Continuing my sampling of British comic books, I picked up a copy of Toxic #143 (July 8-July 21, 2009). It’s another in a series of comic books disguised as a magazine, or is it a magazine disguised as a comic book? Either way, the editors at Toxic – and the publishers at Egmont - know their intended audience: the front cover boasts Ice Age 3 tie-ins, a Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen game guide, Lego Indy, and a Team Toxic comic. Plus, there’s a “Toxic Iceman” skeleton mold and ice pick in a blister pack that’s taped to the front cover. You can freeze him and then chip him out of the ice just like a real, well, a real guy who chips skeletons out of the ice.

There’s also an insert section of Ice Age 3 Battle Cards (on thicker stock) and directions on how to play the game. Inside are the usual magazine elements: photo features, pin-ups, games, puzzles, etc. Some of them tie-in to Ice Age 3, others into The Terminator, Transformers and Lego Indy. There’s a funny 2-page Team Toxic adventure where the gang takes on a Woolly Mammoth. It’s written and drawn by the great Lew Stringer. Jamie Smart contributes a poo-filled 1-pager featuring Super Von Poo and his sidekick Battleturd, and a silly Robin Hoodie 1-pager that’s uncredited.

For £2.50 (which works out to about $4.50US) it’s not a bad little package of silly stuff for the 7 or 8-year-old around the house. The layout is busy and every page is packed and it felt like money well-spent. Perhaps this is my gateway comic to Judge Dredd.

[Artwork: Cover to Toxic #143, ©Egmont Magazines UK]