With James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm, the DC Universe (DCU) is undergoing a massive transformation. Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on this new era, aptly titled Gods & Monsters. While the upcoming Superman film, written and directed by Gunn, has grabbed much of the spotlight, the first glimpse into the reimagined DCU begins with the animated series Creature Commandos. Available on MAX, this series has already sparked curiosity by subtly hinting at the future of Batman and Gotham City.
A First Look at the New Batman
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Creature Commandos teases Batman’s silhouette, complete with glowing white eyes and an imposing, muscular build. For eagle-eyed fans, these details immediately evoke Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, a seminal graphic novel that redefined Batman as a grizzled, brutal hero operating in a dystopian world
This potential reference has fans speculating whether The Brave and the Bold, the upcoming Batman film, will draw from Miller’s vision. However, this would be a bold move, given that recent interpretations—Ben Affleck’s heavily armored “Batfleck” and Robert Pattinson’s brooding “Battinson”—have already nodded to this storyline. If done right, though, the white eyes, a staple of comic book Batman, could finally make their proper cinematic debut. Aside from a brief (and divisive) appearance in Batman v Superman, these glowing lenses have been underutilized in live-action films. Their inclusion here could add a uniquely intimidating, almost otherworldly edge to the Caped Crusader.
Gotham City’s Gloomy Return
It’s not just Batman who made an appearance in Creature Commandos. Gotham City itself is featured in a fleeting yet evocative sequence. With its dark alleys, towering skyscrapers, and iconic gargoyle-studded rooftops, this version of Gotham leans into a gothic, oppressive aesthetic that feels like a blend of Paul Dini’s animated series and the bleak dystopia of The Dark Knight Returns.
While The Brave and the Bold is not expected to directly adapt Miller’s story, this brief glimpse suggests the film may embrace similar themes of a seasoned Bruce Wayne navigating an increasingly hostile world. At its core, the movie will reportedly focus on the relationship between Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, who takes up the mantle of Robin. Known for his impulsive, violent tendencies, Damian’s dynamic with his father promises to bring fresh tension to the Batman mythos.
A Slow Burn Toward the DCU’s Future
Despite its monumental importance, The Brave and the Bold remains shrouded in mystery. Slated to be directed by Andy Muschietti, fresh off The Flash, the film has no official release date, leaving fans with little more than speculation.
In the meantime, DCU enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to, including Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman: Legacy (July 9, 2025), Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (June 24, 2026), and Clayface (September 9, 2026). Until more details about the Dark Knight’s next adventure emerge, Creature Commandos provides a tantalizing appetizer for what’s to come.
Creature Commandos: A Risky Start for the DCU
The animated series Creature Commandos mixes horror-tinged comedy and action, offering a fresh tone for the DCU. However, it has struggled to fully convince viewers, with some calling it an unusual choice for launching a new cinematic universe. That said, its connections to the broader DCU—including nods to Batman and Gotham—hint at a carefully crafted strategy by Gunn and Safran to weave together a cohesive world.
With Creature Commandos now streaming on HBO MAX, fans can dive into this intriguing, if unconventional, first chapter of the DCU reboot. As for the Dark Knight, his shadowy appearance in the series offers just enough to stoke excitement for The Brave and the Bold. Could this new iteration finally deliver the Batman we’ve been waiting for? Only time will tell.
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.