Troma Entertainment, North America’s longest-running independent movie studio, celebrates the release of Toxic Crusaders: The Series on Blu-ray with a TROMAtic digital restoration and remastering. This iconic animated series, based on the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever on December 10, 2024.
A Blast from the Past: The Early ’90s and R-Rated Animation
The early ’90s was a unique time for children’s television, with R-rated films being transformed into animated series aimed at kids. One standout of this era was Toxic Crusaders, which adapted The Toxic Avenger into a Saturday morning cartoon that was both environmentally conscious and fun for children.
The animated series made a few changes to make it family-friendly, including renaming the lead character “Toxie” instead of “The Toxic Avenger,” as “Avenger” was deemed too violent. Toxie’s origin story remained the same: Melvin, a nerdy kid working as a janitor in Tromaville, New Jersey, is transformed into Toxie after falling into a barrel of toxic waste. With newfound super strength and a mop, Toxie battles evil forces, led by the villainous Dr. Killemoff, who aims to turn Earth into a toxic wasteland like his home planet, Smogula.
Meet the Toxic Crusaders
Toxie isn’t alone in his battle. He’s joined by other hideously deformed heroes, each with unique powers. Nozone, who can blast powerful sneezes, Major Disaster, who controls plants, Headbanger, a hybrid of a mad scientist and a singing telegram boy, and Junkyard, a man-dog hybrid, all team up to fight Dr. Killemoff and his evil minions to save Tromaville from pollution.
A Family-Friendly Experience with a Troma Twist
The Toxic Crusaders: The Series was made with the whole family in mind. While it delivered an important environmental message to preteens, it also featured plenty of humor for the adults in the room, making it the perfect show for families to enjoy together.
Voiced by Rodger Bumpass, known for his role as Squidward Tentacles in SpongeBob SquarePants, Toxie’s voice was complemented by a stellar cast, including Paul Eiding, Ed Gilbert, Hal Rayle, Kath Soucie, Susan Silo, and Gregg Berger. Special guest voices included Michael J. Pollard and Chuck McCann. The show also featured an episode written by Chuck Lorre, creator of Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and HBO’s Bookie.
Bonus Features and Collectible Packaging
This Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray includes all 13 episodes across 2 discs, making it a must-have for fans and collectors. Special bonus features include:
- A new introduction from Troma’s Lloyd Kaufman.
- Commercials for Toxic Crusaders toys.
- TV spots.
- Lost archival footage.
- A documentary on the Toxic Crusaders video game.
Additionally, the release comes with reversible packaging featuring original art and a 20-page booklet, making it a collectible item for die-hard fans.
Get Ready for the Ultimate Toxie Experience
On December 10, Toxic Crusaders: The Series will be available on Blu-ray with a TROMAtic remastering, bringing this classic animated series into sharp focus for the first time ever.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Troma or discovering Toxie for the first time, this is the perfect way to experience the series in all its absurd, toxic glory. Don’t miss out on this nostalgic, eco-friendly adventure!
