“Every day you see heroes, and you don’t know they’re members of LGBTQ pala, ‘di ba?” says author Real Florido, whose groundbreaking comic series Badingger-Z and the Accla Assassin makes a triumphant return with Chapter 2, launching at PICOF (Philippine International Comics Festival) this July 5–6 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2, Booth #D2. Attendees can meet the author behind the series and snag exclusive merch and signed copies.
Following its KOMIKET 2024 debut, Badingger-Z and the Accla Assassin continues to push boundaries in Filipino comics. The series follows Ading, a timid gay teen who flees military school and discovers his destiny as the rainbow-caped superhero Badingger-Z. Just as he embraces his powers, queer men in town begin vanishing—only to return as soulless, weaponized cyborgs.
In Chapter 2, Ading leaves home after a painful clash with his adoptive father and finds comfort in his “boy friend,” Jon-Jon. But as acclas continue to mysteriously go missing, only the queer community grows uneasy—while everyone else in town turns a blind eye. When Ading confides in his best friend Myla about a strange dream, he unexpectedly transforms into Badingger-Z. Still unsure about embracing his powers, he’s suddenly thrust into action when someone he loves is caught in danger.
The series challenges the tired trope of queer characters as comic relief or sidekicks. “That’s a prevalent issue among young members of the LGBTQ community,” Florido explains. “That they’re being seen, being heard—especially now in mainstream media, where LGBTQ+ members are still often portrayed as sidekicks.”
With heart, humor, and heroism, Badingger-Z and the Accla Assassin delivers an electrifying blend of social commentary and pop fantasy. And with every rainbow surf he makes through the sky, this kavogue superhero proves that queer stories deserve the center stage.
Follow @badinggerz on Instagram and Facebook for updates, sneak peeks, and more kavogue content.
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