BaadFood #3, Review

BaadFood #3 was funded on Kickstarter in December, by creator Nic Ho Chee, for the conclusion to the BaadFood origin story. Hopefully, it won't be the last! The third issue of the series sees the after-effects of accepting an offer for a lifetime's supply of trainers creps. What could possibly go wrong?

Previously, we reviewed BaadFood #1 & #2, and it was an easy 5/5. Will BaadFood #3 follow suit?

The premise of BaadFood is two music-obsessed young adult humans, Roy and Kev, think that they've won a lifetime supply of trainers, which might take the edge off their mundane existence. Unfortunately for them, Machine Intelligences, ageing warsuits and Neu-Human extremists don't get along, and they're stuck in the middle of the conflict. It's a wild ride of pure sci-fi fun.

As usual, let's start with the art. Pietro Antognioni has a beautiful style and really gets to draw some crazy panels thanks to the story told. Right from the very first page (above) you get a nice feel of how the story will be throughout. Fun, engaging, wild and incredible to look at. The character designs are wonderful, which if you've read the previous issues, you already know. Facial expressions are well done and add to the humour of what's happening. It's all great stuff.

Thiago Ribeiro colours the issue and does good work, using darker colours for shading to add depth and volume to characters and panels. The added coloured details to some characters help elevate them further, complimenting the incredible artwork.

Ken Reynolds handles lettering and has two distinct styles throughout. The robots talk with a squared font which a few comics employ to signify robotic talking. It has some little noticeable differences with letters where sharp corners are flattened out, so you notice it more on A's, M's and N's. It works, and you can't help but add a robotic voiceover when reading it. Everyone else has a nice crisp font that is clean and easy to read which is exactly what you want.

As for the story, Nic Ho Chee has created something that's as strange as it is fantastic. From the previous issues, you'd think the trainers are a bit of a red herring, but the shoes really are important and central to the plot. Why? Who knows. But it's the kind of silly that allows for a lot of humour that ramps up the fun. We all have something important to us that others would think is strange. For some people it's shoes. Anyway, the whole issue feels like Chee had a ton of fun writing it and it translates onto the page. It's an insane story that just oozes entertainment. And with some genuinely funny moments with Roy and Kev, it's left me wanting to see more of them.

BaadFood #3 is something special. I know we're only less than a month into 2023, but this is my favourite comic this year. What a way to start 2023, showcasing how good UK indie comics can be. Great art, some hilarious moments and it's sci-fi fun. The issue reads and looks like everyone's having a blast. I'll happily reread this series and hope that there's more to come. If you're a sci-fi fan, love great art and a fun story, then you need to check out BaadFood.

Rating: 5/5

Nic Ho Chee (w), Pietro Antognioni (a), Thiago Robeiro (c), Ken Reynolds (l) - Bedtime Comics