CREATURE COMMANDOS Finale Reveals a Big Clue About Batman's Timeline in the DCU

The finale of Creature Commandos delivered a subtle yet important hint about Batman’s timeline in James Gunn’s DCU.

While the animated series wrapped up its supernatural chaos, there was a throwaway line from Doctor Phosphorus in the finale, where he reveals in the finale that it’s been 15 years since his transformation.

This seemingly not important statement may hold the key to understanding how long Batman has been operating in Gotham City within the DCU.

In the second to last episode, Phosphorus shares his tragic origin story, which began with Gotham mobster Rupert Thorn.

After being turned into a monstrous being, Phosphorus killed Thorn and his associates in a vengeful rampage, briefly taking control of Thorn's criminal empire before Batman captured him and sent him to Belle Reve.

If Phosphorus’ reign of terror lasted only a short time, maybe months or a couple of years, it’s reasonable to assume Batman apprehended him within that timeframe.

With Phosphorus stating that 15 years have passed since his transformation, it implies that Batman has been active in Gotham for at least that long.

This places the DCU’s Batman in the later stages of his crime-fighting career, likely in his 40s. This makes sense for the character to be an established mentor figure for Damian Wayne, the young Robin who will debut in the upcoming The Brave and the Bold.

Now, there was a rumor that DC Studios was looking to cast a middle-aged man to play the DCU Batman. But, then Gunn responded to that Rumor calling it “Bullshit.”

Gun previously addressed Batman’s age in the DCU saying, “Superman was younger than in his forties and Batman MIGHT be a couple years older than Superman.” With Superman actor David Corenswet being 30 when he shot the film, then that would put Batman in his early 30s.

But if that’s true and it’s true that Batman had been operating in Gotham for at least 15 years that mean Bruce Wayne was an established vigilante crime-fighter when he was a teenager. I’m not sure if that works.

But, if the DCU’s Batman is older, it allows for more storytelling opportunities, particularly for The Brave and the Bold, which centers on Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his son.

It’s also worth noting that a line from an animated show like Creature Commandos could easily be retconned if it conflicts with future DCU plans.