POCATELLO — Coming to the Internet comic book universe in 2015: “The Hand of Death.”

It’s the brain-child of resident artist Brian Chapman, who plans to sketch the comic book and provide it free on the Web.

“It will be free online because nobody will buy a comic book that nobody knows about,” he said. “The theory behind that is to gain a fan base until you have a big fan base at 1,500 to 2,000 who will follow your comic book weekly. It does eventually translate into money and a following.”

It’s Chapman’s hope that once his comic book gains a large readership base, fans will buy whatever else he publishes.

“Once you’ve got people following you, regardless of what you do, they’ll buy,” he said. “You compile your comic book into a graphic novel and sell the whole series.”

Chapman was one of the many artists displaying his talent during the Old Town Friday Art Walk held earlier this month. There he featured etchings that included everything from “Hot Rod Art” to skulls and tattoo art. The art is similar to what’s been described as “Weirdo Art” from the 1970s.

Chapman notes that 21st century comic books often deal with social issues, and his book details how his main female character deals with depression.

He’s experienced that himself and believes that a comic book is a great way to help others with mental health issues as well.

“I think it’s something people can relate to. It’s an awareness about depression and the results of depression. Even though the main character is female, she’s a reflection of myself and my experiences,” he said.

So just how are those experiences detailed in comic book form?

“They’ll have to go read it for themselves,” he said.

Chapman emphasized that comic books, unlike their name, aren’t about being constantly humorous. Today, comic books are increasingly becoming more socially aware, he said.

“It’s not meant to be a funny comic strip, but neither is Spider-Man or the Hulk. Even those comic books are filled with some up-to-date thing (social issue),” he said.

During the day, Chapman works as a truck driver for Deseret Industries. It’s while driving that he gets many of his better ideas for his comic books. He’ll often take a notebook with him and jot down ideas.

“I’ll come back later trying to remember what I was thinking when I wrote it down,” he said.

During church meetings, Chapman often sketches members of the congregation. An active member of the LDS church, Chapman says his religious background “makes it more interesting that I draw what I draw.”

And what does his bishop think of all this?

“It’s okay. I’m in the bishopric, but I don’t think the bishop was too happy with the caricature I did of him,” he said. “It’s fun to take somebody, to cartoon them up a little bit and to see their reactions. You just hope they don’t start crying.”

An artist since childhood, Chapman pursued his love of art by taking classes all through school, including at Idaho State University, where he majored in mass communications, public relations and advertising. His art professors there tolerated his interest in hot rods, skulls and other “weirdo art.”

 “I could tell they didn’t like it. It’s not traditional fine art. I don’t have the patience to draw wildlife like elk. I did that in high school and junior high, but I went back to cartooning. It’s much more enjoyable,” he said.

Chapman is no art snob.

“There’s a technical term for it called ‘low-brow art,’ which is what the hot rods are. You take the tattoo style art, and that’s low-brow art. It’s not an uppity-up snobby art,” he said.

Married to Joy, the couple are the parents of three girls: Noelle, 18; Jenna, 13; and Molly 10. “Joy likes it alright. She doesn’t care for the skulls or that kind of stuff because it’s kind of dark,” he said.

Molly loves her dad’s art.

“It’s really cool,” she said.  

To check out his art, go online to https://www.facebook.com/brian.chapman.12914?fref=ts.