Andrew Newton reviews Toxic Crusaders #1…
Ahoy Comics kicks off its reboot of The Toxic Crusaders with an environmentally unfriendly, mutated bang. Issue #1 doesn’t linger long in the past, it gives readers just enough of a recap to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with these gloriously grotesque heroes, before diving headfirst into a new, grimy adventure. Fans of the cult-classic cartoon or the outrageously entertaining, yet violent Troma film will feel right at home here, though this new incarnation has a voice all of its own.
Writer Matt Bors wastes no time in dragging us back into the sludge. We get a brief reintroduction to the origins of the Toxic Crusaders: a ragtag bunch of misfits mutated by exposure to radioactive waste, now turned eco-friendly antiheroes. It’s very tongue-in-cheek, and it’s obvious that Bors has enjoyed adding to the craziness with enthusiasm. Though Bors doesn’t just rely on nostalgia, he uses these beginnings as the start for a new fight against the Smogulans, a villainous alien race responsible for much of the planet’s toxic pollution.
The comic’s humour can be a bit slapstick, satirical, and not always child-friendly, matching the early ’90s cartoon. There’s a strong sense of fun and a welcome lack of seriousness, despite the more serious topic of polluting the environment. The comic knows exactly what it is, and leans into it with gleeful abandon.
Tristan Wright’s artwork for Toxic Crusaders #1 manages the tricky task of being both ugly and appealing at once, which, to be honest, is spot on for any Toxic Avenger-related media. The characters are instantly recognisable from the old 90s cartoon, but there’s an interesting change to them that fits in with the grimy, toxic world they now inhabit. The colours do a lot of the hard work too, all murky greens, faded yellows, and sludge-like browns, which really capture the feel of a world suffocating under layers of pollution. It’s all suitably gross in the best way possible.
The issue also includes a couple of short stories tucked in at the end. Guitars and Ray Guns: Last Stand on Uranus by Carl Cafarelli is a quirky sci-fi romp with an old-school vibe. It’s a fun detour that is light on substance, heavy on charm. Meanwhile, The Last Monologue by Larry Hodges takes a more darker turn, providing a brief interaction between villain and super spy. Both are interesting reads, and a nice bonus for readers who like a bit more variety in their comics.
Still, the real meat of this issue is undoubtedly the return of Toxie and his environmentally conscious comrades. Whether you grew up on the cartoon, chuckled your way through the original film, or mashed buttons on the video game, Toxic Crusaders #1 is worth your time. It’s crude, chaotic, and ridiculously good fun, but under all the muck, it’s got heart.
Rating – Toxic Crusaders #1 deserves 7 toxic waste barrels out of 10.
Andrew Newton
