K. J. Kolka
Concordia University - Ann Arbor, MI / Anderson University, Anderson, IN

Creator/writer/artist/trademark holder for "The Cardinal" comic strip, regionally published for 16 years in areas of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Premiered as a Web comic in Fall 2007: http://www.comicssherpa.com/site/feature?uc_comic=csfjg&ref=ql_shrp

The weekly online strip will revolve around college student Rich Benton who volunteers his time at the local mission in midwestern Arbor City. Helping the poor and hopeless reclaim the slums proves to be difficult for Rich and his co-workers. Local politicians see the slum residents as a waste of money and time. Police are too understaffed to help curb crime there. Youth gangs and other criminal elements won’t give up their territory easily. Secretly joining forces with a police detective, Rich dons a red, classic super hero costume by night to keep the citizens of Arbor City safe and keep the criminals at bay. “The Cardinal” mixes action and cliffhanger situations, like the newspaper strips of the 1930s and ‘40s, with heartfelt humor as timid Rich learns how to be the hero Arbor City truly needs.

Also I have worked on trade paperbacks Proverbs & Parables and Eric Jansen's A Christmas Treasury. Contributed artwork for Community Comics' Hero TV. Currently working on a chapter for an upcoming Community Comics' project.

Have appeared at the Motor City Comic Convention on many occasions.

Fan of creators Lee Falk, Chester Gould, V.T. Hamlin, Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Don Newton, Bob Kane, Carl Burgos, C.C. Beck, other Golden and Silver Age comics creators.

Also enjoy non-comic media such as Doctor Who, the Father Dowling Mysteries, other TV mystery shows, classic movies and serials.