Toxie and Me

In March, I shared with you why I had to leave LA twenty years ago. I didn't want to leave the conversation about my time in LA on such a negative note. Even though MANY bad things happened, there were some really good times. Becuase, at the end of the day, while SO many were taking advantage of me, there was one group of folks that did the exact opposite, and that was TROMA. 

Troma Entertainment and Llyod Kaufman brought us the likes of the Toxic Avenger, The Class of Nukem High, Sgt. Kabukiman, and many, many more. While based in New York, during my early days in LA, they had offices next door to us (which, thinking back, is crazy cool). I was hanging out with the Troma folks as much as those working at the shop. I worked on several Torma features, including The Toxic Avenger 4, and performed as the Toxic Avenger at events, conventions, and appearances. I worked on the 'official' appearances suit, which just so happened to have been made to my measurements and used my head cast. But it goes further.

When Toxie met Darth Vader!

Troma could have used and abused me all they wanted because I was apparently an easy mark when I was younger. My former employer was not the only one in my life to treat me so poorly; he was just one of the best at it. But Troma, they could have done nearly anything to me, but they didn't. They took the bold approach to be nice to me, to be my friends, and to include me in all of their fun. Sure, getting paid was a rarity, but that was a known reality. But they did all they could to compensate me for my time and energy. I was paid as a makeup effects artist on their projects, but when I was working as Toxie, I would receive lodging, food, transportation, all the DVDs I could carry, and more. At the end of the day, I have amazing photos and even better memories. They looked out for me. They included me. I felt seen, and I felt needed. These are all massive things for me and my happiness.

When Toxie met R2D2!

And that is Doug Sakmann as Sgt. Kabukiman - we lost you far too soon.

Every day I was hanging out with Troma was a day with a smile on my face. And I am serious. Sure, getting into the cold wet suit on the third day of the San Diego Comic Con wasn't the most pleasant moment, but I was the Toxic Avenger at the San Diego Comic Con. I had no reason to complain. Those days as Toxie are some of my most treasured memories of LA. Working E3, SDCC, Mega Con, Comic Shop appearance, and more were pure joy. I got to ride in limos, meet celebrities, eat at Llyod's brother's bakery in San Diego, go to release parties at strange and terrifying (in a good way) places, and BE the Toxic Avenger. Everyone knew me when I was Toxie. Men reverred me, and women adored me. It was a good time. And these are the times that I actually look back on and miss. These were the times I was happy.

When Toxie met Uncle Owen!

This is just my personal experience with a small number of humans that at one time worked for Troma, and this should not be taken as a blanket endorsement of everyone. I am sure they have jerks, too. But yeah, Troma was really good to me when I was out there, and for that, I will be forever grateful. And it is funny how much more I have been thinking about those times and those friends now that I have shared the bad time. The good times have flooded back in.

Remember, Toxie loves you!

That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com