"The decisive moment": comic strip "The drop" lands in schools
The third issue focuses on water in both its most common and extreme forms: floods and droughts
La goccia - The drop, is the third issue of the comic book series "L'attimo decisivo - The decisive moment", and it is now available in all secondary schools across Italy. The project aims to raise awareness among young people about risks and to encourage preventive actions. The story continues with the adventures of Carlo, Katja, Paolo, and Samira, four teenagers who challenge the power of the Equation—a seemingly invincible enemy that represents both natural and human-made risks.
The theme of this issue is water in both its most common and extreme forms: from excess water causing heavy rain and floods to drought, which leads to water crises. To illustrate this duality, the comic has been designed as a flip book, featuring two covers and two separate stories. Although the stories start as distinct events, they ultimately converge in the middle. The goal is to demonstrate how seemingly opposite and unrelated scenarios can actually be viewed as two sides of the same issue. In both cases, we can address the problem by recognizing the risks involved and making informed choices.
Nearly two million copies of the comic book were distributed in schools on October 13, a date selected by the United Nations to promote the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. This symbolic day highlights the importance of prevention, awareness, and shared responsibility.
In addition to targeting schools, the project aims to reach a broader audience through participation in comic book fairs and events. From October 2 to 5, it was a key feature at Romics, the International Festival of Comics, Animation, Cinema, and Games, coinciding with National Civil Protection Week. From October 29 to November 2, the third issue will be officially presented during Lucca Comics & Games.
“The decisive moment” is produced by the Civil Protection Department, with the contribution of communication and storytelling experts. The project is promoted by the Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Merit.