TV SERIES REVIEW
Toxic Crusaders: The Series (Blu-ray)
TV-Y7 -     

Genre: Animation, Superhero, Action, Comedy, Sci-fi
Year Released: 1991-1993, 2024 Troma Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 13 x 23m episodes
Creator(s): Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz
Director(s): Bill Hutton, Tony Love
Cast: Gregg Berger, Susan Blu, Rodger Bumpass, Paul Eiding, Ed Gilbert, John Mariano, Chuck McCann, Michael J. Pollard, Hal Rayle, Susan Silo, Kath Soucie, Patric Zimmerman
Where To Watch: available December 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In an unexpectedly delightful journey back to my childhood, we get to experience mutants championing ecological preservation taking center stage in TOXIC CRUSADERS. This animated series daringly converts the infamous ‘Toxic Avenger’ saga into a family-friendly cartoon. Masterminded by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment, known for its unorthodox and bold content, the series shatters typical storytelling, earning its spot as a standout in children’s programming with its witty humor, distinctive character ensemble, and offbeat take on environmental activism. (this is serious; there is something undeniably charming about the series!)

The narrative pivots around Melvin Junko, a janitor whose serendipitous tumble into toxic waste transforms him into Toxie, a mutant superhero with formidable strength and a golden heart. TOXIC CRUSADERS reimagines Troma’s notorious antihero, swapping out blood and gore for whimsical slime and brutal violence for overstated slapstick humor. Toxie leads a diverse group of mutants—No-Zone, Major Disaster, Headbanger, and Junkyard—on a quest to protect the planet. Together, they battle the evil Dr. Killemoff and his minions, the Radiation Rangers, in a fight against environmental devastation. The Captain Planet crossover potential was missed, and it breaks my heart!

The show balances energy with humor, embedding sophisticated jokes within the narrative that cater to an adult audience while captivating younger viewers. This blend of naivety and trickery is a trademark of the series, showcasing Troma’s talent for merging outlandish scenarios with insightful commentary. The series also thrives on meta-humor, with characters like Psycho, the prescient henchman, who predicts the downfall of villainous plans, only to be disregarded, injecting a dose of irony into the storyline.

TOXIC CRUSADERS jabs at environmental savior motifs by pitting its heroes against villains who benefit from pollution. The show casts Dr. Killemoff and his superior, Czar Zosta, as villains from Smogula, a planet thriving on pollution, crafting a clever critique of environmental degradation and corporate exploitation. The vibrant animation effectively captures Tromaville’s peculiar residents, with each character’s design mirroring their unique origins, adding a visual flair to the storytelling. This upscaling restoration looks better than I could have ever hoped for, with the only issue being some interlacing/motion blur during a few pans in the series.

Rodger Bumpass delivers a remarkable dual performance as the protagonist, Toxie, and antagonist, Dr. Killemoff, bestowing unique characteristics upon each role. Additional performances by Paul Eiding and Chuck McCann, especially McCann's portrayal of the clumsily corrupt Mayor Grody, layer the series with humor and complexity, enriching its satirical undertones.

TOXIC CRUSADERS faced hurdles in breaking through a crowded market dominated by action-centric animations in its day. Its affiliation with Troma’s divisive reputation, celebrated for its provocative, budget-conscious films, might have restrained its wider acceptance. However, the series has left an indelible mark, spawning various merchandise and securing a spot as a cherished cult classic.

Looking back, TOXIC CRUSADERS was remarkably ahead of its time, blending environmental consciousness with playful humor in ways that foresaw the rise of eco-centric tales. It exemplifies the potential of a cult film studio to break into children’s television without losing its distinctive edge. As a piece of animated lore, TOXIC CRUSADERS continues to inspire, proving that embracing uniqueness can leave a lasting impact on audiences of all ages, ensuring its place in the annals of animation as a peculiar yet beloved classic.

Bonus Materials
New introduction by Lloyd Kaufman
Original Toxic Crusaders toy commercials and TV spots
Feature-length documentary about the making of the Toxic Crusaders video game from Retroware
Long lost archival footage of your favorite mop-wielding mutant
Bonus cartoons

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[photo courtesy of TROMA FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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