New Delhi, July 14 -- Lovers of India's iconic comic book series, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), may be surprised by the protagonist in the new title launching next month-Bengaluru-based aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Known for bringing gods, kings and national icons to life, ACK has been commissioned by HAL to tell its story- HAL: The Force Behind the Forces, as part of a larger outreach, people familiar with the matter said. "Generations of Indians grew up on ACK comics, which still have a cult base. HAL is India's aviation story, and hopefully it will now reach and guide a new generation of readers," said one of the persons cited above. The comic book chronicles the full arc of HAL's 86-year journey and its pivotal role in shaping Indian aviation, from assembling its first aircraft, the American Harlow PC-5A, to developing the first indigenous fighter, the HF-24 Marut, and manufacturing aircraft such as the MiG-21 and Sukhoi-30 in India. The cover showcases crisp illustrations of HAL's Prachand light combat helicopter (LCH), HTT-40 trainer, Dhruv advanced light helicopter, and Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA)-key platforms explored in detail in the comic. Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore, also features on the cover for his role in HAL's founding-he donated 700 acres of prime land and invested Rs.25 lakh in industrialist Walchand Hirachand's vision to establish an aircraft company, at a time when other princely states had declined to support the proposal. The comic opens with the students of Vidyabhavan School, including Ananya, Rohan and Mansi, visiting the HAL Museum in Bengaluru. The guide, "Mr Rao," takes the curious children on a journey through HAL's history, achievements and legacy. "He (Walchand Hirachand) dared to dream of an aircraft factory in India when we didn't even have a bicycle factory," the bespectacled Rao tells them at the start of the museum tour. He also introduces the students to American businessman William Pawley, who Hirachand met on a trans-continental flight and who later helped set up HAL. The comic traces HAL's evolution, from trainers and observation aircraft to fighter jets....