Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf, December 26, 2024
How desperate does a toy company have to be to reach out to Troma Entertainment for inspiration? 1984's "The Toxic Avenger" wasn't a movie for
children, filled with all kinds of violence and crudeness that Troma loves to deliver. But, somehow, this feature and its many sequels found its way to
the realm of kids T.V., transformed into 1991's "Toxic Crusaders," turning the "superhero from New Jersey" into an environmental warrior, joined by his
"tromatons" evil sense, a sentient mop, and a gang of mutants looking to stop Dr. Killemoff and his Radiation Rangers from their repeated attempts to
poison Tromaville. Created during the days of R-rated influences and pollution fears (emerging a year after "Captain Planet"), "Toxic Crusaders" is a
big swing in terms of functionality, and the producers do what they can to retain Troma's strained silliness while still making something for the little
ones and their merchandise-buying parents. Only 13 episodes were produced, with the show trying to become the next "Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles," but, understandably, the program didn't last. It's not unappealing work, but it's not terribly exciting, and tired shtick (such as breaking the
fourth wall) tends to smother the heroic elements that do manage to connect.
Disc 1
"The Making of Toxie" (23:08) follows poor nerd Melvin as he's turned into "hideously deformed creature of superhuman strength and
size" after
falling in a barrel of Grossolium sent to Tromaville by the evil Dr. Killemoff. Newly empowered to help people, Toxie patrols the streets, soon joined
by his girlfriend, Yvonne, his pet Blobbie, and cohorts Major Disaster and Nozone, working to save the land from destruction.
"This Spud's for You" (23:07) finds Dr. Killemoff ready to turn the children of Tromaville into old people via deadly chemical Magoop 82,
created by
Dr. Bender. The poison is being prepared for distribution in Burpo Burgers, putting Toxie and the gang on the case as they try to block the sale of
tainted fries.
"Club Fred" (23:06) follows Dr. Killemoff's attempt to clear an area for aliens from Smogula to land, picking a senior care center in
Tromaville.
Looking to lure the Toxic Crusaders away, the evil mastermind sends Bonehead and Psycho to create a "Club Fred" tropical paradise, pulling Toxie
into a trap. Joining the heroes is Junkyard, a mutant dog who needs a new home.
"Tree Troubles" (23:06) puts Toxie and the gang into contact with tree surgeon Elma, and Major Disaster is in love. Dr. Killemoff aims to
ruin the
world via "Smog in a Can," turning to corrupt Mayor Grody to hand over Toxie's bubblegum factory. As the Tromaville Arbor Day Parade commences,
the Toxic Crusaders try to take back the factory and thwart Dr. Killemoff's evil plan.
"The Pollution Solution" (23:07) travels to Dr. Killemoff's Island City lair, where the villain is working with the Radiation Rangers to
infiltrate Toxie's
Tromaville dump home. Failing to defeat his enemy, Dr. Killemoff is visited by alien overlord Czar Zosta, encouraged to find a "final pollution
solution," which involves the construction of a smog-filled dome to kill all life within it.
"A Site for Sore Eyes" (23:07) returns to Czar Zosta, who needs a large amount of smogtane fuel to complete his takeover of New Jersey,
finding a
reservoir of the substance in Toxie's Tromaville dump home. To get the Toxic Crusaders out of their dwelling, Mayor Grody gives the gang
government jobs, relocating them to an apartment building while a Smogulan spaceship prepares to arrive on Earth.
"Mr. Earth – Superhero" (23:10) finds Dr. Killemoff planning to ruin holiday shopping by selling the citizens of Tromaville smog devices. At
the
Tromaville Dump, Mr. Earth pays the Toxic Crusaders a visit, and the faux superhero brings nothing but trouble with him. When Dr. Killemoff offers
to help Mr. Earth achieve greatness, the Toxic Crusaders struggle with their superhero-ness, as Mayor Grody demands the gang acquire a license to
fight crime.
Disc 2
"Toxie Ties the Knot" (23:11) returns to the ways of alien life, as Princess Gerpa travels to Island City, and she wants to visit the
Tromaville Mall.
Spotting Toxie, Princess Gerpa falls in love, demanding to marry him. Dr. Killemoff is eager to use the pairing to take control of Smogula, while
Yvonne frets about her lost love.
"Invasion of the Biddy Snatchers" (23:10) puts Dr. Killemoff in a terrible position when he's replaced by General GarBage, who launches a
plan to
send insect-like creatures into Tromaville, trying to clone old women around town. "Operation Kvetch" commences, targeting Toxie, who's ordered to
move to Siberia.
"The Snail Must Go Through" (23:11) has Yvonne preparing for her first concert appearance, and Tromaville welcomes its latest visitor,
Snail Man.
Czar Zosta launches a new plan to kill the citizens of Tromaville, creating a machine that will flood the community with Styrofoam. As the big show
begins, the Radiation Rangers aim to make a mess of the event, attempting to launch their weapon, the Aqua Filther.
"Nab That Toxie Cab" (23:10) put Mayor Grody back in play with a new stink bomb factory, which is poisoning the air in Tromaville.
Thwarted in his
latest money-making attempt, Mayor Grody turns to Dr. Killemoff for help getting rid of the Toxic Crusaders. Toxie and the gang make a special
discovery at the dump, pulling an old car out of the ground, creating the eco-friendly, sentient Toxi-Cab.
"Still Crazy After All These Shears" (23:08) visits "Beautify Tromaville Week," with Mayor Grody determined to share "sinister seeds" to
help grow
evil vegetation around the community. Dr. Killemoff receives new help from Mower Man, who plans to make a mess of Tromaville, putting the Toxic
Crusaders into action to save the day.
"That's No Villian, That's My Mom" (23:08) finds the Toxic Crusaders preparing for the Tromaville Bicentennial Celebration, and Czar Zosta
is ready
to launch a pollution scheme involving a hot air balloon attack. Requiring employment, Toxie's mother ends up working for Dr. Killemoff, who uses
inside information to keep tabs on the Toxic Crusaders.