Prawdziwa historia Syzyfa is a retelling of the classical story of Sisyphus. This time we accompany the main character on his way to conquer a new world of economics. Sisyphus-economist is presented as the best in his job – so good that even gods use his services in exchange for the benefits of the Olympian Bank Credit System and, not less useful, social gossips. Unfortunately, Sisyphus was not the best secret keeper – so the gods punished him with death. Again, regrettably, Sisyphus has a rule - no obols in his mouth. He hoped that he could pay Charon with a credit card. But the Underworld Cash System is obsolete, and Charon knows this, and he even sent a complaint about it to the gods. He allows Sisyphus to go back to the living world to gather the cash needed for transportation. Of course, Sisyphus uses this opportunity not to come back at all. In the meantime, Charon's economic reform succeeds, and he is ready to take credit cards from his clients. Sisyphus is eventually forced to come back to Hades, and this time he can pay with Pay Pass. The end of the story does not change - the stone still awaits our hero.

Because of the specific combination of picture and text, comics seem to be one of the most attractive mediums for children. Cedric Cullinford states that: "Comics do not make any demands […]" (Cullinford, 1977: 40) – especially on children. He adds: "Children are more likely to learn to ignore the printed word by scanning a comic than to learn to copy the bizarre events of the story" (Cullinford, 1977: 40). Maybe that is why the National Bank of Poland decided on this medium in the contest to promote non-cash trading in the Polish society – starting with children. 

The winners of this competition, Mazur and Odya, show that even the old stories, like myths, can serve as examples for explaining or reintroducing modern topics to young people. What is more, even a dark myth, such as the one about Sisyphus, can be told amusingly, which might be more accessible to children. The style of illustrations and the particular atmosphere of the story has been preserved. Characters remind them of those painted on the antique vases, and the main motivation of gods and heroes have not really changed. What is definitely new is the language – adapted for modern times – and certain artefacts (like a credit card reader). This kind of postmodern mix shows young readers the continuing topicality of "old" problems and the "utility" of myths as such. Most young Polish readers can easily relate to the story since they know the "original" one taught at school. But thanks to the comic book, with its illustrations, plot dynamic, and humour, this particular myth may seem more attractive to them and be relevant to the child of the 21st century, not only in Poland.

Cullingford, Cedric, "Comics and children", Education 3–13. International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education 5/1 (1977). 

Surbeck, Elizabeth, Comics for Children?, Honors Theses, Eastern Illinois University Publication "The Keep," 2012.

Prawdziwa historia Syzyfa was created for the Truths and Myths about Non-Cash Trading. The International Contest of Comic Books and Games in 2013, organized in Łódź, Poland. It won the Grand Prix and the reward of 15 000 PLN. The contest was organized jointly with Narodowy Bank Polski [National Bank of Poland] as an economics education program.