Bad Idea’s ‘Banana Number One’ #1 First Look
by Olly MacNamee
You may remember Maurizio Cattelan’s world-famous modern artwork, The Comedian, which was first displayed at the Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. And, soon after that, eaten. And again in 2024. And now … stolen!
Well, it’s a coincidence, but a well-timed one, given Bad Idea has been previewing their new one-shot Banana Number One #1, which does actually come with a Fine Art Edition variant by cover artist Mike Allred that references this modern artwork. And I use that term very loosely when talking about this particular pomposity by Cattelan.
“The story follows a genetically mysterious, seven-foot-tall sentient banana — raised in secret, turned race car driver, turned sex symbol, turned global celebrity, and ultimately turned revolutionary icon, the aforementioned Banana Number One.”
Written by Joshua Dysart with art by Kevin Maguire, David Lapham, colours by Rico Renzi, this bizarre one-shot comes out on Wednesday, 15th July, with the Fine Art Edition variant coming with a certificate of authenticity, as only three exist! Meaning, it may not have the same $6.2 million valuation, but it will be highly desirable. One copy of the ultra-rare edition is only available to the first three comic book stores that commit to an order of 1000 copies of the book and will feature, according to the PR, an actual Cavendish banana attached and instructions on how to display it, as well as one (1) replacement banana.
