"The Toxic Avenger" is a 1984 American superhero horror comedy film directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman. It is produced by Troma Entertainment, known for its low-budget cult films. The movie gained a significant following due to its over-the-top violence, dark humor, and distinctive blend of horror and comedy elements.
The story revolves around Melvin Ferd III (played by Mark Torgl), a janitor who, after falling into a vat of toxic waste, transforms into a mutated, disfigured creature known as the Toxic Avenger (played by Mitch Cohen). The Toxic Avenger becomes a symbol of justice as he takes on criminals and corruption in the fictional town of Tromaville.
"The Toxic Avenger" is characterized by its deliberately crude and campy style, and it often satirizes superhero and monster movie tropes. Despite its low-budget origins, the film has gained a cult status and spawned sequels, an animated TV series, and a musical adaptation. Troma Entertainment, the studio behind the film, is known for its unique brand of independent and unconventional filmmaking.