Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Indie Comics

    Toxic Shock Comics #1

    Stephen SchleicherBy Stephen SchleicherJuly 24, 2007Updated:July 24, 20072 Comments4 Mins Read

    Just some guys having fun, ya’ know?

    toxicshockcomics_picon.jpg

    Way back in February, I was sent a copy of Toxic Shock Comics #1 for review, and quite frankly it got set aside amidst the mad writing and hectic schedule of dealing with too many things happening at once. I didn’t want to be “one of those guys” that take creators up on the offer of free comics, and never write a review, so here’s your Major Spoilers Indie Review of Toxic Comics #1.

    Reader Warning: Images may not be suitable for all readers.

    toxicshockcomics_cover.jpgToxic Shock Comics #1
    Writers: Nick Clark, Zach Russell, Mike Storniolo
    Art: Nick Clark, Zach Russell, Chris Wilson, Mike Storniolo

    Unlike the other reviews we do at Major Spoilers, Toxic Shock Comics is not mainstream. I don’t think it even comes close to the D-List of indie comics. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are hoping to discover the next Love and Rockets, you might as well move along.

    Issue #1 (originally released in September 2006) has a lot of fun aping the style of anthology comics featuring three main tales, and two spoofs ads. The spoofs are done quite well; mocking the style of the Hostess fruit pie ads we read as kids in the pages of Spider-Man and Superman. The crew is able to tell a single page story that achieves the same results as the Hostess ads that suckered us into the sales pitch at the end. These bits had me laughing out loud (not ROTFLMAO though). The other three stories are packed with drug use, ninja fights, talking monkeys, and killer garden gnomes. Yup you read that right – killer garden gnomes.

    toxicshockcomics_01.jpg

    The Killer Garden Gnomes story is nothing more than a setup for future mayhem caused by those seemingly innocent (yet still creepy) lawn ornaments. From the cover image of issue #2 it looks like they get their wish.

    Kind Budz is one of those tales of being drop kicked to the curb by the hot girl you love, and consoling yourself the only way you know how – lighting up with your best friend. To make matters worse for Tim, the object of his lust is going clubbing with his arch nemesis Dan Palmer. According to Tim, even though Dan comes off as a goody-good, he is a bigger loser than Tim and his pot smoking friends. Tim knows he needs to go to the club to keep Dan from taking advantage of his girl, but as it turns out Selina can take care of herself.

    toxicshockcomics_02.jpg

    The Subcultural Syndicate is probably the best story in the issue as it features Kirby – a talking monkey – and his crew taking down a band of ninjas on a killing spree.

    toxicshockcomics_03.jpg

    One look at the issue and you can tell this is true indie. The art is not Kirby, Lee, Eisner, Romita, Romita Jr. or any of the other recognizable names in comics, but Nick, Chris, and Mike do a good job in keeping the characters recognizable, and certainly do a better job than most who think they can make a comic.

    This issue isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are looking for something that is as far away from superhero comics as you can get, Toxic Shock Comics is that book. Did I enjoy it? There were parts I thought were extremely well done (The Subcultural Syndicate), others that seemed autobiographical (Kind Budz), and I could tell the creators really want to have fun creating and telling stories in a graphic format. Not all of the art appealed to me, but I have that same problem with many mainstream titles. Toxic Shock Comics is solid. It’s not great, but it doesn’t blow chunks either. Would I read it again? If it has kung-foo monkeys and friends waxing philosophically while lighting up, then the answer is yes. Until then, Toxic Shock Comics #1 earns 2.5 out of 5 stars.

    25stars.jpg

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleBattlestar Galactica: Season Zero #3 Arrives in September
    Next Article Checkmate #16
    Stephen Schleicher
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Stephen Schleicher began his career writing for the Digital Media Online community of sites, including Digital Producer and Creative Mac covering all aspects of the digital content creation industry. He then moved on to consumer technology, and began the Coolness Roundup podcast. A writing fool, Stephen has freelanced for Sci-Fi Channel's Technology Blog, and Gizmodo. Still longing for the good ol' days, Stephen launched Major Spoilers in July 2006, because he is a glutton for punishment. You can follow him on Twitter @MajorSpoilers and tell him your darkest secrets...

    Related Posts

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    Read More

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    Read More

    Retro Review: Big Apple Comix (September 1975)

    Read More

    2 Comments

    1. Eric on July 25, 2007 8:46 am

      Wow. That is a SERIOUS amount of blood spewing forth from that dude’s mouth!

      Cool of you to review this, btw. I’m sure the creators appreciate it immensely.

    2. Mike Storniolo on August 5, 2007 11:16 pm

      Just noticed this tonight, thank you for taking the time to review it man, we really do appreciate it. Also, glad for the most part that you enjoyed it. We’ve got issue #2 at the printer right now and hopefully you’ll see a progression in our work. We’re trying our best. We’ll definitley let you know when it hits, check out http://www.comicspace.com/toxicshockcomics for more updates and a preview of #2.

      -Mike, Nick & Zach
      -Toxic Shock Comics

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    7.0
    July 7, 2025

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    5.7
    July 6, 2025

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    7.0
    July 6, 2025

    Retro Review: Big Apple Comix (September 1975)

    6.0
    July 5, 2025

    Wolverines and Deadpools #1 Review

    9.0
    July 1, 2025

    Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT