James Gunn is known for elevating underrated and unknown comic book characters and actors. So it was a no-brainer for Warner Bros., who has struggled with the DC Universe over the years, to not only bring Gunn in as co-head of DC Studios, but also to have him handle the amazing writing and directing duties. superman Movie. But until then, Gunn is getting back to his roots and doing what he does best biocommandoa new adult animated series debuting on Max this week.
after the incident peacemaker Season Finale, Amanda WallerViola Davis) were forced to disband Task Force X (better known as the Suicide Squad) and form a new team of non-human combatants under different letters. Enter the M-Force (the “m” stands for monster), a ragtag team of quintessentially James Gunn heartbroken misfits, including The Bride (Indira Varma), Eric Frankenstein (David Harbor), Dr. Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Nina Mazursky (Ms. Zhao), GI Robot and Weasel (both by Sean Gunn), and symbolic human and field leader Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). Their first mission together involves them getting involved in an international conflict to protect Princess Ilana (Maria Bakalova) from Circe’s assassination attempt (mother chalotra).
In my opinion, James Gunn can do no wrong when it comes to comic book superhero movies and television. Given his track record, I’m sure others feel the same way. On the surface, it seems like Gunn is riffing on some of his own familiar, signature storytelling tropes and staples. Take, for example, the aforementioned group of angry and sad misfits who have lost their tenderness. After careful review, Gunn and everyone involved biocommando The animated series crafted a deep and profound show that transcended the typical superhero hype of years past.
One of my gripes with current superhero stories is the over-reliance on humor and witty one-liners, which were once novel in the first place but have resulted in many superheroes becoming parodies of their former selves. This is perhaps the criticism leveled at Marvel Studios in recent years that best embodies this Thor: Love and Thunder. Gunn is no stranger to incorporating plenty of comedy into his stories. The difference is that he never forgets to root his characters in some universal emotional core, which is evident in biocommando.
Gunn has made no secret of how much he loves large ensemble stories. I swear to the cast list superman Personal films continue to grow. Although I like both suicide squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3I do feel like some of the characters are a bit Insufficient service. I’m looking at you, Adam Warlock. With the medium of television and the narrative format of the series, all of the biocommandos have a chance to shine in every episode that tells their backstory.
If you thought Rocket Raccoon’s origins were tragic, prepare to have your heart broken every episode. It’s a testament to the incredible talent of the top-notch cast. Not a single false note. Gunn has been criticized in the past for repeatedly casting his brother Sean. Any accusations of nepotism quickly fade away when one hears his nuanced performance of the team’s deceptively simple automaton GI robot. Other standout performances include Zoë Chao as the team’s resident “Creature from the Black Lagoon” Nina Mazursky, who is arguably the heart of the series, as in Ratcatcher The same as “Ratcatcher”. suicide squad. I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight and praise the work of this veteran voiceover director Charlie Adler.
The only character that might divide viewers is Eric Frankenstein. Clearly taking inspiration from the sci-fi pulp hero comics creator’s reimagining of the horror icon Grant Morrison Others continue to do so, e.g. Jeff Lemirethis version biocommando This animated series straddles the line between lovestruck boy and toxic stalker. Even though Frankenstein’s actions are less than noble at times, there’s still something endearing and charming about him, thanks in large part to actor David Harbour.
Honestly, one of my current gripes with superheroes and franchises is that shared universes bring unnecessary complexity to the detriment of the viewing experience. As we’ve seen with the decline of Marvel Studios, the result is hopelessly tangled and, frankly, formulaic storylines that are driving people away in droves. In contrast, although biocommando Of course continue the plot suicide squad and peacemakerit doesn’t penalize potential new viewers.
Likewise, superhero projects seemed conceived simply to set up future sequels or spin-offs, many of which never actually came to fruition. Is anyone still hoping to see Starfox, Clea, or Hercules appear in the MCU again soon? While Easter eggs and cameos abound biocommando This animated series will definitely please die-hard DC Comics fans, and it never feels forced or takes away from the story. It also sowed the seeds for future DC studios in both obvious and subtle ways.
At this point, it goes without saying that Gunn’s use of music is Tarantino-esque; biocommando No exception. This eclectic soundtrack leans most heavily toward Eastern European punk rock, specifically Gogol’s Whorehouse, with each song choice subtly enhancing the visuals. For example, the Dresden Dolls’ “coin doll” scene in episode three perfectly depicts the joys and tragedies of GI Robot.
Likewise, it wouldn’t be a James Gunn production without the dancing. That honor belongs to Dr. Phosphorus in his own central plot. Although brief, it’s one of the best animated sequences in the entire series. I dare say it works with peacemaker The dance intro makes me wonder if this series is enlisted peacemaker choreographer Charissa Patton It just so happens that he is married to Alan Tudyk, the voice actor of Dr. Phosphorus. I fully expect, or at least hope, that Dr. Phosphorus becomes the next viral internet star on TikTok.
Despite any significant criticisms or shortcomings about this biocommandoThe animated series has a small number, and some may be disappointed that the entire roster of the team, aka Frankenstein, doesn’t quite appear on screen together. In fact, Frankenstein isn’t actually an official member of the team. Additionally, Rick Flag Sr. sat out late in the season due to storyline demands. So, his is the only character arc that feels a little unsatisfying. However, since we already know Grillo will be reprising his role in season 2 peacemakerit’s safe to assume Gunn is picking up on this plot thread.
The animation and style, especially the violence, are reminiscent of recent Mortal Kombat Legends Direct-to-video animated movies. That’s not surprising, considering people’s involvement Rick Morales As a supervisor. i’m willing to bet Mortal Kombat The fifth episode of the video game Easter tgg can be attributed to Morales. maybe Because Mortal Kombat Sets the bar so high with gore and violence biocommando It’s relatively mild in comparison. That said, the animation provided by European studio Bobbypills is always top-notch. Dr. Phosphorus is quite possibly the most creative and inventive slasher.
It’s hard to tell if a second season of “Biocommando” is possible. It’s not so much because of the current precarious state of the animation industry, but because James Gunn is stretched thin. While it does set up a potential second season, it’s still a standalone season. But as the saying goes, “Patience is a virtue.” So, with any luck, it won’t be long before we see the Biocommandos again, whether animated or live-action.
biocommando Two episodes premiere on Max this Thursday, December 5
