in a military capacity during World War II. Commanded by Rick Flag, the original team operated under harsh conditions, reflecting the reality that in war, survival could never be guaranteed.

While the first version did not enjoy extensive runs like other military features such as the Unknown Soldier or the Losers, the potency of its concept has led to numerous revivals and reinterpretations throughout the years.

5 The Haunted Tank: A Unique Yet Controversial Legacy

The Haunted Tank: Efforts to Reshape a Classic Story

The Haunted Tank is often recognized as one of the most compelling, albeit complicated, figures in DC’s military narratives. It uniquely blends thrilling combat with supernatural elements. The storyline follows tank commander Jeb Stuart, who, together with his crew in North Africa, is guided by the ghost of JEB Stuart, a Confederate general.

Although innovative, the use of a Confederate general raised sensitivity issues among contemporary audiences, prompting DC to reimagine the concept over the years. In a notable 2003 iteration, Jeb Stuart’s granddaughter Jessica inherits his legacy while simultaneously experiencing ghostly encounters.

4 Blackhawk: A Pioneer in Military Comics

Blackhawk: An Enduring Icon Through Changing Times

Blackhawk, one of DC’s earliest and most cherished military figures, made his debut during World War II, leading a squad of soldiers from occupied territories in their fight against Axis powers. Blackhawk’s impact during the Golden Age of comics was monumental, and even as the franchise shifted publishers—initially starting at Quality Comics—its legacy has persevered.

Despite numerous reboots, including significant transformations during the New 52, none have quite captured the original’s spirit and fervor. Rumors at one point indicated that Steven Spielberg would direct a feature film centered on Blackhawk, further emphasizing the character’s cultural significance.

3 Mademoiselle Marie: A Resistance Leader in WWII

Mademoiselle Marie: Fortified by Historical Context

Mademoiselle Marie stands as one of the few female military characters in DC’s catalog, deeply intertwined with historical events. Amidst the Nazi occupation of France during WWII, she joined the Resistance, showcasing valor and resilience. Although her initial backstory lacked depth, her interactions with fellow DC military figures, such as Sgt. Rock, enriched her character development.

In contemporary narratives, the title of Mademoiselle Marie has evolved, representing women agents in France’s DGSE, akin to the CIA, modernizing her legacy while keeping the essence of courage alive.

2 Enemy Ace: The Complex Antihero

Enemy Ace: A Perspective from the Other Side

Among DC’s military roster, Enemy Ace stands out for offering a unique narrative by portraying a German pilot during WWI. While he fought for the “enemy, ”his story arc is characterized by honor and integrity. Enemy Ace quickly gained popularity for confronting war’s brutality while wrestling with moral complexities.

In modern continuities, such as Enemy Ace: War in Heaven, the character’s journey becomes even more nuanced, discussing disillusionment with the Nazi ideology, revealing his multifaceted nature.

1 Sgt. Rock: The Exemplary Military Character

Sgt. Rock: A Legendary Figure in the DC Universe

Often lauded as DC’s archetypal military character, Sgt. Rock has defined the standard for war-themed narratives. His experiences with Easy Company during WWII, captured by Robert Kanigher, reveal not the glamor of battle, but the sobering realities of combat.

Various stories speculate on Sgt. Rock’s fate beyond the war, creating an almost mythical aura around him. Differences in narrations suggest he met his end on the last day of the war, further solidifying his legacy as a tragic yet heroic figure, appealing to fans yearning for the tales of Creature Commandos.

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