Zapping Zombies
Zombies are running loose in Butler.
No, sleepy-eyed residents aren't just called that because of restless nights.
Instead, many Butler residents serve as inspiration for local comic book artist Jeff Salisbury, who incorporates their traits into the flesh-eating monsters he draws.
Salisbury, 31, of Butler Township illustrates "Gory Lori," a series published by Chanting Monks Studios in New York.
To create characters, Salisbury observes customers walking in local stores, waiting for just the right look to capture in his memory.
"I'll think, 'That person would make a great zombie.' They usually have a sleepy look,"he said.
People wearing funny T-shirts also become targets for decrepit depictions.
Of course, family and friends also are inspiration for characters.
Salisbury's girlfriend, Jess Roman, is no exception. Roman, 25, a Knoch High School graduate who now lives in Pittsburgh, is the basis for the book's zombie-killing protagonist, Lori.
"It's kind of flattering," she said. "I'm forever immortalized as a comic book character."
Salisbury started working up character designs for the book before dating Roman. Initially, Roman didn't realize she was serving as an artist's muse.
However, mutual acquaintances would see the resemblance.
"Most people would say, 'Is that Jess?'" she said.
The roots of Salisbury's current art job extend back to his teenage years.
"All I drew were girls and zombies," he said.
Now he gets paid to do it.
Salisbury describes the comic book as "Tomb Raider meets Day of the Dead."Naturally, the graphic nature of the subject matter relegates the title to an adult market, which is not detrimental to sales considering the average comic book buyer is a young adult.Although Salisbury illustrates "Gory Lori," the series is written by Joseph Monks of Miami, who is blind."He just has the most visual memory," Salisbury said about Monks. "The irony is he'll never see the finished product."As if being a blind writer was not enough of an achievement, Monks also is an independent movie director. With such ties to other media, "Gory Lori" has an opportunity to expand into movies, video games and toys, Salisbury said.While Roman has no problem with her boyfriend being a comic book artist, his parents, Roy and Dianna, aren't too keen on the idea."They're still not too sure," their son said.While enjoying his work as a comic book artist, Salisbury plies his trade in other commercial venues, including murals, to supplement his income. Even his more traditional job requires a brush: He's a house painter.In addition to independent companies, Salisbury also has done some work for Marvel.Salisbury has some words of advice for aspiring comic book artists. He recommends drawing every day. "If you love it and dream about doing it, shut yourself in a room and do it."As for those unsuspecting souls who might pass Salisbury, be forewarned: You could be the next person to turn into a walking corpse in the pages of "Gory Lori."
