Tromaville is Troma’s fictional New Jersey town—a satirical, polluted stand-in for small-town America and the backdrop for The Toxic Avenger.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Toxic Avenger

Q: What is The Toxic Avenger?

The Toxic Avenger is a cult-classic superhero-horror-comedy created by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment. Released in 1984, it follows Melvin Ferd Junko III, a janitor who mutates into a grotesque yet heroic vigilante after falling into toxic waste, defending the fictional town of Tromaville, New Jersey.

Q: Is The Toxic Avenger Marvel or DC?

No. The Toxic Avenger is not part of Marvel or DC. The character and films are independently owned by Troma Entertainment. Marvel Comics briefly published a licensed comic series in the early 1990s related to Toxic Crusaders, but Toxie has never belonged to either the Marvel or DC universes.

Q: Where can I watch The Toxic Avenger?

The Toxic Avenger is available for streaming on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3JQjBmb. You can rent or purchase the film (and sequels) in HD. Blu-ray and DVD editions are also sold on Amazon and through Troma’s official store.

Q: When was The Toxic Avenger first released?

The original film was released in 1984 by Troma Entertainment. Initially overlooked in theaters, it built a devoted following via VHS rentals and midnight screenings.

Q: Who created The Toxic Avenger?

Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz created the character and co-directed the first movie, launching Troma’s most recognizable franchise.

Q: What made The Toxic Avenger a cult hit?

Its outrageous blend of gore, slapstick, and sharp satire—combined with a DIY, anti-establishment spirit—helped it stand out during the 1980s VHS boom and cement its cult status.

Q: What are the official Toxic Avenger movies?

The Toxic Avenger (1984); The Toxic Avenger Part II (1989); The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie (1989); Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2000); The Toxic Avenger (Reboot, 2023).

Q: What is the 2023 reboot of The Toxic Avenger?

Directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze (the new Toxie), the reboot modernizes the effects and tone while honoring the original’s humor and moral bite. The cast also includes Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, and Taylour Paige.

Q: Is the reboot connected to the original films?

It’s a standalone reimagining that preserves the satirical, absurd, and over-the-top spirit of Troma’s classics while telling a new version of the story.

Q: Was The Toxic Avenger ever adapted for kids?

Yes. In 1991, the franchise became the Saturday morning cartoon Toxic Crusaders, recasting Toxie as an eco-hero. It ran for 13 episodes and led to toys, video games, and comics.

What is The Toxic Avenger?

The Toxic Avenger is a cult-classic superhero-horror-comedy film created by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment. It premiered in 1984 and tells the story of Melvin Ferd Junko III, a mild-mannered janitor who mutates into a grotesque yet heroic figure after falling into toxic waste. He becomes the vigilante known as Toxie, fighting corruption and crime in the fictional town of Tromaville, New Jersey.

Is The Toxic Avenger Marvel or DC?

No. The Toxic Avenger is not part of Marvel or DC. The character and films are independently owned by Troma Entertainment. In the early 1990s, Marvel Comics briefly published a licensed comic series tied to Toxic Crusaders, but Toxie has never belonged to either the Marvel or DC universes.

Where can I watch The Toxic Avenger?

The Toxic Avenger is available for streaming on Amazon. You can rent or purchase the film and its sequels in HD quality. Physical copies are also available on Blu-ray and DVD through Amazon and Troma’s official store.

When was The Toxic Avenger first released?

The original film was released in 1984 by Troma Entertainment. Initially overlooked in theaters, it gained a massive following through VHS rentals and midnight screenings.

Who created The Toxic Avenger?

Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment created the character and co-directed the original film, launching Troma’s most successful franchise.

What made The Toxic Avenger a cult hit?

The movie’s wild blend of gore, slapstick, satire, and anti-establishment humor made it an instant underground sensation. Its unapologetically weird tone, campy effects, and outrageous violence helped define Troma’s unique style during the VHS boom of the 1980s.

What are the official Toxic Avenger movies?

The Toxic Avenger (1984)
The Toxic Avenger Part II (1989)
The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie (1989)
Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2000)
The Toxic Avenger (Reboot) (2023)

What is the 2023 reboot of The Toxic Avenger?

The reboot of The Toxic Avenger, directed by Macon Blair, stars Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze—a janitor who becomes the new Toxie. The film updates the cast, tone, and effects while preserving the outrageous humor and moral edge of the original. It also features Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, and Taylour Paige.

Is the reboot connected to the original films?

While it reimagines the story for a modern audience, the reboot retains the spirit of the originals—satirical, absurd, and gleefully over-the-top. It’s a standalone story but pays homage to Troma’s legacy.

Was The Toxic Avenger ever adapted for kids?

Yes. In 1991, the franchise was adapted into the Saturday morning cartoon Toxic Crusaders, which turned Toxie into an eco-hero fighting pollution with his mutant friends. Though it only lasted 13 episodes, it inspired a toy line, video games, and comic books.

Were there any Toxic Avenger video games?

Yes. Toxic Crusaders video games were released in 1992 for NES, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis. These were classic side-scrolling action games based on the animated series.

Was there a stage musical version?

Yes. The Toxic Avenger Musical debuted in 2008, written by Joe DiPietro with music by David Bryan of Bon Jovi. It received critical acclaim for its outrageous humor and catchy rock score during its Off-Broadway run in 2009.

Are there Toxic Avenger comics?

Yes. Alongside the cartoon-inspired comics, Marvel Comics published a short-lived Toxic Avenger comic book series in the early 1990s, bringing the radioactive antihero to a new generation of fans.

Why is The Toxic Avenger important in cult cinema?

The Toxic Avenger embodies the essence of low-budget independent filmmaking—bold, bizarre, and unfiltered. It became a symbol of creative freedom, influencing countless indie filmmakers and defining Troma’s DIY cinematic rebellion.

Where else can I watch The Toxic Avenger?

In addition to Amazon, select Toxic Avenger titles are also available on Tubi, Shudder, and Troma Now. Availability may vary by region, and new editions continue to appear on streaming platforms as the franchise expands.

What is Troma Entertainment?

Troma Entertainment is a legendary independent studio founded by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. Known for its outrageous humor, extreme violence, and biting satire, Troma has produced hundreds of cult films, including Class of Nuke ’Em High and Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.

How has The Toxic Avenger influenced pop culture?

Toxie has appeared in other Troma films, inspired homages in shows like The Simpsons and Robot Chicken, and influenced filmmakers such as James Gunn. The character remains a symbol of genre-bending rebellion and campy heroism.

What’s next for the franchise?

With the reboot’s success and growing fan interest, The Toxic Avenger is poised for a cultural revival. Expect more merchandise, streaming releases, and possibly new film or series projects from Legendary Entertainment and Troma.

Why is Toxie considered a hero?

Despite his monstrous looks and brutal methods, Toxie fights for justice and defends the weak. His moral conviction and humanity make him one of the strangest yet most heartfelt heroes in cult cinema.

How many versions of Toxie are there?

Melvin Ferd Junko III – the original Toxie from the 1984–2000 films
Winston Gooze – the reimagined Toxie from the 2023 reboot
Animated Toxie – the eco-friendly hero from Toxic Crusaders

What is Tromaville?

Tromaville is the fictional New Jersey town where most Troma films take place—a polluted, corrupt parody of small-town America that serves as the backdrop for Toxie’s adventures.

How can I learn more about The Toxic Avenger?

Visit Troma’s official website, join fan communities online, or explore documentaries about cult cinema to dive deeper into the wild world of The Toxic Avenger and its legacy.