Artists Alley

The Cape Comic Con provides a venue for local and regional artists to present their original works, most of which are self-published, as they work to gain notice and break into the business. Artists participating in this year's Comic Con include:n Doug Baltz, formerly of Cape Girardeau and now living in Paducah, Ky. Baltz has three graphic novels -- "Epitaph", "Vengence" and "Beware the Nephilim" -- as well as other artwork. Website: www.artworkofdougbaltz.com.

* Steve Higgins, a Southeast Missouri State University graduate currently living in St. Louis, offers three graphic short stories under the "Myriad" title. Website: www.vacuumboy9.com

* Matheus Wade and Kevin Williams of Memphis, Tenn., have widely different offerings. Wad is author of "Jetta, Tales of the Toshigawa" about a post-apocalyptic Ninja warrior. Williams is author of "Muley the Mule" adventures, a humorous comic. Websites: Toshigawa.com and www.muleythemule.com.

* Lin Workman of Memphis offers "Bushi Tales," three stories of four samurai girls who seek the Japanese god of war. Website: www.bushitales.com

* Brian Rhodes of Cape Girardeau is featuring his first self-published comic, "Mike and the Ninja," a comedy action adventure. Website: www.mikeandtheninja.com

* D.L. Moore of Lebanon, Mo., has two superhero/fantasy novels, Night of the Dragon and Night of the Dragon II: Broken Dreams. Website: dragonleaves.synthasite.com.

* Nathan Bonner of Energy, Ill., offers "InDavo," a space adventure comic. Website: indavo.comicgenesis.com.

* Jon Klement and Mike Cole offer "Smerd," a series of superhero adventures set in St. Louis. Website: smerdiverse.com

* Molly Harper of Paducah, Ky., presents the first of her three vampire novels, "Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs." Website: www.mollyharper.com