Growing up as a queer individual, I rarely saw LGBTQIA+ representation in television, film, or mainstream media, as queer characters were often relegated to background roles, which, more often than not, would be the quirky sidekick who provided comic relief. I say, it is high time for a queer protagonist to step out of the periphery and take the lead! The comic book Badingger-Z is a meaningful — but long-overdue — contribution to modern storytelling.
Created by award-winning director Real S. Florido of CreaZion Studios, popularly known for directing films such as Everything About My Wife and Will You Be My Ex? as well as episodes on TV shows like Dear Uge and Magpakailanman, this project marks his transition from screen to print as he brings his narrative expertise to the world of comic books.
Badingger-Z follows Ading, a young gay man who fled his hometown to escape the bullying he endured in military school.
Ading’s world changes when he ventures into the forbidden woods and discovers a power-granting particle that transforms him into Badingger-Z, a rainbow-surfing superhuman whose flamboyant and unapologetic nature initially makes Ading hesitant to embrace his new destiny.
However, when the deadly Accla Assassin and the Cybogras attack his community, Ading is forced to overcome his reservations and use his extraordinary powers to save the day.
Something personal
In an exclusive interview with adobo Magazine, Real revealed that the story of Badingger-Z hits close to home. While the narrative is largely fictional, it draws from his personal experiences and the challenges he faced growing up.
“Growing up queer, there was a long period where I was trying to navigate my identity while feeling like I didn’t quite fit the version of ‘gay’ that society seemed to expect. The story is rooted in that experience as a young, timid, closeted character who’s afraid to fully embrace who he is because he doesn’t fit into the mold,” Real said.
Real admitted that the narrative extends beyond his own personal history, reflecting the broader reality he witnessed growing up in the Philippines, where queer individuals are often embraced by the media only when serving as a source of entertainment.
“That tension between visibility and vulnerability, acceptance and rejection, this became the emotional core of the narrative. A lot of the moments in the story, especially in the newer chapter, come from that very real friction that many in the community continue to experience,” he explained.
Grounded in reality
Real clarified that the characters aren’t direct portrayals of specific individuals, but are shaped by “real-life behaviors and patterns”— something he made sure readers would recognize, especially in how the antagonist operates.
On the other hand, the Accla Assassin and the Cybogras serve as metaphors for homophobia, representing the systemic prejudice and hostility many queer individuals encounter.
“While it’s a fictional world, the emotions, the conflict, and even the dynamics between characters are grounded in reality. That’s what makes the story feel personal, but also, I hope, familiar to a lot of readers,” he explained.
Flipping the narrative
In this story, Real consciously flips the script on LGBTQIA+ tropes, rejecting the idea that queer characters are limited to sidekick roles or reduced to the butt of the joke.
He made a deliberate choice to weave Ading’s queerness into his very core rather than treating it as a trait that requires explanation, allowing the protagonist to navigate the world and solve problems through the lens of his unique identity.
By moving beyond surface-level representation, Real proves that Ading’s identity is not just a relatable characteristic, but the ultimate source of his strength.
“The resilience, the creativity, the way he navigates spaces that are not always safe for him, those are things that make him a hero.”
Every visual should feel intentional
Real emphasizes that reclaiming visual spaces within the superhero genre was a collective effort, as he considers his collaborators integral to the process.
He takes immense pride in working with talented Filipino illustrators Alfred Ismael “Edoy” Galaroza, Rhenel Serencio, and Trebor Guererro on Badingger-Z, noting the importance of partnering with creators who truly understand the core narrative they are presenting to the world.
Rather than simply drawing a superhero, the goal was to capture the specific nuances of the queer experience, and Real ensured he was aligned with the artists from the start so that every visual choice felt intentional.
“In a way, reclaiming that space comes from showing that queer stories can exist fully in this genre, with depth, power, and authenticity. It’s about creating something that feels true, not just visible,” he said.
Sharing queer stories moving forward
The story of Badingger-Z is only the beginning, as Real noted that future chapters of the comic book will dive deeper into the expansive universe and the complexities of its characters.
Beyond the narrative itself, Real hopes to push the boundaries of representation, emphasizing that stories about LGBTQIA+ individuals do not need to conform to traditional expectations because they can exist in any genre, in any form, and still truly be themselves.
He believes countless voices are waiting for the right platform, and if this comic book can help open that door for others, it would be a significant achievement for him.
“More than anything, I want it to contribute to a kind of representation that feels lived in and honest. Not just visible, but real.”
Badingger-Z represents more than just a new entry into the superhero genre, as it serves as a long-overdue reclamation of narrative space, sending a compelling message: queerness is never a subplot but a superpower in its own right.
By centering on a story built on authenticity, Real and his team have created a vital mirror for those who have spent a lifetime looking for themselves in the background of someone else’s journey.
As the universe of Badingger-Z continues to expand, it resonates both with the creative industry and the community, dispelling the notion that being too loud or too flamboyant is a barrier to heroism.
In this comic book, being oneself becomes an ultimate act of heroism, serving as inspiration for the next generation of queer readers. They no longer have to look to the margins to find a lead they can call their own.
The first three chapters of Badingger-Z are currently available for purchase on Shopee and Lazada. The story continues to unfold this year, with the fourth chapter set to make its debut at the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) on July 10–12.
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