THE sequel to best-selling children's book 'Steve the Dog & The Winged Tiger' is taking off in Singapore.
The Winged Tiger in Singapore was launched at the Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention on Friday, and is a collaboration between US-based Phil Yeh, known as the 'Godfather of the graphic novel', and Singaporean cartoonist and art teacher He Shuxin.
The idea for The Winged Tiger in Singapore came about when Mr Yeh was invited to paint a mural at Scape in February. After he showed an advance copy of Steve the Dog & The Winged Tiger, then-director of Scape Andrew Wong asked Mr Yeh to create a sequel set in Singapore.
Phil Yeh (left) and He Shuxin holding a copy of The Winged Tiger In Singapore. -- PHOTO COURTESY OF PHIL YEH AND HE SHUXIN
The book features Mr He's character Rocket the dog, who is a television and videogame-loving 'couch potato'. He is introduced to the Winged Tiger, one of Mr Yeh's characters, who brings him to landmarks such as the Singapore Zoo and the Singapore Art Museum to show him that the world outside has more to offer.
A recent survey by the Ministry of Education and the Media Development Authority found that up to 9 per cent of young people in Singapore were addicted to gaming, with some playing up to 37.5 hours in a week.
Mr Yeh, whose career in graphic novels began in 1977, said the series was aimed at encouraging children to get reintroduced to the joy of reading books and exploring things that enrich their lives, and addressing 'universal problems' such as obesity and social isolation brought on by a growing attachment to technology.
"I have always believed the graphic novel is the best way to communicate storytelling to a visual generation that watches television and movies," he said. "It's a universal problem with a universal solution, which is as simple as going outside. I'm not saying you can't use technology, but I am saying it shouldn't be abused."
The Winged Tiger in Singapore has a limited run of 1,000 copies and costs $25. The Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention runs from Friday Dec 10 to Sunday, Dec 12.