As a comic book reader, sometimes it’s nice to mosey on off the beaten path and see what else is out there. No, this isn’t reading a Vertigo comic instead of a superhero one or even the latest Top Shelf or Oni slice of life book. They’re pretty much on the beaten path for most discerning comics readers. This is a jaunt to the wacky world of really small press, self-published, DIY comics…

Toxic Shock Comics #1 is a 27 page smorgasbord of tales ranging from the teen dramedy to old school Hostess Fruit Pie comic ad parodies and beyond. Way beyond. Killer lawn gnomes and ninja fighting monkey beyond.

The book starts with “Kind Budz,” a 10 page tale concocted by Nick Clark and Zach Russell about a teenage stoner pining after his ex-girlfriend while hanging out with his pals and getting high. The characters are rough around the edges but likable, much like this tale of turncoat preppies and drama at the club. It’s a breezy story with fun narration that breaks the fourth wall, and it features a nice resolution. The art is crisp and clear, showing the action well.

Next up is a fun little parody of those comic book ads that used to pop up all the time in the 70s featuring characters like Thor and Spider-Man defeating villains with the delicious help of Hostess Fruit Pies. Here it’s a slightly skewed version starring Generic Super-Hero Man wielding the power of “Sackle-Berry Fruit Pies.” It’s bit of one page fun written by Mark Storniolo and drawn by Chris Wilson. Another one pager appears later in the book. Both are a goofy good time.

The following strip is a two page teaser that wins the award for “most fun title in Toxic Shock Comics # 1”… “Killer Lawn Gnomes From Hell.” That’s all you need to know other than Storniolo and Clark team up for creative chores on this one. It’s warped, and it’s too bad there’s not more of it this issue, though it shall be continued…

The final story is “The Subcultural Syndicate” by Storniolo and Clark again. This one features some nice comic nerd (used affectionately) debate regarding Jack Kirby versus Will Eisner. Things take a pretty surprising turn, though, when the debaters wake up their roommate… who just so happens to be a talking monkey. Suddenly ninjas are attacking their town, and action packed carnage ensues.

The book ends with promise of a second issue, which is good news. Finding a book like Toxic Shock Comics # 1 is like discovering some scruffy but catchy CD by a garage band no one you know has ever heard of, which makes you want to tell them all about it. This type of stuff is never for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be.

The bottom line is that it’s just cool when creative types get together and create what they want to create. The resulting fun is contagious. If you’re looking for something new and so indie it’s über-indie, look no further than Toxic Shock Comics.