Don’t judge a mutant by its toxic skin.
It seemed that in the late 1980s to the mid 1990s, the cool trend was to worship animated mutants or kids fighting mutants in order to save the environment, resulting in saving the planet *cough*TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles&CaptainPlanet*cough*
One cartoon that came left-of-field was from the film studios of Troma Inc – the guys who bring out D-grade, low budget independent films that are filled with gore, sex and taboo, but plenty of parody. Many A-grade stars got their careers launched from the studios. Just like Kevin Costner (Sizzle Beach, U.S.A), Samuel L. Jackson (Def By Temptation), and Marisa Tomei (The Toxic Avenger).
Speaking of The Toxic Avenger…  the 1984 comedy horror movie of a wimpy janitor-cum-strong-avenger after a horrific accident exposes him to toxic chemicals, created a major cult following and spawned 3 sequels. While The Toxic Avenger films were heavily adult oriented, the concept was adapted to a child-friendly cartoon in 1990, featuring the lead Melvin / Toxie as the same wimpy janitor-cum-strong-avenger, with added sidekicks No-Zone, Major Disaster, Headbanger, and Junkyard. Each of these characters have their own environmentally dangerous accident which mutated their physical condition and end up having their own superpower, and end up siding with Toxie to fight crime and bullies. Not to forget Toxie having his own girlfriend Yvonne, who is vision-impaired, and Blobbie, Toxie’s blob of goo which he calls a ‘pet’.
Toxic Crusaders only lasted one season, with 13 episodes produced, and screened in the U.S., Australia, and Canada. Marvel Comics also produced an eight issue comic series, and toy merchandise. A two disc DVD set was released, but is now out of print. So enjoy the delicious and non-toxic free stream!
