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'''Nate Butler''' (born February 1, 1954) is an [[United States|American]] cartoonist and writer/illustrator of [[comics]] who is internationally recognized and acknowledged for his long career and contributions to both mainstream and Christian-themed comics.<ref>[http://www.christiancomicsinternational.org/pioneers2.html#Anchor-NATE-5185 Nate Butler - Christian Comics Pioneer]</ref><ref>[http://www.toonopedia.com/acknowl.htm Don Markstein's Toonopedia Acknowledgments] Don Markstein's Toonopedia</ref><ref>[http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2009/february/11.7.html "The Real Superman: How comic books take Jesus to the world", ''Today's Christian Woman'', February 2009]</ref><ref>[http://www.bailsprojects.com/%28S%28qjbn3q45gjrgzg45yf0qn0z4%29%29/whoswho.aspx/whoswho.aspx?mode=AtoZsearch&id=NATE+BUTLER Who's Who of American Comic Books 1928-1999 (The Jerry Bails Project)] Jerry Bails</ref><ref>[http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1013?articleID=144858 Scoop Fandom Advisory Network: "Superstars Turning Points" by Maggie Thompson]]</ref><ref>[http://www.hoodedutilitarian.com/2011/02/christian-comics/ ''Christian Comics'' by Alec Stevens, publisher of Calvary Comics] Alec Stevens</ref><ref>[http://www.dagen.se/kultur/tecknade-bilder-lättast-att-ta-till-sig-1.266974 DAGEN: ''Tecknade bilder lättast att ta till sig'' (Swedish newspaper DAY: "Cartoon images easiest to assimilate")]</ref><ref>[http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.php?ID=9412 The Comic Book Database: L Nathan Butler - 'Nate Butler']</ref> His full name is L Nathan Butler, with no period after the "L" (which is not an initial for a name, just as with [[Harry S Truman]]), although the name itself is a variation of the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] name Elnathan, which was also the name of a multiple-greats grandfather of Butler.<ref>[http://cromwellbutlers.com/fam_tree/elbutlr.htm Elnathan Butler Family]</ref>

'''Nate Butler''' (born February 1, 1954) is an [[United States|American]] cartoonist and writer/illustrator of [[comics]] who is internationally recognized and acknowledged for his long career and contributions to both mainstream and Christian-themed comics.<ref>[http://www.christiancomicsinternational.org/pioneers2.html#Anchor-NATE-5185 Nate Butler - Christian Comics Pioneer]</ref><ref>[http://www.toonopedia.com/acknowl.htm Don Markstein's Toonopedia Acknowledgments] Don Markstein's Toonopedia</ref><ref>[http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2009/february/11.7.html "The Real Superman: How comic books take Jesus to the world", ''Today's Christian Woman'', February 2009]</ref><ref>[http://www.bailsprojects.com/%28S%28qjbn3q45gjrgzg45yf0qn0z4%29%29/whoswho.aspx/whoswho.aspx?mode=AtoZsearch&id=NATE+BUTLER Who's Who of American Comic Books 1928-1999 (The Jerry Bails Project)] Jerry Bails</ref><ref>[http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1013?articleID=144858 Scoop Fandom Advisory Network: "Superstars Turning Points" by Maggie Thompson]]</ref><ref>[http://www.hoodedutilitarian.com/2011/02/christian-comics/ ''Christian Comics'' by Alec Stevens, publisher of Calvary Comics] Alec Stevens</ref><ref>[http://www.dagen.se/kultur/tecknade-bilder-lättast-att-ta-till-sig-1.266974 DAGEN: ''Tecknade bilder lättast att ta till sig'' (Swedish newspaper DAY: "Cartoon images easiest to assimilate")]</ref><ref>[http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.php?ID=9412 The Comic Book Database: L Nathan Butler - 'Nate Butler']</ref> His full name is L Nathan Butler, with no period after the "L" (which is not an initial for a name, just as with [[Harry S Truman]]), although the name itself is a variation of the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] name Elnathan, which was also the name of a multiple-greats grandfather of Butler.<ref>[http://cromwellbutlers.com/fam_tree/elbutlr.htm Elnathan Butler Family]</ref>

The Nate Butler Studio, Inc. operated until 1999 producing artwork for Jim Henson Productions, Weekly Reader, Children's Television Workshop, [[DC Comics]], and King Features Syndicate, as well as script writing for Modern Publishing, [[Archie Comics]], and [[Marvel Comics]]. The advent of FedEx and [[fax]] machines made it possible for Butler and his art assistants to work long-distance, producing comic books, coloring books, magazines, apparel, and other licensed products utilizing characters such as [[The Muppets]], Jughead, [[Popeye]], Heathcliff, [[Bugs Bunny]], Tiny Toons, Mighty Mouse, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Snuffy Smith, Animated Batman, The Jetsons, Berenstain Bears, and Tom & Jerry,<ref>[https://comix35.org/leadership/]</ref> all without leaving Albuquerque.

The Nate Butler Studio, Inc. operated until 1999 producing artwork for Jim Henson Productions, Weekly Reader, Children's Television Workshop, [[DC Comics]], and King Features Syndicate, as well as script writing for Modern Publishing, [[Archie Comics]], and [[Marvel Comics]]. The advent of FedEx and [[fax]] machines made it possible for Butler and his art assistants to work long-distance, producing comic books, coloring books, magazines, apparel, and other licensed products utilizing characters such as [[The Muppets]], Jughead, [[Popeye]], Heathcliff, [[Bugs Bunny]], Tiny Toons, Mighty Mouse, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Snuffy Smith, Animated Batman, The Jetsons, Berenstain Bears, and Tom & Jerry,<ref>[https://comix35.org/leadership/]</ref> all without leaving Albuquerque.

When Archie Comics relaunched their ''Jughead'' title in 1987, Butler was chosen as the pencil artist, an event that was covered by the El Paso Times,<ref>"Artists pencil in Jughead’s Future", ''El Paso Times'', 11 April 1987</ref> (picked up by the Gannett News Service in papers across the country, including the Florida News-Press, as well as by the Comic Buyer’s Guide<ref>"Starting over at Archie", ''Comic Buyer’s Guide'', 6 March 1987</ref> and the Albuquerque Tribune.<ref>"His mighty pen peoples the land of cartoons", ''Albuquerque Tribune'', 10 November 1988</ref>

When Archie Comics relaunched their ''Jughead'' title in 1987, Butler was chosen as the pencil artist, an event that was covered by the El Paso Times,<ref>"Artists pencil in Jughead’s Future", ''El Paso Times'', 11 April 1987</ref> (picked up by the Gannett News Service in papers across the country, including the Florida News-Press, as well as by the Comic Buyer’s Guide<ref>"Starting over at Archie", ''Comic Buyer’s Guide'', 6 March 1987</ref> and the ''Albuquerque Tribune''.<ref>"His mighty pen peoples the land of cartoons", ''Albuquerque Tribune'', 10 November 1988</ref>

In 1989, Butler was a headline guest along with Steve Engelhart at the 1989 Albuquerque Winter-Con. That same year he and his wife Susan co-created a children's book series about baby barnyard animals for the Honey Bear Books imprint of Modern Publishing, a mass market book publisher in [[New York City]].<ref>"Her Farm Inspired Cartoonist", ''Albuquerque Journal'', 3 July 1989</ref><ref>"Nate Butler Studio creates new character properties to license", ''Licensing Book'' magazine, February 1989</ref> The series sold 400,000 copies but ended due to a trademark dispute with another company over the name.  

In 1989, Butler was a headline guest along with Steve Engelhart at the 1989 Albuquerque Winter-Con. That same year he and his wife Susan co-created a children's book series about baby barnyard animals for the Honey Bear Books imprint of Modern Publishing, a mass market book publisher in [[New York City]].<ref>"Her Farm Inspired Cartoonist", ''Albuquerque Journal'', 3 July 1989</ref><ref>"Nate Butler Studio creates new character properties to license", ''Licensing Book'' magazine, February 1989</ref> The series sold 400,000 copies but ended due to a trademark dispute with another company over the name.  

Butler was also chosen by Archie Comics to launch a new ''Hot Dog'' comics title<ref>"Preview: Jughead’s Pal Hot Dog", Comic Buyer’s Guide, 22 September 1989</ref> and was named "Artist of the Month" on the cover of Archie Comics titles in January 1990, the month that the first issue was published.<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/262082/cover/4/ Jughead's Pal Hot Dog #1]</ref>

Butler was also chosen by Archie Comics to launch a new ''Hot Dog'' comics title<ref>"Preview: Jughead’s Pal Hot Dog", ''Comic Buyer’s Guide'', 22 September 1989</ref> and was named "Artist of the Month" on the cover of Archie Comics titles in January 1990, the month that the first issue was published.<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/262082/cover/4/ Jughead's Pal Hot Dog #1]</ref>

==Christian comics==

==Christian comics==

The studio's full-color comic [http://www.comics.org/series/4171/ ''Aida-Zee''] (1990) was the first American Christian comic to feature the talents of multiple writers and artists who were well-known in the industry mainstream including Gaylord DuBois, Nestor Redondo, Kathleen Webb, and Murphy Anderson.<ref>[http://milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/backissue.cgi?action=bibliography&issue=01941287288%201 Mile High Comics: Aida-Zee #1 - Bibliography]</ref>. This comic and others by Butler's studio ([http://www.comics.org/series/26852/ ''Paro-Dee''] in 1993, [http://www.comics.org/series/50447/ ''Behold 3-D''] in 1996), along with ''Oboe Jones'' (1992), ''Christian Crusader'' (1992), ''Kidz of the King'' (1994), ''Archangels: The Saga'' (1995), ''Pakkins' Land'' (1996), and ''Proverbs & Parables'' (1998), ushered in the current modern era of Christian comics and graphic novel titles.<ref>[http://www.christiancomicsinternational.org/notable2.html Notable Christian Comics 1990-1999]</ref>

The studio's full-color comic [http://www.comics.org/series/4171/ ''Aida-Zee''] (1990) was the first American Christian comic to feature the talents of multiple writers and artists who were well-known in the industry mainstream including Gaylord DuBois, Nestor Redondo, Kathleen Webb, and Murphy Anderson.<ref>[http://milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/backissue.cgi?action=bibliography&issue=01941287288%201 Mile High Comics: Aida-Zee #1 - Bibliography]</ref>. This comic and others by Butler's studio ([http://www.comics.org/series/26852/ ''Paro-Dee''] in 1993, [http://www.comics.org/series/50447/ ''Behold 3-D''] in 1996), along with ''Oboe Jones'' (1992), ''Christian Crusader'' (1992), ''Kidz of the King'' (1994), ''Archangels: The Saga'' (1995), ''Pakkins' Land'' (1996), and ''Proverbs & Parables'' (1998), ushered in the current modern era of Christian comics and graphic novel titles.<ref>[http://www.christiancomicsinternational.org/notable2.html Notable Christian Comics 1990-1999]</ref>

''Aida-Zee'' was also noted in The Comics Journal as containing ''"the last comic book work ... in print"'' by Golden Age comics pro Jay Disbrow, author of ''The Iger Comics Kingdom''.<ref>[http://www.tcj.com/this-week-in-comics-61213-dreams-of-the-future/ "Dreams of the Future - Jay Disbrow"]</ref> A featured Jewish hero character, ''Bukki, Warrior of Ancient Israel'', co-created by Butler, was cited by the ''Israel in Comix'' blog.<ref>[http://israelincomics.blogspot.com/2007/11/1990s.html Israel in Comix Blog: Israel & Israelis in Comix]</ref>

''Aida-Zee'' was also noted in ''The Comics Journal'' as containing ''"the last comic book work ... in print"'' by Golden Age comics pro Jay Disbrow, author of ''The Iger Comics Kingdom''.<ref>[http://www.tcj.com/this-week-in-comics-61213-dreams-of-the-future/ "Dreams of the Future - Jay Disbrow"]</ref> A featured Jewish hero character, ''Bukki, Warrior of Ancient Israel'', co-created by Butler, was cited by the ''Israel in Comix'' blog.<ref>[http://israelincomics.blogspot.com/2007/11/1990s.html Israel in Comix Blog: Israel & Israelis in Comix]</ref>

Butler's work on ''Aida-Zee'' and other Christian comics was also covered by The Ledger,<ref>"Christian comics 'candle' in world of Dark Knight", ''The (Lakeland, FL) Ledger'', 20 October 1990</ref> Amazing Heroes magazine,<ref>"Comics in Review", ''Amazing Heroes'' p 70, October 1990</ref> Los Angeles Daily News,<ref>"Hot Tips", ''Daily News/L.A. Life'', 11 October 1990</ref> Cornerstone (magazine),<ref>"Kudos all the way around to Butler and staff", ''Cornerstone'', Volume 19, Issue 93, p 35</ref> The Kansas City Star,<ref>"Comic Book's heroes present Christian message", ''Kansas City Star'', 17 November 1990</ref> Lincoln Journal,<ref>"Comic books go religious", ''Lincoln (Nebraska) Journal'', 3 December 1990</ref> the ''Comic Buyer's Guide'',<ref>"Comics Reviews, ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' p 59, 25 January, 1991</ref> ''Breakaway'' magazine,<ref>“Comic Books: The Good, The Bad, The ???”, ''Breakaway'' magazine, October 1992</ref> The Fresno Bee,<ref>"Alternatives to vulgar comic books available", ''The Fresno (California) Bee'', 17 September 1994</ref> the Cincinnati Enquirer,<ref>“God’s Squads”, ''Cincinnati Enquirer'', 8 November 1994</ref> the Modesto Bee,<ref>"Christians capture a corner of the cards and comics craze", ''Modesto (California) Bee'', 5 November 1994</ref> Charisma (magazine),<ref>"Christian Comic-Book Artists Battle Perception That Their Work Is 'Evil'", ''Charisma'', November 1995</ref> and ''Youthwalk'' magazine.<ref>"Up Close & Personal: Nate Butler, Artist/Editor of Christian Comics", ''Youthwalk'', February 1996</ref>

Butler's work on ''Aida-Zee'' and other Christian comics was also covered by ''The Ledger'',<ref>"Christian comics 'candle' in world of Dark Knight", ''The (Lakeland, FL) Ledger'', 20 October 1990</ref> ''Amazing Heroes'' magazine,<ref>"Comics in Review", ''Amazing Heroes'' p 70, October 1990</ref> Los Angeles Daily News,<ref>"Hot Tips", ''Daily News/L.A. Life'', 11 October 1990</ref> ''Cornerstone'' magazine,<ref>"Kudos all the way around to Butler and staff", ''Cornerstone'', Volume 19, Issue 93, p 35</ref> ''The Kansas City Star'',<ref>"Comic Book's heroes present Christian message", ''Kansas City Star'', 17 November 1990</ref> Lincoln Journal,<ref>"Comic books go religious", ''Lincoln (Nebraska) Journal'', 3 December 1990</ref> the ''Comic Buyer's Guide'',<ref>"Comics Reviews, ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' p 59, 25 January, 1991</ref> ''Breakaway'' magazine,<ref>“Comic Books: The Good, The Bad, The ???”, ''Breakaway'' magazine, October 1992</ref> ''The Fresno Bee'',<ref>"Alternatives to vulgar comic books available", ''The Fresno (California) Bee'', 17 September 1994</ref> the ''Cincinnati Enquirer'',<ref>“God’s Squads”, ''Cincinnati Enquirer'', 8 November 1994</ref> the ''Modesto Bee'',<ref>"Christians capture a corner of the cards and comics craze", ''Modesto (California) Bee'', 5 November 1994</ref> ''Charisma'' (magazine),<ref>"Christian Comic-Book Artists Battle Perception That Their Work Is 'Evil'", ''Charisma'', November 1995</ref> and ''Youthwalk'' magazine.<ref>"Up Close & Personal: Nate Butler, Artist/Editor of Christian Comics", ''Youthwalk'', February 1996</ref>

Butler organized the first two Christian comics panels ever held at the San Diego Comic-Con in 1992 and 1995, with Nestor Redondo, Stan Lynde, and Kathleen Webb participating. Later Butler took part the ''Spirituality in Comics'' panel with Marv Wolfman at Supanova 2007 in Australia,<ref>[http://hippocampusextensions.com/karen/supanova_2007/ Supanova 2007]</ref> where Butler was a Featured Comic Book Guest along with Stan Lee and others.<ref>[http://www.madman.com.au/actions/fanzone/events.do?method=view&eventId=7 The Fanzone: Madman Around the Web: "Supanova Expo - Sydney 2007"]</ref>

Butler organized the first two Christian comics panels ever held at the San Diego Comic-Con in 1992 and 1995, with Nestor Redondo, Stan Lynde, and Kathleen Webb participating. Later Butler took part the ''Spirituality in Comics'' panel with Marv Wolfman at Supanova 2007 in Australia,<ref>[http://hippocampusextensions.com/karen/supanova_2007/ Supanova 2007]</ref> where Butler was a Featured Comic Book Guest along with Stan Lee and others.<ref>[http://www.madman.com.au/actions/fanzone/events.do?method=view&eventId=7 The Fanzone: Madman Around the Web: "Supanova Expo - Sydney 2007"]</ref>

These publishing activities led to the founding of [http://www.comix35.org  COMIX35 (ROX35 Media, Inc.)], an international, nonprofit comics training ministry, and the "First International Christian Comics Training Conference" was held in Tagaytay, the Philippines in January 1996. COMIX35 offered additional training courses and consulting,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=YbkJ0QJrEZ8C&pg=PA168&lpg=PA168&dq=%22Nate+Butler%22&source=bl&ots=SBTrI7kc98&sig=tvCQz_Ce0O581-X9V9EC9vaJeE8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=rEDdVJKQEcKyggSLpYDQAg&ved=0CDcQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=%22Nate%20Butler%22&f=false Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels]</ref> primarily in [[Asia]], from 1996 to 1999.<ref>[http://www.comix35.org/Training.html Past COMIX35 Events, Part I : 1996 to 2001]</ref> Butler's work in Japan was covered in two articles in the newspaper クリスチャン新聞 (''Christian Shinbun'' or ''Christian Newspaper'').<ref>`セサミストリートのイラストレーター‘ナット・バトラー氏来日“一流のまんがで” ("Sesame Street no illustrator' Nate Butler shi rainichi 'Ichi ryuu mannga de'" or "'Using top class Manga': 'Sesame Street Illustrator' Nate Butler visits Japan"), ''Christian Shinbun'', 23 June 1996</ref><ref>伝道まんがを描いてみよう ("Dendou Manga wo egaitemiyou" or "Let’s try to draw outreach manga"), ''Christian Shinbun'', 2 August 1998</ref>

These publishing activities led to the founding of [http://www.comix35.org  COMIX35 (ROX35 Media, Inc.)], an international, nonprofit comics training ministry, and the "First International Christian Comics Training Conference" was held in Tagaytay, the Philippines in January 1996. COMIX35 offered additional training courses and consulting,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=YbkJ0QJrEZ8C&pg=PA168&lpg=PA168&dq=%22Nate+Butler%22&source=bl&ots=SBTrI7kc98&sig=tvCQz_Ce0O581-X9V9EC9vaJeE8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=rEDdVJKQEcKyggSLpYDQAg&ved=0CDcQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=%22Nate%20Butler%22&f=false Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels]</ref> primarily in [[Asia]], from 1996 to 1999.<ref>[http://www.comix35.org/Training.html Past COMIX35 Events, Part I : 1996 to 2001]</ref> Butler's work in Japan was covered in two articles in the newspaper クリスチャン新聞 (''Christian Shinbun'' or ''Christian Newspaper'').<ref>`セサミストリートのイラストレーター‘ナット・バトラー氏来日“一流のまんがで” ("Sesame Street no illustrator' Nate Butler shi rainichi 'Ichi ryuu mannga de'" or "'Using top class Manga': 'Sesame Street Illustrator' Nate Butler visits Japan"), ''Christian Shinbun'', 23 June 1996</ref><ref>伝道まんがを描いてみよう ("Dendou Manga wo egaitemiyou" or "Let’s try to draw outreach manga"), ''Christian Shinbun'', 2 August 1998</ref>

The Nate Butler Studio, Inc. finally ceased operations in January of 1999 so that Butler could work full-time work as a coach, consultant, and instructor for COMIX35. He was interviewed about his decision the next month in the Albuquerque Journal.<ref>[http://business.highbeam.com/2872/article-1G1-107557645/nm-comic-book-artist-devotes-his-gift-god "N.M. Comic Book Artist Devotes His Gift to God", ''Albuquerque (New, Mexico) Journal'', 8 February 1999]</ref> He was also interviewed on a number of radio and TV programs including the Billy Graham radio show ''Decision Today'', the ''Morning Drive'' show on KLYT Christian Radio in Albuquerque, the "Time to Rejoice" show on KNAT-TV in Albuquerque, and by reporter Michael Harrington on SRN News in Washington DC, all in early 1999.

The Nate Butler Studio, Inc. finally ceased operations in January of 1999 so that Butler could work full-time work as a coach, consultant, and instructor for COMIX35. He was interviewed about his decision the next month in the ''Albuquerque Journal''.<ref>[http://business.highbeam.com/2872/article-1G1-107557645/nm-comic-book-artist-devotes-his-gift-god "N.M. Comic Book Artist Devotes His Gift to God", ''Albuquerque (New, Mexico) Journal'', 8 February 1999]</ref> He was also interviewed on a number of radio and TV programs including the Billy Graham radio show ''Decision Today'', the ''Morning Drive'' show on KLYT Christian Radio in Albuquerque, the ''Time to Rejoice'' show on KNAT-TV in Albuquerque, and by reporter Michael Harrington on SRN News in Washington DC, all in early 1999.

That same year Butler was an adviser at the start-up of the ''PowerMark'' comic book series,<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/613237/ Grand Comics Database - Powermark #1]</ref> illustrated by Steven Butler (no relation). He had also art directed an earlier ''PowerMark: Creation'' tract and ''Jungle Village: The Adventure Begins'' comic by the same publisher, illustrated by Malaysian artist Loh Sy Huey, which were used by [[missionaries]] in [[Southeast Asia]].

That same year Butler was an adviser at the start-up of the ''PowerMark'' comic book series,<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/613237/ Grand Comics Database - Powermark #1]</ref> illustrated by Steven Butler (no relation). He had also art directed an earlier ''PowerMark: Creation'' tract and ''Jungle Village: The Adventure Begins'' comic by the same publisher, illustrated by Malaysian artist Loh Sy Huey, which were used by [[missionaries]] in [[Southeast Asia]].

Butler organized the first International Christian Comics Competition (ICCC) in 2005.<ref>[http://abqjournal.com/news/metro/349400metro05-10-05.htm "No funny business: International Christian Comics Competition Puts the Medium in a Serious Light"]</ref> The winner in the professional division was Brazilian Sergio Cariello, which helped propel him to become the artist of ''The Action Bible'' graphic novel, an updated version of ''The Picture Bible'' by David C. Cook Publishing. The amateur winner was José Carlos Gutiérrez.<ref>"En concurso de caricaturas: ganan tres Mexicanos", ''Noticiero Milamex'', 1 June 2005</ref> The ICCC2 was held in 2007<ref>[http://christianretailing.com/index.php/newsletter/previous-issues/43-industry-news/15666-online-contest-showcases-comic-creators Christian Retailing: Online contest showcases comic creators]</ref> and was won by American comics artist Kevin Dzuban.

Butler organized the first International Christian Comics Competition (ICCC) in 2005.<ref>[http://abqjournal.com/news/metro/349400metro05-10-05.htm "No funny business: International Christian Comics Competition Puts the Medium in a Serious Light"]</ref> The winner in the professional division was Brazilian Sergio Cariello, which helped propel him to become the artist of ''The Action Bible'' graphic novel, an updated version of ''The Picture Bible'' by David C. Cook Publishing. The amateur winner was José Carlos Gutiérrez.<ref>"En concurso de caricaturas: ganan tres Mexicanos", ''Noticiero Milamex'', 1 June 2005</ref> The ICCC2 was held in 2007<ref>[http://christianretailing.com/index.php/newsletter/previous-issues/43-industry-news/15666-online-contest-showcases-comic-creators Christian Retailing: Online contest showcases comic creators]</ref> and was won by American comics artist Kevin Dzuban.

From around 2004 to 2010, Butler traveled to [[Japan]] regularly to assist [http://newlifeministries.jp/manga-project/ Shinsei Senkyodan (New Life Ministries)] with their Manga Bible series: ''Manga Messiah'' (Four Gospels), ''Manga Metamorphosis'' (Acts/Letters), ''Manga Mutiny'' (Genesis to early Exodus), ''Manga Melech'' (Exodus through the reign of David), and ''Manga Messengers'' (Solomon through the Prophets).<ref>[http://nextmanga.com/ NEXTManga]</ref> At the end of this period, the magazine 恵みの雨 (''Megumi no ame'' or ''Blessed Rain'') did a two-issue feature on Butler's life and his time in Japan.<ref>[クリスチャン物語（十人十色のものがたり）第32回 ("Kurisuchyan no monogatari (jyuunin toiro no monogatari)dai" sanjyuuni kai or "Christian Tales (stories of 'several people, several minds')" 32nd article) and クリスチャン物語（十人十色のものがたり）第33回 ("Kurisuchyan no monogatari (jyuunin toiro no monogatari)dai" sanjyuusan kai or "Christian Tales (stories of ‘several people, several minds')" 33rd article)</ref>

From around 2004 to 2010, Butler traveled to [[Japan]] regularly to assist [http://www.newlifeministries.jp/manga-2/?lang=en/ Shinsei Senkyodan (New Life Ministries)] with their Manga Bible series: ''Manga Messiah'' (Four Gospels), ''Manga Metamorphosis'' (Acts/Letters), ''Manga Mutiny'' (Genesis to early Exodus), ''Manga Melech'' (Exodus through the reign of David), and ''Manga Messengers'' (Solomon through the Prophets).<ref>[http://nextmanga.com/ NEXTManga]</ref> At the end of this period, the magazine 恵みの雨 (''Megumi no ame'' or ''Blessed Rain'') did a two-issue feature on Butler's life and his time in Japan.<ref>[クリスチャン物語（十人十色のものがたり）第32回 ("Kurisuchyan no monogatari (jyuunin toiro no monogatari)dai" sanjyuuni kai or "Christian Tales (stories of 'several people, several minds')" 32nd article) and クリスチャン物語（十人十色のものがたり）第33回 ("Kurisuchyan no monogatari (jyuunin toiro no monogatari)dai" sanjyuusan kai or "Christian Tales (stories of ‘several people, several minds')" 33rd article)</ref>

In 2006, Butler partnered with Australian cartoonist and filmmaker Graham Wade and animator Phil Watson to hold a second comics seminar in [[Sydney]], Australia.<ref>"Using Humor to reach people for Christ", ''New Life'' news magazine, 29 June 2006</ref> The next year Butler and Watson held the First Christian Animation Conference in Sydney.<ref>[http://www.animax35.org/index1.html The 1st ANIMAX35 Christian Animation Conference]</ref> In addition to Butler and Watson, the instructors included former Disney animators Matt Baker, Rene Pfitzner, and Ian Harrowell, the Supervising Animator for Simba in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. Butler's wife Susan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that year, and he began to focus on projects that did not require as much international travel.

In 2006, Butler partnered with Australian cartoonist and filmmaker Graham Wade and animator Phil Watson to hold a second comics seminar in [[Sydney]], Australia.<ref>"Using Humor to reach people for Christ", ''New Life'' news magazine, 29 June 2006</ref> The next year Butler and Watson held the First Christian Animation Conference in Sydney.<ref>[http://www.animax35.org/index1.html The 1st ANIMAX35 Christian Animation Conference]</ref> In addition to Butler and Watson, the instructors included former Disney animators Matt Baker, Rene Pfitzner, and Ian Harrowell, the Supervising Animator for Simba in ''The Lion King II: Simba's Pride''. Butler's wife Susan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that year, and he began to focus on projects that did not require as much international travel.

In 2008 Butler and COMIX35 produced the pilot edition of a comic written and drawn by African Christians for an English-speaking African audience. It was published under two titles, ''The Good Shepherd'' and ''Lifegate Comics Africana''.<ref>[http://www.cartoonafricabiennial.org/about-us/history-of-caib-festival History of CAIB Festival]</ref> This led to a partnership with ministries operating in Francophone (French-speaking) Africa and to co-publishing the comic magazine ''Éclats: Bandes Dessinées d’Afrique'' (''Bursts: Comics of Africa'')<ref>[http://editionscle.com/commerce/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/403?osCsid=144a728169be685579958adc916de969 ''Éclats d'Afrique'']</ref> with Publications pour la Jeunesse Africaine (PJA), producers of the magazine [http://www.jouvafrique.com/ ''Jouv’Afrique'']. After Butler's wife Susan passed away in 2011,<ref>[http://www.abqjournal.com/49812/news/christian-educator-had-endless-optimism.html "Christian Educator Had Endless Optimism"]</ref> COMIX35 held seminars in [[Ivory Coast]] and [[Cameroon]], Africa.<ref>[http://www.encompassworldpartners.org/news/groundbreaking-writing-illustrating-conference-in-cameroon Encompass World Partners: "Groundbreaking writing-illustrating conference in Cameroon"]</ref> <ref>[http://www.africultures.com/php/?nav=article&no=11637 "La Côte d'Ivoire regorge d'auteurs talentueux..." entretien de Christophe Cassiau-Haurie avec Benjamin Kouadio]</ref>

In 2008 Butler and COMIX35 produced the pilot edition of a comic written and drawn by African Christians for an English-speaking African audience. It was published under two titles, ''The Good Shepherd'' and ''Lifegate Comics Africana''.<ref>[http://www.cartoonafricabiennial.org/about-us/history-of-caib-festival History of CAIB Festival]</ref> This led to a partnership with ministries operating in Francophone (French-speaking) Africa and to co-publishing the comic magazine ''Éclats: Bandes Dessinées d’Afrique'' (''Bursts: Comics of Africa'')<ref>[http://editionscle.com/commerce/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/403?osCsid=144a728169be685579958adc916de969 ''Éclats d'Afrique'']</ref> with Publications pour la Jeunesse Africaine (PJA), producers of the magazine [http://www.jouvafrique.com/ ''Jouv’Afrique'']. After Butler's wife Susan passed away in 2011,<ref>[http://www.abqjournal.com/49812/news/christian-educator-had-endless-optimism.html "Christian Educator Had Endless Optimism"]</ref> COMIX35 held seminars in [[Ivory Coast]] and [[Cameroon]], Africa.<ref>[http://www.encompassworldpartners.org/news/groundbreaking-writing-illustrating-conference-in-cameroon Encompass World Partners: "Groundbreaking writing-illustrating conference in Cameroon"]</ref> <ref>[http://www.africultures.com/php/?nav=article&no=11637 "La Côte d'Ivoire regorge d'auteurs talentueux..." entretien de Christophe Cassiau-Haurie avec Benjamin Kouadio]</ref>