The Astarons: game-changing twist on blockbusters

Astarons media release Thursday 10 September

Embargo Monday 14 September

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A game-changing twist on blockbuster entertainment

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The next generation of super heroes will hit major retailers in just over a week throughout New Zealand. The Astarons: Cosmic Guardians volume one, created by Gilda Kirkpatrick will hit shelves Monday 21 September.

Through a series of illustrated sci-fi comic style books, eight super heroes take readers on an enthralling journey throughout our solar system, exploring our galaxy and further galaxies to the edge of the universe.

“With two children of my own and young nephews, I’ve had a fascination with how the next generation of children consume information and how they inevitably learn” says Gilda. “From Transformers to the Avengers, through to any one of the blockbuster franchises, kids become obsessed with the characters and the storylines to the point they can recite characters, their powers, dialogues or anything about them at the blink of an eye. The information is stored in their impressionable brains permanently.

However, beyond stretching their imagination, it’s not teaching them scientific and useful information. They’re not gathering information that can be factual and useful to them longer term. As a mother of two I wanted to change that."

Throughout the Astarons adventures readers discover the solar system and gain a basic understanding of what our amazing universe is all about. In order to save the solar system from mass destruction, the Astarons are united together to overcome every day struggles in outer space. Each character is derived from one of the eight major planets and their powers and physical appearance represent the complicated fabric of each planet. As the story progresses, readers are introduced to additional characters and information such as dwarf planets, asteroids, supernovas, galaxies, black holes and many more interesting facts about astrophysics at a basic level. The Astarons series is supported by a website that gives further scientific and entertaining information about every topic discussed in the book. It’s a great way to ensure that readers gain all the knowledge they require to further their understanding and interest.

“My vision has always been to make education entertaining. I’m sure other parents will understand what I’m trying to achieve with this project,” says Gilda.

Early into the creative development process, Gilda built a best-in-breed team of specialists to help bring her vision to life. She’s been working closely with a team of specialists from the Department of Astrophysics at The University of Auckland.

Dr. John Eldridge, specialises in stars, supernovae and galaxies. Dr. Nicholas Rattenbury, specialises in extra-solar planets. Gilda felt it was critical to work with the senior astrophysicists to ensure the characters, storylines and dialogue was scientifically accurate. Rounding out the team was award winning illustrator Myles Lawford and 3D specialist Gareth Jensen.

"I remember reading Gilda’s original email enquiring about getting scientific advice for an educational fiction project concerning space and the solar system. For someone who has always loved science fiction this was almost a dream come true.

One of the driving forces behind me becoming a scientist and astrophysicist is watching a large amount of Star Trek, Doctor Who and Star Wars as well as reading science-fiction novels at the expense of all other books. From our first meeting and look at the character concepts it was clear that Gilda had an amazing idea with limitless potential” says Dr. John Eldridge.

“Our view on the entire project has been that if we can get kids excited about science because of the Astarons then it will be a success. Although it might be a few years before students tell us that they decided to become a scientist or engineer because of reading these comics” says Dr. John Eldridge.

The mother of two has bachelor of Architecture from Unitec and owns a successful creative & advertising agency in the heart of Britomart called Rascals. After years of creating high-profile campaigns for her client’s, Gilda wanted to forge her own creative path and bring her passion and interest to life by entering the world of writing and publishing.

“It’s a rich storyline about teamwork, friendship and discovery, riddled with interesting scientific facts and will hopefully find a place in the hearts and minds of children. I’m excited to see how far a small team of New Zealanders with a dream can take this project. “ The Astarons: Cosmic Guardians volume one hits shelves Monday 21 September at all good retailers throughout New Zealand

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