Is James Gunn's 'Creature Commandos' really a soft intro to a new DC Universe?

In an initiative to develop the new DC Universe, James Gunn, co-chief of DC Studios, created an animated series titled 'Creature Commandos'. The series consists of seven episodes that Gunn wrote over a few weeks on spec, aiming to provide a 'soft intro' into a world inhabited by metahumans, monsters, and magic. He emphasized the storytelling flexibility that animation provides, allowing for a level of violence and sexual content that can parallel live-action productions. The series features characters like Dr. Phosphorus, represented with brutal violence, as well as explorative relationships, casting actors such as Alan Tudyk and Viola Davis in key roles, blending previous cinematic narratives in the DC Universe. Gunn's vision for DC Studios is to create diverse projects that cater to various audiences, showcasing different genres. He noted that animation permits storytelling without the financial restraints typical of traditional filmmaking and allows for rich, dynamic visuals. The show is designed to stand alongside Gunn's previous works, like 'Peacemaker', while establishing its unique voice within the DC Universe. During production, the animation team aimed to realize Gunn's description of action sequences, which resulted in extremely graphic combat elements that exceeded initial expectations. Gunn even expressed surprise at the brutality depicted in the animated show, which pushed past his original vision. The cast includes veterans from Gunn's prior projects, such as Frank Grillo who reprises his role as Rick Flag Sr. The show's appeal lies in its potential for cross-representation within the expansive DC Universe, where characters can move between animated and live-action forms. As the animated series progresses, there is excitement about the potential for characters like Frankenstein to transition into future Batman films. This project marks a significant step towards a broader interconnected universe in DC storytelling, incorporating various styles and thematic elements into its narrative. With an intent to attract different audiences, Gunn's work aims not just to diversify within the animated format but also to establish a comprehensive universe that can encompass light-hearted tales and darker stories alike. The approach showcases the flexibility and broader storytelling range that animation offers, thus potentially reshaping perceptions of animated superhero content in broader media landscapes.