When you think of New Jersey legends, two names might leap to mind for very different reasons: The Toxic Avenger and the Jersey Devil. One is a beloved cult film hero, a champion for the little guy born from toxic waste. The other is a terrifying cryptid said to stalk the Pine Barrens. The mad geniuses at AHOY Comics decided to smash these two icons together, and the result is as gloriously weird as you can imagine. We got our hands on Toxie Team-Up #2, and it’s one of the most bizarre and entertaining new comics on the stands today.
Here at Comic Book Addicts, we’ve seen countless crossovers, but this one feels uniquely inspired. The creative team perfectly captures the grimy, satirical spirit of Troma Films while building its own strange corner of the comic book world. The issue continues the new mini-series that sees Toxie bumping into other characters from the AHOY universe, from Jesus Christ (Second Coming) to Dragonflyman (The Wrong Earth). This issue, however, keeps things local with a monster-sized New Jersey confrontation. For anyone who appreciates humor that is off-the-wall and action that is unapologetically messy, this comic is a must-read for fans.
What Happens in Toxie Team-Up #2?
The story, expertly penned by writer Stuart Moore, kicks off with our hero, Toxie, in a bad spot. He awakens confused in a frozen, snowy landscape, having been shot up with tranquilizers and unceremoniously dumped there. His memory is hazy, but he recalls being in the middle of a massive battle. This opening effectively sets a disorienting tone, mirroring Toxie’s own confusion as he tries to get his bearings. The artwork by Ryan Kelly, with colors by Lee Loughridge, immediately immerses the reader in this cold, bleak environment. The visuals create a fantastic contrast between the desolate wilderness and the warm, yet sinister, glow of a mysterious diner Toxie soon discovers.
This isn’t just any greasy spoon. Toxie recognizes it from his “before-time,” a place he visited as the nerdy Melvin Junko with his high school quiz bowl team. This diner is a supernatural hub, a “Roach” chain that seems to pop up wherever evil needs a place to get a cup of coffee. The flashback sequence is a brilliant touch, adding a layer of personal history and pathos to the ensuing chaos. It reminds us that underneath the monstrous exterior, Toxie is still the nerd who was bullied and ostracized. It’s this humanity that makes him such an enduring hero.
Inside, Toxie finds the diner is run by none other than the Jersey Devil himself. This isn’t the feral beast of legend, but rather a world-weary, cantankerous manager who is sick of his job. He’s been running the place for three hundred years and complains that he has no time to “lay fuckin’ waste” anymore. The interaction between the two is the heart of the issue. Toxie, ever the hero, wants to stop the evil, while the Jersey Devil just wants to get through his shift. Of course, this misunderstanding leads to an epic fight. Moore’s dialogue is sharp and hilarious, perfectly capturing the voice of both characters.
The creative team responsible for this delightful chaos includes:
- Writer: Stuart Moore
- Artist: Ryan Kelly
- Colorist: Lee Loughridge
- Letterer: Rob Steen
- Publisher: AHOY Comics
The battle itself is a masterpiece of slapstick violence. Toxie wields his trusty mop against the Devil’s own staff, and the action is both brutal and comical. Furthermore, the fight is intercut with more flashbacks to Melvin’s traumatic experience at the diner, where he was goaded into drinking eight “Sugar Cokes” by bullies. This narrative structure elevates the story beyond a simple monster mash. It becomes a story about confronting your past bullies, both literal and metaphorical. Ultimately, the story in Toxie Team-Up #2 is about finding strength in who you are now, not who you were forced to be. The striking comic book covers by Fred Harper perfectly encapsulate this blend of horror and comedy, drawing you into this strange world before you even open the book.
This issue also contains two short prose stories, “Gotta Get Up to Get Down” and “A Million Ghosts of You,” which are staples of the AHOY Comics format. They provide extra value and showcase different creative voices, making each issue feel like a complete anthology. This commitment to delivering a full package is one of the many reasons we find their work so compelling in our review process.
In conclusion, Toxie Team-Up #2 is a fantastic read. It’s a comic that understands its source material perfectly while forging its own unique path. Stuart Moore and Ryan Kelly have created a story that is funny, action-packed, and surprisingly thoughtful. It’s a celebration of Jersey folklore, Troma’s legacy, and the wonderfully weird universe AHOY Comics is building.What did you think of the issue? Head over to our Twitter page and let us know your thoughts on this monstrous showdown!
