REVIEW: The Toxic Avenger #4

Ahoy there Crusaders! The Toxic Avenger is back and bubbling over with glorious green goo in issue #4 of the smash-hit revival from Ahoy Comics. Written by the razor-sharp Matt Bors and illustrated with chaotic brilliance by Fred Harper, this issue really cranks up the camp, the carnage, and—most importantly—the cicadas! Huh…? Stay tuned!

In this issue, our favorite mop-wielding mutant, Toxie, faces off against Bonehead—a former high school bully turned mutated corporate goon. If you’re imagining a hulking, sludge-soaked brawler with a penchant for yelling corporate buzzwords like “synergy” while throwing punches, you’re absolutely right. This showdown is as messy as Tromaville’s water supply, and that’s saying something.

Fred Harper’s art captures the fight in all its grotesque glory—oozing sores, flying limbs, and all. Every panel feels like it’s been marinated in radioactive waste, making it impossible to look away (even if you kind of want to). It’s a slobber-knocker for the ages, proving that no matter how much corporate cash Bonehead’s raking in, he’s no match for Toxie’s mop of justice.

Meanwhile, a subplot bubbles up like toxic foam in a polluted creek. A sharp-tongued teenager armed with a switchblade—and even sharper opinions—has set her sights on the company responsible for Tromaville’s toxic downfall. Is she a hero in the making or just another casualty waiting to happen? Matt Bors gives this subplot just enough bite to balance the over-the-top action, creating a layered narrative beneath the surface-level absurdity.

And let’s not forget: this teen isn’t just here to make trouble; she’s exposing the corporate greed that’s literally poisoning her town. It’s satire with teeth, cutting deeper than Bonehead’s fist.

If you thought the toxic sludge, violent aliens, and mutated bullies were enough weirdness for one comic, think again. Tromaville has been overrun by cicadas—creepy, crawly, buzzing nightmares that seem to have a vendetta against everyone. Are they alien spies? Mutant experiments gone wrong? Toxie’s new sidekicks? You’ll have to read to find out, but trust us, these cicadas are not just background noise.

Matt Bors sprinkles just enough mystery here to keep readers guessing, while Fred Harper’s detailed, grotesque depictions of the cicadas add an extra layer of chaos. It’s Tromaville at its most Tromaville-y.

What makes The Toxic Avenger such a fun read is its adeptness at balancing absurdity with incisive social commentary. Beneath the layers of slime lies a scathing critique of corporate greed, environmental degradation, and the very notion of profit-driven heroism. Matt Bors employs the comic’s outrageous tone to tackle genuine issues, demonstrating that sometimes the optimal approach to address weighty topics is with a hefty dose of humor (and a mop).

Fred Harper’s artwork is a grotesque tour de force, perfectly aligning with the story’s over-the-top ambiance. Each panel exudes personality (and, well, toxic sludge), making this issue a visual banquet for aficionados of campy chaos.

Whether you’re a longtime Toxie enthusiast or a newcomer to the Tromaville lunacy, The Toxic Avenger #4 delivers all one could desire: exaggerated action, laugh-inducing moments, and just enough heart to remind you why Toxie is a hero worth cheering for. This radioactive revival is operating at full throttle, and this issue confirms that sometimes the best way to combat corporate greed is with a mop, a mutant, and a plethora of guts (quite literally).

SCORE:
4/5

Writer: Matt Bors
Artist: Fred Harper
Publisher: Ahoy Comics

NOTE: If you have not seen Toxic Avenger before PLEASE Start with the original *Toxic Avenger* films for maximum appreciation of the comic’s roots.

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!