BUTLER TOWNSHIP — Heidi Boyce, 14, of Butler Township has a dream of someday moving to Japan to pursue a career as a comic book artist.

A ninth grade student at Portersville Christian Academy, Boyce has already completed the first edition of her 24-page original comic book, "Chaotic Charms".

In September, Boyce participated in her first big art show at the Associated Artists of Butler County Art Center in Butler.

She was given the mezzanine level of the AABC building to display several of her pieces including paintings, pottery, clay sculptures and the "Chaotic Charms" story boards.

"Heidi also designed 'Chaotic Charms' T-shirts that she sold at the show along with the actual book," said Kim.

"Chaotic Charms" is an anime style comic about a teenage girl who shares Heidi's name as well as her passion for drawing.

In the story, one of Heidi's drawings, a horse named Eternia, comes to life and jumps off the sheet of paper into the real world.

Heidi and Eternia become quick friends and begin to unravel the mystery of Heidi's missing parents as they face foes from out of this world.

"Heidi had dozens of ideas from brainstorming, so I helped her to pull the ideas that worked together and the story just kind of emerged," said Heidi's mentor, Mike Rehm of Butler. "She's a clever kid. I just pointed her in the right direction."

Work on the comic took Heidi about a year and a half to complete.

The comic was self-published and was funded by Heidi's family.

"We had them made by First Impressions in Butler and it cost only $120 to make 100 copies," said Heidi's mother, Kim.

At Portersville Christian, Heidi participates in art club and she has worked on three murals in the Butler area.

"Heidi has worked on murals at AmeriCorps, the Butler Public Library and Bon Aire Children," Kim said. "She has accumulated 80 hours of community service work so far."

"There are lots of hidden images to look for in the mural at the library," said Heidi.

When Heidi isn't drawing or busy with schoolwork, she also enjoys playing the piano, participating with the youth group at her church, Westminster Presbyterian, and teaching herself how to speak Japanese.Heidi explained that one of her influences is the comic book and television cartoon, "Full Metal Alchemist.""I like how it's drawn mostly, but the story is good too," said Heidi.On Nov. 19 Heidi will be in attendance at the Butler Public Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a book signing during the library's puzzle and game day."Heidi will have prints, comic books and t-shirts on sale at the book signing," said Kim."Chaotic Charms" is also available for purchase at New Dimension Comics in the Clearview Mall and Jeron's Interior Motivations.