Sergeant Rock Is a World War II DC Comics Hero
Image via DC Comics
Despite his adventures taking place during WWII, Sergeant Franklin John Rock (Sgt. Rock, to you) first appeared in 1959. After a few prototype versions of the character ("The Rock" and "Sgt. Rocky") made their rounds, Our Army at War #83 officially introduced the character to the DC Universe. World War II comics were popular at the time, and Our Army at War (which was actually an anthology book) ran until 1977, when it was officially renamed Sgt. Rock, inheriting the numbering as well as the characters. Though the series technically ended just over a decade later with Sgt. Rock #422 in 1988, the series lived on through various Sgt. Rock Special reprints and annuals through the end of the century. The character has since appeared in various limited series and other comic appearances.
Sgt. Rock Became Leader of the Suicide Squad
As for Sgt. Rock’s fate, well, it’s somewhat undetermined. Some DC stories imply that Rock survived the war. The "Our Worlds At War" crossover event has Rock as a member of President Lex Luthor’s inner circle, and he eventually takes the Suicide Squad from Amanda Waller. Things only got weirder in Suicide Squad (Vol. 2) #12, when Rock was later revealed to have died in 1945 during the war, with only a mask of his face left behind by the apparent impostor. DC Legacies #4 later confirms this, as per the wishes of Sgt. Rock co-creator Robert Kanigher. Kanigher famously believed that Sgt. Rock died in World War II. He once wrote in the letter section of Sgt. Rock #374 that, "as far as I’m concerned, ROCK is the only authentic World War II solider." He continued, "He and Easy Company lives only, and will eventually die, to the last man, in World War II."
Sgt. Rock Has Explored the Greater DC Universe
Sgt. Rock has appeared in animation in episodes of Justice League and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, each time encountering time-traveling heroes (such as Green Lantern and Batman) while fighting his way through war-torn Europe. Blair Penner even played an unnamed version of the character in the Legends of Tomorrow episode "Legendary." At one point, Quentin Tarantino almost made a Sgt. Rock movie… In all of these cases, as well as plenty of comic book stories (usually in The Brave and the Bold comic series), Rock has expanded into the greater DC Universe. And he has a history of battling (and fighting alongside) monsters as well.
The Future of Sgt. Rock
Apart from working with the Creature Commandos in the world of DC Comics, the Rock-centered short film, DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock, featured the World War II hero (voiced by Karl Urban) alongside this monster squad. Likewise, in 2022, Bruce Campbell penned his own DC horror comic, Sgt. Rock vs. the Army of the Dead, which is exactly what it sounds like. If all of this sounds like we may get a Sgt. Rock appearance in Creature Commandos, then you may just be right. Given that Sean Gunn is voicing G.I. Robot in the animated series (the pair once worked together in Batman: The Brave and the Bold), it seems likely that any flashbacks the robot may have could include DC’s most famous World War II hero. In fact, we hope they do.
Conclusion:
Sgt. Rock is a beloved DC Comics character with a rich history in World War II. He has expanded into the greater DC Universe, battling monsters and fighting alongside other heroes. With the upcoming release of Creature Commandos, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Sgt. Rock.
FAQs:
Q: Who is Sgt. Rock?
A: Sgt. Rock is a DC Comics character, a World War II hero who first appeared in 1959.
Q: What is Sgt. Rock’s role in the DC Universe?
A: Sgt. Rock is a tough-as-nails sergeant in the U.S. Army who fights alongside his men and country.
Q: What are some notable appearances of Sgt. Rock?
A: Sgt. Rock has appeared in animation in episodes of Justice League and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, as well as in various comic book series and special reprints.
Q: Will we see Sgt. Rock in Creature Commandos?
A: It is possible, given the character’s connection to the series and the voice of G.I. Robot, played by Sean Gunn.