In 1984, Troma Entertainment released ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ a superhero comedy splatter film which initially received mixed reviews from critics and fans. The film wasn’t completely loved nor entirely scorned. However, it soon developed a growing cult following. Especially after its home video release, prompting the decision to create multiple sequels.

The Story of The Toxic Avenger

The story follows Melvin Ferd Junko III, a 98-pound janitor at a health club in the fictional town of Tromaville, New Jersey. Melvin is frequently bullied and harassed by his tormentors, who trick him into wearing a pink tutu and hugging a sheep. This prank leads to him being chased around the health club and ultimately falling out of a second-story window. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on your point of view), he lands in a drum of toxic waste (what are the odds?). Transforming him into a hideously deformed mutant with superhuman size and strength: The Toxic Avenger.

Since its introduction, the story of the Toxic Avenger has been adapted to a cartoon, action figures, a musical as well as a comic book adaptation by Marvel. Since then, the franchise has been revisited, with a new film in development and Ahoy Comics bringing its own unique take on the Toxic Avenger universe. And who better than writer Matt Bors and artist Fred Harper to elevate this now-iconic character to new “toxic” heights?

Exclusive 5-Page Preview

Coming on the 22nd, Bors and Harper are bringing the fourth issue of the series. As violent space-aliens lurk nearby, Toxie battles Bonehead, a high-school-bully-turned-mutated-corporate-shill. Meanwhile, a myopic teen with a switchblade takes a dim view of the company responsible for Tromaville’s raging toxins! And what’s with all the cicadas, anyway?

Thanks to the great folks at Ahoy we are proud to present this exclusive 5-page preview of Issue 4:

Comic book cover of "The Toxic Avenger" featuring a muscular green creature lying on the ground with a mop, surrounded by twisted red vines.

A man with a mustache stands in front of a vintage car with its hood open. He holds a sign saying "I Love Tromaville" under the text "The Before Times. Comic page showing two people talking by a car. The person with long hair is adjusting glasses and holding a car part; the other, short-haired, stands near the open car hood. Dialogue bubbles included. Comic page showing two characters in a shop. A woman tries on goggles, while a man reacts. They have a conversation about friendship and honesty. The woman holds a knife and scissors. Comic page showing two green-skinned characters fighting, surrounded by onlookers. Dialogue addresses quarantine, self-isolation, and personal resilience. Comic page with two characters fighting in a rocky setting. One character is green and muscular, and the other has spiky blonde hair. They exchange dialogue while engaging in combat.

Ahoy Comics, The Toxic Avenger, Issue 4 by Matt Bors and Fred Harper, drops on January 22nd. You can find it where all great comics are sold.

Comic cover titled "The Toxic Avenger" features a green mutant-like character lying on the floor next to a mop and bucket.
Cover B: Matt Bors

A cartoon zombie with a mohawk and red bandana, oozing green slime, stands over colorful organs against a green smoky background.
Cover C: J. Gonzo