In this episode, we revisit Lloyd Kaufman’s outrageous cult classic The Toxic Avenger (1984), the low-budget Troma Entertainment masterpiece that defined schlock cinema and gave the world its first superhero from New Jersey. From its gritty practical effects and over-the-top violence to its satire of corruption and toxic waste, the film became a midnight movie sensation and launched a franchise of sequels, cartoons, and comics. With the 2023 remake finally making it to the public, we explore what makes the original such a bizarre, influential, and unforgettable entry in B-movie history, and what lessons modern filmmakers can still take from its DIY energy and fearless absurdity.
