By Martha Groppo

Ninja Witch, Free Mary, Frost Queen and Naked Man are the names of a few characters in one UK alum’s new book.

Kenn Minter, art director for the university’s Creative Graphics and Web Design department, will be signing copies of his new graphic novel, “The Experts,” on Friday.

Minter’s novel is about an unusual team of superheroes caught up in the world of marketing and publicity.

“ ‘The Experts’ turns the traditional superhero myths on their ears,” Minter said.

Minter was interested in cartooning from an early age.

“I started writing and drawing comics when I was a kid,” he said.

While at UK earning his art studio degree, Minter said he created comic strips and illustrations for the Kentucky Kernel.

Since his college years, Minter has worked for various publications across the country including Lexington publications Nougat Magazine and Ace Weekly, and has been featured in Print Magazine’s 2002 Regional Design Annual.

Currently, Minter creates marketing materials for UK and publishes graphic novels like “The Experts” through Near Mint Press, his own publishing imprint.

“The Experts” began as some simple drawings of superheroes in his sketchbook, Minter said.

“I wanted to create a book that was fun, sexy and witty,” he said. “Most modern comics are so melodramatic and bleak. I wanted to get away from that and do something completely different.”

At first, Minter planned to illustrate the novel himself, but decided instead to enlist a pencil artist named Clarence Pruitt, whom he met on an online cartoon forum.

“I felt my style of drawing was too cartoony for a superhero book,” Minter explained. “His drawing style really appealed to me and he was looking for a project to work on.”

Minter said “The Experts” will appeal to a broad adult audience. The drawings are one element of the novel  he expects to “attract a wide audience of tastes.”

“While similar in style to Silver Age comic art, the drawings are presented in a modern style that is unique, fun and dynamic,” Minter said.

Minter said women should enjoy the novel “due to the story’s use of strong, independent, female characters.”

He said his novel is more humorous and playful than many modern comics and thinks his novel comes at a good time.

“Superhero entertainment is at an all-time high in modern pop culture,” he said.

The signing will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Morris Book Shop, located at 408 Southland Dr. Live music and refreshments will be provided.

What: Kenn Minter’s “The Experts” comic book signing

When: Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Morris Book Shop, 408 Southland Dr.

Admission: Free