Allred describes himself as a faithful member of the LDS Church. "I'm in good standing. I really believe in the church and what it stands for. That's why this project is such a personal one for me, why it means so much to me."

Also, he said he has tried to make church leaders aware of the project, having sent promotional materials and his series "pitch" to church headquarters in Salt Lake City. "The word I got back was that the church does not endorse such projects. But I didn't hear anything about them being displeased with it either."

He added with a laugh, "They did contact my bishop, though."

Those who have already seen the book are impressed. Doug Dial, who owns Fantasy Rules Comics in Pleasant Grove, said the series "is truly a wonderful thing to behold. I was amazed at how cool something that sacred could be."

Professional comic-book artist Ryan Ottley ("Invincible"), who lives in South Salt Lake, is also blown away by "The Golden Plates." "Mike is such a fantastic artist. And the fact that he's willing to take such a huge leap of faith and do something like this only makes me respect him even more."

As far as whether "The Golden Plates" will sell, comics-store owners have seen their customer pre-orders increase as word of mouth about the project has spread. Dial said he expects to sell out of his initial order of 500 copies quickly, and Dave Landa of Dr. Volts Comic Connection in Salt Lake City, said he has ordered only 40 copies, and is hoping he "can keep some copies in the store. I'm already getting worried that I might not have ordered enough."

To Allred, the fact that people are already talking about the project makes it a huge success. "Of course, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want this to sell like hotcakes. I'd love for it to reach thousands of people, and not just those who are already of the faith.

"I would love to be able to spread the word about the church and what I know in my heart to be the true gospel. And the fact that I may be able to do that with my art makes me truly blessed."

For more information on "The Golden Plates," go to Allred's personal Web site, www.aaapop.com.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com