Considering most of the films of Troma Entertainment should well and truly be considered as adults-only fare, it was perhaps an interesting choice that the studio would target their first animated venture to children. More surprising is that the series would be based on the ultra-violent b-comedy, The Toxic Avenger. Fans of the original film series might appreciate the odd rude joke that the cartoon sneaks in.
Coming hot on the heels of environmental cartoons like Captain Planet, the series retells the story of Melvin, a scrawny nerd who, after being exposed to toxic chemicals, becomes a ‘hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength.’ Like the films, he finds love with a blind girlfriend, and is supported by his doting mother. Unlike the films – and likely with hopes of spawning the type of merchandising empire Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had achieved – Toxie is joined by a team of other mutated creatures, and fights to keep Tromaville free of pollution. Apocalypse Inc., the corporate villain of the second Toxic Avenger film is here ruled by the alien Dr Killemoff.
Episodes from the series were edited into a feature-length cartoon movie for a DVD release.
Toxic Crusaders (1991)
Stream free at:
Tubi (Free with ads)
Toxic Crusaders: The Movie (1997)
Stream free at:
Tubi (Free with ads)
Fawesome (Free with ads)
admin