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Allergy arcade

  • Series
Two panels side-by-side from the comic series ‘Allergy Arcade’. Panel 1 shows you are playing a video game and are being asked to “CHOOSE YOUR ALLERGY”. Panel 2 has a big, red box saying “GAME OVER”.
Allergy Arcade. © Boe for Wellcome Collection.

Being allergic to a tonne of things is more exciting than you think. Danger lurks left, right and centre. Taking a light-hearted approach to their own suffering, Boe playfully illustrates the battles that come with having allergies and intolerances.

  • Comic

Down the toilet

Oh, look, it’s the consequences of my actions...

  • Comic

Nope

When the pollen game is strong, I am weak.

  • Comic

Winning

Because when my skin’s happy, I’m happy.

  • Comic

Gluten-free economy

Let’s face it, the gluten-free aisle sucks.

  • Comic

Last man standing

If only I had a penny for every speck of dust in my house.

  • Comic

Zoning

How can something so cute and fluffy make my body so red and rashy?

  • Comic

Overpowered

A daily task for you is a daily challenge for me.

  • Comic

Ragequit

The following comic may contain traces of nuts.

About the artist

A photo of Boe sitting outside on stairs, with graffiti in the background

Boe

(she/they)

Boe is a self-taught illustrator and tattoo artist based in London. Boe's aim is to normalise social and political discussions and make them accessible for all. And as a queer person, their identity is a central theme to their work. Boe also lives with a wide range of allergies which has had its challenges, and has resulted in a big bag of medicines and creams to get by.