James Gunn DCU teams highlight a shift toward spotlighting lesser-known superhero groups within the DC Universe, emphasizing smaller, character-rich squads rather than iconic large teams. Since taking charge of the DC Studios, Gunn has crafted new team dynamics across films and series, focusing on unique groups that explore fresh angles on heroism without dwelling excessively on origins.
Introducing Top Trio: A New Team Rooted in Alternate Reality
In the second season of Peacemaker, Christopher Smith explores an alternate Earth through the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, discovering a world where his brother Keith is alive and his father Auggie Smith, known as Blue Dragon, is part of a superhero group called Top Trio. This team protects citizens against various dangers in that reality.
Top Trio is original to Gunn’s vision for the series, without prior existence in DC Comics canon. It offers a creative “what if” scenario, presenting an alternate version of Chris’ life that contrasts with his violent nature regardless of environment. Though this version of Chris is still prone to aggression, Top Trio’s inclusion deepens the story’s exploration of identity and family.
In DC Comics, Chris primarily belongs to teams such as The Suicide Squad, Checkmate, and Shadow Fighters. His stint with Checkmate is notable for his role in a counterterrorism unit, though his violent tendencies cause friction, ultimately leading to his death battling Eclipso in Eclipso #13.
The Justice Gang: An Early Prototype Reshaping DC Team Dynamics
The Justice Gang appears as a precursor to the classic Justice League and features prominently in the Superman film. This group includes Guy Gardner (Green Lantern), Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl), and Michael Holt (Mister Terrific), supported by funding from Max Lord’s LordTech corporation. Together, they help Superman combat the schemes of Lex Luthor and later add Metamorpho to their ranks.
Though the Justice Gang is not part of traditional comic lore, it serves as a fresh team in the DCU, positioned as an adventurous alternative to the better-known Justice League lineup that includes Batman and The Flash. Their role extends to a key retcon in Peacemaker’s second season, revealing that they responded to the aftermath of Project: Butterfly rather than the Justice League previously depicted. This revelation also confirms the memberships of Superman and Supergirl in the gang.
One scene humorously underlines Peacemaker’s perpetual desire to belong, as he attempts to join the Justice Gang but faces mockery from Lord, Gardner, and Saunders, reinforcing his outsider status.
Task Force X: The Suicide Squad’s Dark and Deadly Operations
The Suicide Squad, also known as Task Force X, is a clandestine government initiative using dangerous supervillains and metahumans from prisons for black-ops missions. Most of these missions are fatal for the participants, earning the team their infamous name. Task Force X operates under A.R.G.U.S. (Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans) and is overseen by Amanda Waller.
James Gunn confirmed that his projects The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker are officially part of his DCU reboot, securing Task Force X’s relevance going forward. This connection has allowed for engaging story arcs, such as Chris Smith encountering an alternate version of Rick Flag Jr. in a parallel universe dubbed Nazi World, where Chris wins over both Flag and an alternate Emilia Harcourt.
Looking ahead, the Suicide Squad is set to return in the upcoming series Waller. Characters like Bloodsport, King Shark, and Harley Quinn are expected to reappear, given their strong fan reception. New members from the comics, including villains like Manchester Black, Penguin, and Bane, may also join the roster, expanding the squad’s complex dynamics.
Green Lantern Corps: The Intergalactic Peacekeepers Take Center Stage
The Green Lantern Corps functions as an interstellar police force founded by ancient Guardians of the Universe, composed of individuals known as Green Lanterns. These chosen figures wield power rings fueled by willpower, responsible for maintaining order across various sectors of the galaxy, including Earth’s sector.
After a long hiatus from live-action adaptations, Green Lantern enthusiasts finally have reason to celebrate. Superman’s film introduced a brief glimpse of Guy Gardner as the Green Lantern protector of Sector 2814. Gardner, recruited by Max Lord, leads the Justice Gang and embodies the Corps’ commitment to law enforcement across space.
The Corps is the focus of an upcoming 2026 television series starring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. Inspired by detective dramas such as True Detective and Slow Horses, the series aims to deliver a gripping, character-driven narrative. Directed by James Hawes for the first two episodes, fans anticipate a fresh, in-depth portrayal of the Green Lanterns, often affectionately called “Space Cops.”
Creature Commandos: Amanda Waller’s Alternative Military Unit Embracing the Monstrous
Facing Congressional sanctions that restrict the use of incarcerated humans by A.R.G.U.S., Amanda Waller adapts by deploying Task Force Monster (Task Force M), also known as the Creature Commandos. This specialized team consists of monstrous inmates possessing unique abilities, initially led by General Rick Flag Sr. and later by a member known as the Bride.
This team operates as a strategic substitute for Task Force X, navigating the unusual circumstances under which A.R.G.U.S. can operate. While Creature Commandos might appear as a side entity, the animated series introducing them was essential in establishing the DCU’s tone and opening doors to supernatural and occult storylines. It paves the way for characters such as Constantine and Swamp Thing to join the universe.
Gunn’s appreciation for non-human characters, shown through his work on Guardians of the Galaxy, continues here, portraying these creatures as intelligent and complex rather than mere monsters. Whether these characters will cross paths with Superman or others remains an intriguing possibility as the DCU evolves.
