COMICS WARLOCKS

There’s something weird in the water, and it’s not just the hot guys…

Toxic Summer
Publisher: Oni Press
Writer & Artist: Derek Charm
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Release date: May 2024 – September 2024

Toxic Summer is both written and illustrated by Derek Charm, and honestly, he nails it. You might recognize his style from his work on Jughead or Squirrel Girl. His art is super expressive, full of personality, and perfect for this mix of queer teen summer comedy and creature feature horror. The vibe he creates is really specific: warm and colorful but always a little off, like something is about to go very wrong. And it does.

Let’s talk about the story. Ben and Leo just graduated high school and are ready for the best summer ever. They’re heading to Port Dorian to be lifeguards, chill on the beach, and hopefully flirt with some cute guys. But their dream vacation hits a weird turn when a toxic spill ruins the beach and starts mutating the local wildlife. First there are fish corpses. Then there’s a creepy guy with glowing eyes. And yet somehow, they’re still cracking jokes, going to beach parties, and trying to make the most of it…

This was so fresh and so much fun. From the first issue, I was hooked by the energy. It’s gay, it’s gross, it’s ridiculous in the best way. The characters are super likable. Ben and Leo have great chemistry and even when things get bloody, they never lose their charm. The jokes are genuinely funny too. There’s a moment where they show up to a beach party empty-handed and just say “we brought our winning personalities.” That’s the tone, and that alone made me laugh.

We first heard about this comic on TikTok thanks to speckofcomics, and honestly I’m so glad we picked it up. It’s only three issues, but it leaves a strong impression. The pacing is tight and the summer vibe never lets up.

If you like your horror gooey, your comics hilarious, and your beach reads a little freaky, Toxic Summer is exactly what you need. The trade paperback was out earlier this year, so go for it!