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Toxic Summer
Perfect summer plans become a nightmare beach party in this slimy, spooky, madcap summer mystery from Eisner Award winner Derek Charm (Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Jughead)!
Best friends Ben and Leo are ready to celebrate the summer after graduation by patrolling the beaches of idyllic seaside town Port Dorian as lifeguards—allowing them to also check out the hottest hunks and snag invites to the best parties, of course. But they arrive to find that a mysterious toxic spill has turned the water unswimmable and littered the shore with rotting fish carcasses. Their jobs become beach cleanup and the hunks are nowhere to be seen—like hermit crabs.
When they save a local historian with suspiciously glowing eyes from the water, and tentacled monsters begin snatching people in the night, Ben and Leo have to team up with the only other teens in town to uncover the cause of the spill, save their new friends and family, and try to get this sexy summer back on track before it’s too late.
Collecting Toxic Summer #1–3.
Best friends Ben and Leo are ready to celebrate the summer after graduation by patrolling the beaches of idyllic seaside town Port Dorian as lifeguards—allowing them to also check out the hottest hunks and snag invites to the best parties, of course. But they arrive to find that a mysterious toxic spill has turned the water unswimmable and littered the shore with rotting fish carcasses. Their jobs become beach cleanup and the hunks are nowhere to be seen—like hermit crabs.
When they save a local historian with suspiciously glowing eyes from the water, and tentacled monsters begin snatching people in the night, Ben and Leo have to team up with the only other teens in town to uncover the cause of the spill, save their new friends and family, and try to get this sexy summer back on track before it’s too late.
Collecting Toxic Summer #1–3.
120 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
1 person is currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 27, 2024
A neon explosion of gay best friends, summer vacation, mystery, and monsters.
I loved the art style and coloring in this graphic novel. The story was reminiscent of a Scooby Doo adventure mixed with those old creature/monster movies with unique villains and a self contained plot/mystery.
Two gay protagonists is incredible and I love the representation. Bonus points that the characters being gay was not a point of contention within the story and did not require a big resolve or explanation.
I'd love to see this as a series with a new monster/creature/mystery each issue as we learn more about our main characters, their friendship, and their love interests.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the art style and coloring in this graphic novel. The story was reminiscent of a Scooby Doo adventure mixed with those old creature/monster movies with unique villains and a self contained plot/mystery.
Two gay protagonists is incredible and I love the representation. Bonus points that the characters being gay was not a point of contention within the story and did not require a big resolve or explanation.
I'd love to see this as a series with a new monster/creature/mystery each issue as we learn more about our main characters, their friendship, and their love interests.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2025
Very, very cute Archie-style gay lovecraftian beach pulp comic. Really fun! I think it could have used a bit more space to develop character relationships (AJ and Ben exchanged like three sentences before being declared boyfriends), and I'm always a bit sad to see a , but it's the dumb gay teen supernatural hijinks I crave.
September 20, 2025
Fun, queer monster romp, with some cosmic horror thrown in, sadly with a rushed and unsatisfying ending. The art is pretty good, reminds me of modern Archie comics.
(Thanks to Oni Press for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)
(Thanks to Oni Press for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)
November 5, 2025
This was delightful for about 85 pages and then it kind of ended and not even in the sort of copping out but still logical way.
May 3, 2025
This was just super fun and light-hearted. The story was farfetched in a fun way and the artwork was lovely. Silly, fun and queer!
December 23, 2024
Toxic Summer is an absolute triumph! Derek Charm has crafted a captivating story that effortlessly balances hilarious moments with genuine mystery, all while delivering a cast of characters that feel both relatable and unique.
The character dynamics are a true highlight. Each character is so well-defined, and the interactions between them are an absolute joy to read. The lgbtq+ repersentation is also perfectly integrated into the narrative making the story even more sweet.
The storyline itself is a wild ride! It's funny, it's mysterious, and it keeps you guessing until the very end. And let me tell you, the ending is just perfect – a comforting and satisfying conclusion that leaves you with a warm feeling.
Toxic Summer is a must-read for anyone who loves a good balance of humor, mystery, and heart. Derek Charm has created something truly special!
The character dynamics are a true highlight. Each character is so well-defined, and the interactions between them are an absolute joy to read. The lgbtq+ repersentation is also perfectly integrated into the narrative making the story even more sweet.
The storyline itself is a wild ride! It's funny, it's mysterious, and it keeps you guessing until the very end. And let me tell you, the ending is just perfect – a comforting and satisfying conclusion that leaves you with a warm feeling.
Toxic Summer is a must-read for anyone who loves a good balance of humor, mystery, and heart. Derek Charm has created something truly special!
February 9, 2025
This had a very “if Archie and Jughead were gay and looking for a summer beach fun” vibe. It was quick and fun with an almost Scooby-esque mystery. The bright psychedelic coloring lent to story as a whole and I enjoyed it.
I will say it feels a little unfinished and short. It could have used another 50 pages to really make the story that much better.
3.5⭐️
I will say it feels a little unfinished and short. It could have used another 50 pages to really make the story that much better.
3.5⭐️
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December 4, 2024My attempts at seasonal reading take an early stumble – but Netgalley comics files don't last long enough to hold this until summer, and besides, it has basically eaten all the other seasons now anyway. Derek Charm managed the almost impossible task of following Erica Henderson on Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, and his nominative determinism art was a perfect fit for Zdarsky's Jughead, so I was keen to see what he could do solo (everything but the lettering on Toxic Summer is him), and the results are mostly good. Ben and Leo have gone to Port Dorian, wide-eyed with visions of "unsupervised perverted beach maniacs", and they've got summer jobs as lifeguards lined up to get them right to the heart of the hunk action. Except when they get there, the beach is closed by a toxic spill, and instead they're clearing up malodorous corpses of marine life. Now, that's a classic comedy in the British mode, hope followed by disillusionment – but this is America, so instead we get problem followed by resolution, helped by the fact that this is not regular toxic waste but the comics sort, more zombies and monsters than lingering environmental consequences. Which, gods know I don't like to play the finger-wagger, but I did struggle with this a little when my own last attempt at a beach holiday was kyboshed by a sea full of sewage. Even so, I can't deny there's some solid comedy-horror skills on display here, the dialogue sparks, and the colours in particular are just the right sort of 1990s lurid.
May 11, 2025
3.5* Rounded up
May 14, 2025
A charming if ultimately shallow comic about two gay boys becoming lifeguards at a beach in order to meet (and get lucky with) Unsupervised Perverted Beach Maniacs (only a few of my favourite things). Of course, as given away by the title, things go awry when it turns out that there has been a toxic spill at their sparkling destination. Our protagonists, Ben and Leo, wind up boners down, stink fumes up, as they set about mopping expired marine life from the beach under a green sky when they should have been perving on wet hunks in the hot sun. Cue mild sci-fi conspiracy monster story, rushed romance, limited character exploration and development, fun dialogue, and great artwork.
My favourite thing about the comic is how the writers have taken a pretty normal and boring trope - teen boys making lustful plans - and made it feel somehow fresh by the simple notion of them both being gay. Being a perverted teen homo is incredibly normalised, here, which is refreshing like a glass of lemonade on a summer's afternoon, and makes me feel something huge and indescribable in my chest, like longing, only more serrated. The story, however, is extremely limited when compared to the promise of said story. I would have liked a deeper plot, bigger shenanigans, more surprises, and also, like, I mean, hey, my dude. Just so we're all one hundred percent on the same page. /I'm/ here for the unsupervised perverted beach maniacs, at least as much as Leo in the story is, and I was hoping to see some butts, bro. Like, just a couple handfuls. That's the whole reason I ordered this at-first-glance delicious comic into the library and waited so patiently all these weeks for it to finally arrive on my desk. That's why I so painstakingly and lovingly stickered and jacketed and kissed the thing with my little chapped lips in an office with no windows before taking it home and holding it close to my chest all night. Well, where are they? Where exactly are those butts I was promised (by my own treacherous desires)? Guys. Hey, everybody. Stop. There's been some sort of an emergency. A toxic spill of Not Butts. We can't go to the beach until somebody out there cleans up this whole mess. And I certainly can't continue to review this comic until somebody spreads a peach or two on a two-page spread of page 3 cartoon pornography. Nobody goes home until this mess gets sorted out. Don't move. The police are on their way. An ambulance, too. And you'd better believe it isn't for me.
My favourite thing about the comic is how the writers have taken a pretty normal and boring trope - teen boys making lustful plans - and made it feel somehow fresh by the simple notion of them both being gay. Being a perverted teen homo is incredibly normalised, here, which is refreshing like a glass of lemonade on a summer's afternoon, and makes me feel something huge and indescribable in my chest, like longing, only more serrated. The story, however, is extremely limited when compared to the promise of said story. I would have liked a deeper plot, bigger shenanigans, more surprises, and also, like, I mean, hey, my dude. Just so we're all one hundred percent on the same page. /I'm/ here for the unsupervised perverted beach maniacs, at least as much as Leo in the story is, and I was hoping to see some butts, bro. Like, just a couple handfuls. That's the whole reason I ordered this at-first-glance delicious comic into the library and waited so patiently all these weeks for it to finally arrive on my desk. That's why I so painstakingly and lovingly stickered and jacketed and kissed the thing with my little chapped lips in an office with no windows before taking it home and holding it close to my chest all night. Well, where are they? Where exactly are those butts I was promised (by my own treacherous desires)? Guys. Hey, everybody. Stop. There's been some sort of an emergency. A toxic spill of Not Butts. We can't go to the beach until somebody out there cleans up this whole mess. And I certainly can't continue to review this comic until somebody spreads a peach or two on a two-page spread of page 3 cartoon pornography. Nobody goes home until this mess gets sorted out. Don't move. The police are on their way. An ambulance, too. And you'd better believe it isn't for me.
August 7, 2025
Love me some Derek Charm as a lifelong Jughead fan, so naturally I was gonna read this.
Strengths:
-Laugh out loud funny every few pages!
-Leo and Ben (the two best friend main characters) are well characterized through “show, not tell” despite the slim number of pages, and are perfect foils to one another. (I kinda wondered if Leo’s behavior lowkey bothers Ben sometimes though and if he deserves better?)
-Being a horny gay teen is normalized, which feels like a representation win I didn’t know I needed
-The color palette and design of the sea creatures is iconic and works perfectly to tell the story
-Derek uses foreshortening, facial expressions, and panel layout with great skill (like, greater than most comic artists I see) that heightens both the action and the humor of his storytelling throughout. The reader feels like objects in motion are truly in motion and is lead to feel a greater intensity of emotions in different moments (like creeped out/unease or finding something funny even more funny)
-Enjoyed the sequence where you finally figure out what’s going on re: the explanation for the mystery. Creative and cool, both visually and in concept, in the way they revealed it
Weaknesses:
-While I kinda liked that AJ didn’t go for Leo, which subverted what I expected to happen, the relationship that did sorta happen felt a little rushed bc the book ended suddenly
-The ending itself is kind of a nothingburger ending. Not a bad ending, I think it just felt a little sudden and I wanted a few more pages to tie things up
I feel like this is the perfect beach read for summer if you’re in the mood for something light, hilarious and not too heavy or substantial. Especially if you’re in the mood for a beach read that isn’t necessarily described by the adjectives we commonly associate with beach reads such as “romantic” or “girly”. It also scratched that itch to read something that kinda felt like environmental horror/dystopian/supernatural kinda like Gabby Rivera’s comic about the toxic swamp, b.b. free. I’d recommend this book to readers who liked Hollow (Shannon Watters), b.b. free (Gabby Rivera), obviously Scooby Doo and Archie like the other reviewers are saying, and any action-packed yet ultra-hilarious queer graphic novels such as Grand Slam Romance (forgot the author), Belle of the Ball (also forgot the author), or Nimona (ND Stevenson).
Strengths:
-Laugh out loud funny every few pages!
-Leo and Ben (the two best friend main characters) are well characterized through “show, not tell” despite the slim number of pages, and are perfect foils to one another. (I kinda wondered if Leo’s behavior lowkey bothers Ben sometimes though and if he deserves better?)
-Being a horny gay teen is normalized, which feels like a representation win I didn’t know I needed
-The color palette and design of the sea creatures is iconic and works perfectly to tell the story
-Derek uses foreshortening, facial expressions, and panel layout with great skill (like, greater than most comic artists I see) that heightens both the action and the humor of his storytelling throughout. The reader feels like objects in motion are truly in motion and is lead to feel a greater intensity of emotions in different moments (like creeped out/unease or finding something funny even more funny)
-Enjoyed the sequence where you finally figure out what’s going on re: the explanation for the mystery. Creative and cool, both visually and in concept, in the way they revealed it
Weaknesses:
-While I kinda liked that AJ didn’t go for Leo, which subverted what I expected to happen, the relationship that did sorta happen felt a little rushed bc the book ended suddenly
-The ending itself is kind of a nothingburger ending. Not a bad ending, I think it just felt a little sudden and I wanted a few more pages to tie things up
I feel like this is the perfect beach read for summer if you’re in the mood for something light, hilarious and not too heavy or substantial. Especially if you’re in the mood for a beach read that isn’t necessarily described by the adjectives we commonly associate with beach reads such as “romantic” or “girly”. It also scratched that itch to read something that kinda felt like environmental horror/dystopian/supernatural kinda like Gabby Rivera’s comic about the toxic swamp, b.b. free. I’d recommend this book to readers who liked Hollow (Shannon Watters), b.b. free (Gabby Rivera), obviously Scooby Doo and Archie like the other reviewers are saying, and any action-packed yet ultra-hilarious queer graphic novels such as Grand Slam Romance (forgot the author), Belle of the Ball (also forgot the author), or Nimona (ND Stevenson).
December 4, 2024
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.
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.
March 14, 2025
I really liked everything about Toxic Summer, and I think you should check it out when you get the chance.
Two best friends travel to the fun beach town of Port Dorian for a summer of nothing but fun (and orgies?), but things are bad when they arrive. A mysterious toxic spill has destroyed the water and beach, leaving them searching for answers.
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I loved this art.
Derek Charm’s art in this book was crazy bonkers. The design of the monsters in particular was fantastic, but I also dug how all of the human characters looked, especially the grandma. That was a fun design.
However, the art wouldn’t pop like it does without the way this book is colored. The heavy reliance on the green was a spectacular choice, and I can’t speak highly enough of it. It really gave the whole book a “toxic” vibe.
Have more crazy things set in this universe, and I’d read it.
The universe established in this book is pretty cool, and I would totally be in favor of more stories set in this world. There can be so many monsters out and about in this world that can be adapted and created to add a fun horror-humor vibe to everything.
I love a weird comic.
Two best friends travel to the fun beach town of Port Dorian for a summer of nothing but fun (and orgies?), but things are bad when they arrive. A mysterious toxic spill has destroyed the water and beach, leaving them searching for answers.
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I loved this art.
Derek Charm’s art in this book was crazy bonkers. The design of the monsters in particular was fantastic, but I also dug how all of the human characters looked, especially the grandma. That was a fun design.
However, the art wouldn’t pop like it does without the way this book is colored. The heavy reliance on the green was a spectacular choice, and I can’t speak highly enough of it. It really gave the whole book a “toxic” vibe.
Have more crazy things set in this universe, and I’d read it.
The universe established in this book is pretty cool, and I would totally be in favor of more stories set in this world. There can be so many monsters out and about in this world that can be adapted and created to add a fun horror-humor vibe to everything.
I love a weird comic.
January 20, 2025
Derek Charm's "Toxic Summer" is a fun and lighthearted graphic novel about two best friends, Ben and Leo, who are looking forward to a summer of sun, beaches, and parties in the idyllic seaside town of Port Dorian. Their dreams of lifeguarding and mingling with hunky beachgoers are quickly dashed when a mysterious toxic spill makes the water unswimmable and leaves the shore littered with rotting fish.
Leo, the protagonist, is a bit of a drama queen, but ultimately likable despite his constant complaining. Ben, his best friend, provides the perfect counterpoint with his warm, friendly, and easygoing personality. Together they form a fun duo as they face the challenges of a toxic summer and some unexpected tentacled monsters.
With its neon colors and dynamic artwork reminiscent of the 90s, "Toxic Summer" is a delightful read. The fast-paced plot and humorous dialogue make it a perfect choice for some lighthearted summer entertainment. Overall, it's an enjoyable and easy read that's sure to keep you entertained.
Leo, the protagonist, is a bit of a drama queen, but ultimately likable despite his constant complaining. Ben, his best friend, provides the perfect counterpoint with his warm, friendly, and easygoing personality. Together they form a fun duo as they face the challenges of a toxic summer and some unexpected tentacled monsters.
With its neon colors and dynamic artwork reminiscent of the 90s, "Toxic Summer" is a delightful read. The fast-paced plot and humorous dialogue make it a perfect choice for some lighthearted summer entertainment. Overall, it's an enjoyable and easy read that's sure to keep you entertained.
December 6, 2024
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 its a Scooby-Doo Mystery for your 2025!
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 its a Scooby-Doo Mystery for your 2025!
January 18, 2025
Toxic Summer made me laugh from the very first pages.
Thank you #NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with an Advance copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
This book is a fun time - no really, they're here for a fun time. I cannot express enough how much this reminds me of the games Monster Prom and Monster Camp, or the table top role playing game Monster Hearts (lots of monsters going around). It's campy, it's gay, it's got the right amount of ridiculous circumstance and isn't afraid to make a buttplug joke when we're all staring it in the face.
If you want something fun and colorful that you can get through in one sitting, definitely give Toxic Summer a read. You won't regret it (that is unless you don't like fun).
Thank you #NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with an Advance copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
This book is a fun time - no really, they're here for a fun time. I cannot express enough how much this reminds me of the games Monster Prom and Monster Camp, or the table top role playing game Monster Hearts (lots of monsters going around). It's campy, it's gay, it's got the right amount of ridiculous circumstance and isn't afraid to make a buttplug joke when we're all staring it in the face.
If you want something fun and colorful that you can get through in one sitting, definitely give Toxic Summer a read. You won't regret it (that is unless you don't like fun).
April 17, 2025
Where the boys are . . .
That's where Ben and Leo are hoping to spend a swingin', romantic summer, surrounded by the hottest hunks and chillin' at the hippest parties. What they get, however, is an invasion of toxic sludge that seems to be turning all the residents into amber-eyed zombies.
This is a pretty, neon-colored (SO MUCH GREEN!) feast for the eyes, though the story itself seems done-to-death, and the problem is solved with virtually no effort on the part of our young hero dudes. If you're looking for a "beach read" graphic novel, though, this one is refreshing as lime JELL-O.
That's where Ben and Leo are hoping to spend a swingin', romantic summer, surrounded by the hottest hunks and chillin' at the hippest parties. What they get, however, is an invasion of toxic sludge that seems to be turning all the residents into amber-eyed zombies.
This is a pretty, neon-colored (SO MUCH GREEN!) feast for the eyes, though the story itself seems done-to-death, and the problem is solved with virtually no effort on the part of our young hero dudes. If you're looking for a "beach read" graphic novel, though, this one is refreshing as lime JELL-O.
December 9, 2024
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!
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!
January 2, 2025
I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for a review...
So this was a bit of fun! Two recent high school graduates get jobs as lifeguards in hope of having a fun summer where they will meet many boys. Instead they find a toxic waste closure and a strange mystery to solve. Oh, and maybe some monsters....
This book was a hoot! It's silly, funny, and fun. It's like a teen beack/monster movie in all of the best ways. The story wraps up a little quickly, and it's not the deepest book ever, but it is a great afternoon read!
So this was a bit of fun! Two recent high school graduates get jobs as lifeguards in hope of having a fun summer where they will meet many boys. Instead they find a toxic waste closure and a strange mystery to solve. Oh, and maybe some monsters....
This book was a hoot! It's silly, funny, and fun. It's like a teen beack/monster movie in all of the best ways. The story wraps up a little quickly, and it's not the deepest book ever, but it is a great afternoon read!
January 8, 2025
3.5 Stars
So cute. So fun.
This is a bright and colorful summer story of hijinks and hormones. We are following a best friend duo hell Bent on having the summer of their lives who find themselves tasked with cleaning up a toxic spill on a beach. Their sexy summer plans start reeking of rotting sea life and possessed towns people. The ending of this was pretty cheesy and this reads like a modern Scooby Doo but I think it was a really silly time.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
So cute. So fun.
This is a bright and colorful summer story of hijinks and hormones. We are following a best friend duo hell Bent on having the summer of their lives who find themselves tasked with cleaning up a toxic spill on a beach. Their sexy summer plans start reeking of rotting sea life and possessed towns people. The ending of this was pretty cheesy and this reads like a modern Scooby Doo but I think it was a really silly time.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
January 20, 2025
Toxic Summer is a fun comic book about two guys who just want to kick back and enjoy their summer. They get a job as a lifeguard, but upon arriving their first day they discover the beach is closed due to a toxic spill, and they'll be in charge of cleanup. Hijinks ensue as the boys try to make friends and come across what seems to be a person swimming in the toxic sludge. This was a highly entertaining and quick read. Thanks to Oni Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2025
It lives up to the description of slimy, spooky, and madcap
I loved the art style, it's so satisfying and smooth and beautiful. The colours are electric and pleased my tiny baby brain immensely. It was a funny, easy, light read, and I'd pick it up again if I were ever in a slump.
It isn't a perfect 5/5 because the story beats weren't adventurous, the plot itself didn't do anything new or interesting. It's a story you can really switch your brain off to, which has it's merits, but overall could have offered more depth.
Looking forward to reading more by this artist and author :)
I loved the art style, it's so satisfying and smooth and beautiful. The colours are electric and pleased my tiny baby brain immensely. It was a funny, easy, light read, and I'd pick it up again if I were ever in a slump.
It isn't a perfect 5/5 because the story beats weren't adventurous, the plot itself didn't do anything new or interesting. It's a story you can really switch your brain off to, which has it's merits, but overall could have offered more depth.
Looking forward to reading more by this artist and author :)
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December 28, 2024I recieved an ARC of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one was a really fun, colorful, quick read! Typical teenage summer story + some weird creatures to up the stakes. The characters served their purpose, the art style was very fitting for the story and there was just the right amount of text to get the story told. I would love to see a slice-of-life kind of story of what the rest of the summer looks like for the main characters.
This one was a really fun, colorful, quick read! Typical teenage summer story + some weird creatures to up the stakes. The characters served their purpose, the art style was very fitting for the story and there was just the right amount of text to get the story told. I would love to see a slice-of-life kind of story of what the rest of the summer looks like for the main characters.
March 6, 2025
***I received a free eARC of this book from Oni Press through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.***
*3.5 stars
A fun and romp through a Scooby-Doo like mystery following two gay teens who have just graduated high school who go to a beach town as lifeguards to scope out the "hunks." Feels very nostalgic and is a very quick and tidy sci-fi mystery. I think following these characters through more of these short bursts of hijinks could be a fun little series.
*3.5 stars
A fun and romp through a Scooby-Doo like mystery following two gay teens who have just graduated high school who go to a beach town as lifeguards to scope out the "hunks." Feels very nostalgic and is a very quick and tidy sci-fi mystery. I think following these characters through more of these short bursts of hijinks could be a fun little series.
March 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Toxic Summer is a fun and frothy comic, riffing on Scooby Doo monster vibes with a dash of amorous teenagers. Charm's art perfectly matches the vibe his writing evokes and the colouring in particular has a saturated eighties feel that pulls together the whole experience.
Not the most compelling read but a good time nonetheless.
Toxic Summer is a fun and frothy comic, riffing on Scooby Doo monster vibes with a dash of amorous teenagers. Charm's art perfectly matches the vibe his writing evokes and the colouring in particular has a saturated eighties feel that pulls together the whole experience.
Not the most compelling read but a good time nonetheless.
September 27, 2025
Lovecraftian horror meets buddy comedy. The humor was on point for me, and the eldritch beings are appropriately creepy. The ending is a touch on the neat and tidy side, but the rest of the book is so Scooby coded that anything else would have felt tonally dissonant. The main characters are both gay and it's, refreshingly, not an issue in the slightest. I would love to see a sequel with the same characters in a different setting.
December 20, 2024
A couple of boys want to go have a sexy summer on the beach, however, when they get there they are in for a slimy surprise. Instead of being lifeguards watching hot people on the beach, they get to clean up the beach that has been closed for the summer. There might even be a slimy mystery to solve.
February 7, 2025
Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and Oni Press for the gifted e-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.
This was so fun and entertaining. I loved that the two main characters are gay. This is very Archie style and so bright. I am obsessed with the look. I did want more at the end of it, but I highly recommend it.
This was so fun and entertaining. I loved that the two main characters are gay. This is very Archie style and so bright. I am obsessed with the look. I did want more at the end of it, but I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2025
Toxic Summer was a charming summer vacation about two gay teens.
This was super cute and reminded me of a lot of early aughts TV shows and movies. This could have been about Johnny Test and Scooby Doo and no one would have known the difference. This is a quick monster mania read to get you out of a slump.
This was super cute and reminded me of a lot of early aughts TV shows and movies. This could have been about Johnny Test and Scooby Doo and no one would have known the difference. This is a quick monster mania read to get you out of a slump.
March 12, 2025
First off, the neon colors and art style absolutely popped off the page and I loved it! Summer beach plans go awry when two young boys visit the town for the summer, hoping to find some cute boys, but find the beach closed due to a toxic spill and, unfortunately, monsters.
Faced paced, Scooby-Doo-esque, and comedic!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
Faced paced, Scooby-Doo-esque, and comedic!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
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