With an exuberantly kinetic art style, solid characterization, and a plot line reminiscent of 1950’s Beach Movies / Creature Features with a delightfully queer update, “Toxic Summer” is a powerhouse of a comic that oozes quality from every panel.

A jaunty and altogether pleasant comic, the kind of thing that makes you think “Is this a series? I really hope this is a series, this should definitely be a whole series” because it’s just that good.

Two best friends’ plans for a fun-filled summer go awry when a toxic spill fills their days with shoveling dead fish and battling mutant merpeople instead of partying on the beach and kissing boys.

The rapport between Leo and AJ, our dual protagonists, is compelling and fun. It’s the emotional core of the story. They annoy each other to no end, they know each other better than anyone and use that knowledge for evil, they’re best friends, in short. It’s so refreshing and neat to read a story like this about two gay friends. Usually readers would be fortunate to get even a single gay sidekick character. The plot is well paced and has big “You Meddling Kids” vibes with a couple of appropriately meta twists. Wit and humor help the narrative along but are used sparingly enough to avoid saturation.

The art style is phenomenal and I really can’t say enough positive things about it. The shading and color choices are tinged with emotion and really propel the story along in the best possible way. I especially liked the way the night scenes were rendered. The character design is top notch throughout. Our main characters look compelling and distinctive but so do the townspeople. Aunt Judy is an icon and I want to be her when I grow up, obviously. The mutants themselves are also visually amazing, squamous and vaguely menacing with a mysterious, shadowy cast.

Overall this was such a joy to read that I really can’t think of anything that would improve it. I really hope to see more of these characters and will also look into other projects the artist and author have worked on based on the strength of this comic alone.

Toxic Summer is a goopy and gooey good time!

Toxic Summer follows friends Ben & Leo attempting to enjoy a delicious beach summer. However, they are instead recruited to assist with the beach cleanup when toxic goop seems to take over the beach. Mysteries abound as well as things keep happening that they can't immediately explain and when creatures from the sea start trying to move inland they have to figure out what to do.

This is perfect for Scooby-Doo fans! It is cute and goofy and it doesn't take itself too seriously. It makes for a quick and easy read. Additionally, the extras in this edition are so much fun. The variant covers at the end are always an added bonus and I loved getting to see those. I know readers are going to relate and enjoy this story and it's a Scooby-Doo Mystery for your 2025!

Toxic Summer, written and illustrated by Derek Charm (Jughead, PowerPuff Girls, Star Wars), can be seen as a typical summer coming-of-age story but with a toxic twist that gives the series Oni Press a life of its own.

Like most best friends, Ben and Leo had the perfect summer planned after graduation. Head to the idyllic beach town of Port Dorian, where they would act as lifeguards for three months of hot guys, bonfires, and no regrets. This all changed when a toxic spill transforms their dream beach into a waking nightmare. Port Dorian is now flooded with panicked tourists and a horrifying pack of subhuman monstrosities is snatching beachgoers in the night.

Toxic Summer is a fun summer romp with a toxic spin. The comic features fantastic artwork that perfectly complements the storyline, which makes perfect sense when the artist and writer are the same person. The vibrant colors and outstanding character designs add a level of depth to each panel which makes the comic visually engaging. The plot of two teenagers looking for excitement and fun during the summer months on a perfect beach but it all going to hell after the toxic spill is much more up our alley than the original plan.

The dialogue between Ben and Leo feels natural and relatable, capturing a peek into a teenage friendship and relationship. The banter between the two friends adda a level of humor to what is actually a dark and ominous storyline. Charm does a wonderful job at balancing the seriousness of the disaster with moments of levity. A great blend of humor and suspense to keep us turning each page.

Toxic Summer has plenty of twists and turns to keep us guessing, not knowing what will happen next kept me glued to each and every panel from start to finish. The comic stands out at Oni Press more than I thought it would. I was pleasantly surprised. The book delivers on artwork and story with both substance and style. Charm's captivating artwork, relatable characters and toxic storyline is a superb reason to grab the collected edition.

I really liked this! Very good, although the pacing was a bit fast towards the end. Loved the art style sm and the story was a fun time too! Will def be recommending to my students. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Toxic Summer by by Dereck charm

4/5 Stars. 🌟

Thanks NetGally and ONI Press for the eARC! instagram post scheduled for 10/12/24

This comic was so fun! It was super interesting and Beautifully illustrated and the store was funny and made me giggle! It was definitely one of those silly friends and gullible friend moment.

I loved the characters and the ending had me laughing between Ben and AJ 😂

Honestly not going to say much as it I don’t want to spoil anything at all, but I really suggest reading this asap as it was a light read and gives you a laugh!

I love this and I believe youngsters will love this too. It reads like a cult movie. It is totally hilarious and the illustration is great too.