In a matter of minutes, the DC Universe has already matched a feat that the DCEU took 10 movies to accomplish. The dawn of the DCU under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s stewardship has already made waves, establishing itself as a bold new chapter in DC’s cinematic history. Among its intriguing choices, Creature Commandos delivers a moment that sets it apart from its predecessor, the DC Extended Universe. In just 31 minutes of screen time, the animated series achieves something the DCEU finally included after 10 films.

Creature Commandos is the inaugural release of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, an animated series that blends supernatural horror, dark humor, and action. Created by James Gunn, the series depicts a team of misfit monsters recruited for covert missions, following on from the Suicide Squad and Peacemaker teams. The diverse cast includes Rick Flag Sr., the Bride of Frankenstein, and Weasel, each bringing unique personalities and dynamics to the team. From the start, it’s clear that Creature Commandos intends to push boundaries.

Creature Commandos Episode 2 Contains the DC Universe’s First Two Sex Scenes

By season 1, episode 2, “The Tourmaline Necklace,” Creature Commandos establishes itself as unafraid to delve into distinctly adult themes. In fact, Creature Commandos certainly isn’t a family-friendly animated series, brimming with violent gore and graphic sex scenes. Indeed, two sex scenes in this episode mark significant milestones for the DCU, presenting intimate encounters in ways that resonate both visually and narratively.

The first involves Rick Flag Sr. and Ilana Rostovic. In a bathroom scene bursting with chaotic energy, the two engage in a passionate encounter that is as intense as it is destructive. The depiction pulls no punches, featuring explicit nudity and an undeniable sense of raw emotion. The scene’s backdrop – a bathroom left in ruins by their fervor – mirrors the characters’ tumultuous relationships and personalities.

The second scene unfolds in a flashback between Dr. Frankenstein and the Bride. The show revisits their romantic history, depicting the two sharing a moment of intimacy on the very table where Frankenstein created her. While this scene carries less immediacy than the first, it serves as a poignant reminder of the deep, complicated connection between these characters. Both sequences blend narrative importance with a boldness that’s rarely seen in DC properties.

It Took the DCEU 10 Releases to Match Creature Commandos

The DCEU, despite its collection of films spanning nearly a decade, largely avoided fully depicting sexual encounters. Most of its earlier entries relied on suggestion rather than explicit depiction. In Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, romantic subplots culminated in characters sharing passionate kisses, only for the camera to pan away, implying sex rather than showing it.

It wasn’t until The Suicide Squad (2021) that the DCEU presented a sex scene approaching the explicitness seen in Creature Commandos. Fittingly, The Suicide Squad was directed by James Gunn, and features Harley Quinn and General Luna engaging in a vividly chaotic and passionate tryst. The scene bears notable parallels to Rick Flag Sr. and Ilana Rostovic’s encounter in Creature Commandos, particularly in its explosive energy and unapologetic nature.

Unlike earlier DCEU films, The Suicide Squad broke away from suggestion, opting instead for overt depictions. It serves as an interesting precursor to Gunn’s rebooted continuity. Even so, the scene’s narrative importance was less pronounced compared to those in Creature Commandos.

Why the DC Universe Opened with Its First Two Sex Scenes

Image via Max

The inclusion of these scenes in Creature Commandos is not merely for shock value or to titillate. They serve a dual purpose: setting the tone for the new DCU and reinforcing the narrative’s mature themes. By introducing sex scenes early on, the DCU signals a shift from the DCEU’s often uneven attempts at maturity, embracing a more adult-oriented storytelling style that aligns with its characters and narratives.

It’s worth noting that this bold approach likely reflects the creative freedom James Gunn brings to the DCU. While the decision to include these scenes may not stem from an active intent to differentiate from the DCEU, it inevitably does so. The DCU appears less constrained by the demands of family-friendly content, allowing for moments that feel more authentic to the material.

Moreover, these scenes highlight the importance of character depth. Rick Flag Sr. and Ilana Rostovic’s encounter underscores their volatile relationship, while Frankenstein and the Bride’s flashback adds layers to their tragic history. Such moments help audiences connect with these larger-than-life characters on a more human level, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in Creature Commandos and beyond.