Toxic Avenger #9

The "Special Stupid Fresh Rap Issue!" banner sets the tone perfectly for this gloriously goofy December 1991 entry in Marvel's Toxic Avenger series. The cover — penciled by Rodney Ramos and inked by Jimmy Palmiotti — puts Toxie front and center in full hip-hop regalia: a clock medallion, a "Jersey" beanie, and a mop held like a mic stand, declaring "Word to Your Mother!" while a blonde woman urges him to "Play That Funky Music, Green Boy!" and a crowd of alien-looking fans chime in with "Word Up!" and "Yo!" A delightfully absurd scene that promises writer Doug Moench and artist Rodney Ramos are leaning all the way into the era's culture with zero apologies.