By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net
“TRON,” the country’s first official science mascot will be showcased in a series of comic books that aims to promote science and technology learning among students in the Philippines.
Tron was the creation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and made his first appearance during the National Science and Technology Week in July this year.
The comic book series is scheduled to be launched in January 2008, in time for the preparations for the DOST’s 50th anniversary. It is expected to be distributed in all public and private elementary schools nationwide.
DOST signed up with publishing firm Mango Comics to create Tron’s comic book adventures.
In an interview, Philippine Council for Health and Research Development Executive Director Jaime Montoya said the DOST and Mango Comics are in the process of building the storyboard for Tron’s comic book adventures, which will center on science education, as well as the size of the comic book.
“The stories should bring out the best characteristics of Tron and kids should be able to empathize with him in the long run,” Montoya said.
Montoya noted that the contents of the comics will be strictly monitored by the DOST and the Department of Education for factual accuracy.
Montoya explained that comics is one of the most effective media for conveying concepts especially in science since it attracts the attention of children, is easily accessible and can be used all over again.
Tron is mainly an android with human-like emotions. Montoya said the comic book will reveal his powers but basically, he has superhuman strength, the ability to fly (as stated in a short preview comic strip) and has the brain power of the world’s greatest minds, notably Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei, among others.
The concept of Tron is aimed at creating a culture of science among schoolchildren.
