Toxic Crusaders #1 - Comic Book Evaluation

      Andrew Newton reviews Toxic Crusaders #1…

      Ahoy Comics launches its revival of The Toxic Crusaders with a explosively mutated and environmentally harmful introduction. Issue #1 doesn’t dwell long on the past; it provides just enough of a summary for readers to become familiar (or re-familiar) with these delightfully grotesque heroes before leaping into a new grimy adventure. Fans of the cult classic cartoon or the hilariously entertaining yet violent Troma film will find themselves right at home, although this fresh version has its unique voice.

      Writer Matt Bors quickly immerses us back into the muck. We receive a short reintroduction to the origins of the Toxic Crusaders: a mismatched group of misfits transformed by radioactive waste exposure, now serving as eco-friendly antiheroes. This approach is delightfully tongue-in-cheek, and it's clear that Bors has enthusiastically embraced the madness. Rather than leaning solely on nostalgia, he uses these origins as a launching point for a new battle against the Smogulans, a wicked alien race that plays a part in the planet’s toxic pollution.

      The comic’s humor is often slapstick, satirical, and not always kid-friendly, echoing the tone of the early ’90s cartoon. There’s an overarching sense of fun and a refreshing lack of seriousness, even when addressing the serious issue of environmental pollution. The comic is fully aware of its identity, reveling in it with joyful exuberance.

      Tristan Wright’s artwork for Toxic Crusaders #1 successfully achieves the challenging balance of being simultaneously unappealing and appealing, which is ideal for any media related to the Toxic Avenger. The characters are instantly recognizable from the nostalgic 90s cartoon, yet they have evolved in a way that aligns with the grimy, toxic environment they now call home. The colors play a significant role as well, featuring murky greens, worn-out yellows, and sludge-like browns that effectively convey a world burdened by layers of pollution. It's all appropriately repulsive in the most enjoyable manner.

      The issue also presents a couple of short stories at the end. "Guitars and Ray Guns: Last Stand on Uranus" by Carl Cafarelli is a quirky sci-fi escapade with a nostalgic feel. It’s an amusing diversion that prioritizes charm over depth. On the other hand, "The Last Monologue" by Larry Hodges takes a darker direction, showcasing a brief exchange between a villain and a super spy. Both are engaging reads and serve as an appealing bonus for readers who appreciate a little variety in their comics.

      However, the primary attraction of this issue is undoubtedly the return of Toxie and his environmentally conscious companions. Whether you grew up watching the cartoon, laughed through the original film, or played the video game, Toxic Crusaders #1 is worth your attention. It’s crude, chaotic, and incredibly enjoyable, but beneath the grime, it possesses genuine heart.

      Rating – Toxic Crusaders #1 earns a score of 7 toxic waste barrels out of 10.

      Andrew Newton