Don Castillo, Chilton County’s self-proclaimed “Martial Artist,” recently added eight new books to his collection available for purchase at Amazon.com.

Some of Castillo’s books feature his cartoon and caricature drawings related to martial arts, while others provide instructions on how to draw simple cartoons or how to doodle.

“I’ve got 11 books now, and eight of them have been in the last month,” Castillo said. “I’m cranking them out, and so far, they’ve done pretty well.”

Castillo’s books range in price from 99 cents to $10.99 and are available in print, Kindle eReader format or both.

“The Fantastic Art of Don Castillo” volumes 1–7 is a continuing series of sketches, drawings and digital paintings inspired by Frank Frazetta, an American fantasy and science fiction artist known for his work in comic books, paperback books, paintings and more.

“He was a big influence on my work,” Castillo said of Frazetta.

The series is intended for adults, as is “What Did It Look Like? Karate in the 70’s,” a collection of Castillo’s old photos from when he competed in karate tournaments in Texas, Mexico, Louisiana and Oklahoma when he was about 17 years old and a new Black Belt.

“How to Make Money Drawing Easy Cartoons” contains Castillo’s drawings and diagrams designed to teach readers how to create cartoons they can sell.

“That one is really just a basic way for people to draw cartoons and illustrate their own stories,” Castillo said. “It basically relies on the stick figure. It shows examples of how they can use a simple cartoon to illustrate a story.”

Castillo also caters to children with books like “The Littlest Ninja,” a bedtime story about a small boy who aspires to be a skilled ninja.

Castillo said public and school libraries could order his books via Amazon or through him if they want autographed copies, which would cost more than regular copies.

The art Castillo creates—including the drawings, cartoons and portraits he features in his books—is mostly computer-generated.

Castillo creates digital drawings and art with an electronic pen and drawing tablet connected to his laptop.

“I like it because it’s mess free,” he said. “It looks exactly like a pencil, watercolor or painting.”

Along with his book sales, Castillo takes commissioned orders from customers who want paintings, posters, canvases, drawings or other custom-made works of art.

Many of Castillo’s works are available for viewing on his Facebook page.

“They can commission any portrait they like or order something from my photos,” Castillo said, adding that anyone interested in prices of his works should contact him directly.

Castillo can be reached on Facebook or by email at donleejkd@aol.com.

“I think what I do is pretty valuable as far as what I can teach and what I can do,” he said. “I’m just going to continue to put out more and more books.”