The Toxic Avenger will be returning this fall in a new comic series from AHOY comics
By Carla Davis
Most horror fans are familiar with The Toxic Avenger because of the 1984 Troma film, described by Wikipedia as a “black comedy splatter film.” That’s about as good a description as any for this over-the-top, violent, action-packed and gory film, which has become a cult favorite in the years since its release.
Thus far, The Toxic Avenger has spawned three film sequels, a Marvel comic book series, a stage musical, a video game, an animated tv series and a remake. The remake, which starred Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage in the title role, premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2023
Now AHOY comics has announced an upcoming five-issue comic book series, expected to become available in the fall of this year.
The new comic will be written by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and political cartoonist Matt Bors and artist Fred Harper.
AHOY Comics Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer says, “The series has violent action, gross mutations, bursting pustules, eye-popping visuals, and trenchant humor.” Troma co-founder and creator of “Toxie” seems over-the-top excited about the venture, proclaiming: “If there was ever a superhuman hero for these toxic, miserable times, Toxie is the one!”
The Toxic Avenger introduces us to Melvin Junko, a Tromaville teen who works at his parents’ junkyard. All is well until Melvin encounters a train derailment that dumps toxic waste on him, and he becomes a deformed, abnormally large and strong mutant, calling himself The Toxic Avenger.
Biohazard Solutions is responsible for the toxic waste, and Melvin sets out to fight them, along with the conspiracy he discovers. Along the way he learns that he has more power than he ever knew.
Bors promises fans that the comic will use plot points and elements from the films, but will also be “updated to tell a story of environmental devastation, corporate control, and social media mutation.”