“Every day you see heroes, and you don’t know they’re members of LGBTQ pala, ‘di ba?” said author Real Florido, whose groundbreaking comic series Badingger-Z and the Accla Assassin made a triumphant return with Chapter 2 as they launched at PICOF (Philippine International Comics Festival) last July 5 and 6 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2, Booth #D2. Attendees met the author behind the series and snagged exclusive merch and signed copies.
Photo: CreaZion Studios
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 explained. “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.
Bringing Kavogue Power to PICOF 2025
Badingger-Z and the Accla Assassin didn’t just show up at the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) last July 6 and 7—they arrived, they slayed, they served! Periodt.
At the booth, fans flocked to meet Real Florido, creator and author, who served signed copies, posed for pak na pak photos, and unveiled exclusive merch that screamed loud, proud, and unapologetically queer.
Throughout the weekend, the booth drew a mix of longtime readers and first-time fans—plus some star power. Among the personalities who stopped by to show their support were Hollywood Actress Dolly de Leon, Divine Aucina, Karlo Carranza, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Aaron Maniego, Jamie Casiño, and film director Fifth Solomon.
A highlight of the event was the Accla Pasabog Reading, a live table-read performance of Chapters 1 and 2 on the PICOF stage. Actors Divine Aucina, Aaron Maniego, and Karlo Carranza brought Ading’s origin story to life—tracing his journey from a timid teen fleeing military school to embracing his destiny as the rainbow-caped superhero Badingger-Z. The new release introduces the Cyrborgas, the abducted gaymen who came back as destructive cyborgs and the mysterious gorgeous femme fatal hovering above the town. Rich with commentaries on acceptance and friendship, Badingger-Z Chapter 2 promises new kabogera revelations and scene-stealing action moments!
The comic, which first debuted at KOMIKET 2024, continues to make waves for its unapologetic celebration of queer identity. It redefines what it means to be a Filipino hero in comics, challenging the outdated trope of LGBTQ+ characters as sidekicks or comic relief. With heart, humor, and high-flying action, this series makes it clear: queer stories belong at the center stage.
Follow @badinggerz on Instagram and Facebook for updates, sneak peeks, and more kavogue content.
