Cape native creates walk-through comic book for ark attraction

A comic book artist and illustrator who spent his early years in Cape Girardeau knows how to graphically tell stories.

But his latest venture is huge: a full-scale, walk-through, Christian comic book on a massive Noah's ark attraction.

Colin Dyer

Colin Dyer said the exhibit, which includes large video screens, is scheduled to open in September at the ark attraction in Williamstown, Kentucky. The 510-foot-long, $100 million ark opened last week.

"It has been totally unique," said Dyer, who added his past experience has been with mainstream comic books.

Colin Dyer

"It is exciting," he said of his work on the ark exhibit. "I feel as a Christian, I want to use my specific talent for the Lord."

The exhibit tells the story of three college students in their journey to learn about Christ.

"I think it is pretty cool," he said.

Dyer said college students often feel lost spiritually.

"College is a critical time for young adults," he said.

In addition to the illustrations, Dyer said he helped script and format the exhibit.

Visitors take a selfie as a replica Noah's Ark stands in the distance at the Ark Encounter theme park during a media preview day July 5.John Minchillo ~ Associated Press

"The beauty of comics is that you can tell your story through words and pictures," said Dyer, who lives in Cincinnati, about an hour's drive from the ark.

Dyer and his family moved to Cincinnati when he was 5. But he has fond memories of Cape Girardeau. He said he has returned to Cape Girardeau many times to visit his grandmother, former Southeast Missouri State University alumni director Jane Stacy.

Stacy recalled her grandson loved drawing pictures at an earlier age.

"He took a pen, and he would draw on the toilet paper. He drew constantly," she said.

Stacy said she plans to visit the ark and see her grandson's handiwork.

"He has a lot of talent," she said.

The ark has drawn widespread media attention.

Answers in Genesis, a Christian ministry, built the largely timber-structured ark and claims the ark is based on dimensions mentioned in the Bible. Inside are museum-quality displays of Noah's family, along with rows of cages containing animal replicas, including dinosaurs.

Dyer was hired in November to help put the finishing touches on the ark. Those who worked on the project had to be avowed Christians and active in their church, he said.

Dyer said he helped with the creation of some of the dioramas for the ark.

"I worked with a bunch of Christian artists," he said.

One female figure in a diorama needed tattoos, he recalled. Because he was experienced in inking illustrations for comic books, Dyer said he was assigned the task of putting tattoos on the figure.

Finishing touches still were being put on various exhibits shortly before the ark opened to the public.

"Everybody was still working like mad," he said.

While the ark project has been a great experience, Dyer said he plans to return to more conventional creations. He is working on new comic books.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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