23 Canadian comics to check out in fall 2024 | CBC Books - Action News
Home WebMail Thursday, November 21, 2024, 07:28 PM | Calgary | -11.3°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
BooksFall Book Preview

23 Canadian comics to check out in fall 2024

From graphic memoirs about grief and loss, to humourouscoming-of-age stories for kids, there's something for every lover of comics and graphicnovels this season.

From graphic memoirs about grief and loss, to humorouscoming-of-age stories for kids, there's something for every lover of comics and graphicnovels this season. Here are some of the comics by Canadians to check out this fall.

Crystal Cave by Nancy Deas, illustrated by Mike Deas

A composite image of a purple book cover beside a portrait of a man and a woman smiling.
Crystal Cave is a graphic novel by Mike Deas, left, and Nancy Deas. (Orca Book Publishers, Billie Woods)

The village ofSueo Bay is famous for its legendary Moon creatures and mysterious crystals. When Ollie's grandfather gets sick, Ollie and his friendsKay, Jenna and Sleeves set out on a mission to find one of these crystals with powerful healing powers. What theydon't know is that a secret group of crystal keepers is dedicated to guarding the cave where the crystal resides and that removing the crystal could destroySueo Bay.

Crystal Caveis out now.

Nancy Deas is an author and creator of children's books. She is based in British Columbia.

Mike Deas is a Canadian author and illustrator of graphic novels, most recently Tank and Fizz, The Sueo Bay Adventures and Dalen and Gole. He is the illustrator of the Graphic Guide Adventure series.

Raw Sewage Science Fiction by Marc Bell

A composite image with an orange book cover and a portrait of a man with dark hair and glasses looking at the camera.
Raw Sewage Science Fiction is a comic by Marc Bell. (Drawn & Quarterly)

Part autofiction, part cultural criticism, Raw Sewage Science Fiction is the latest from Canadian cartoonist Marc Bell. Belluses his unique style and humour to examine the making of art and reflect on a lost decade spent wandering from coast to coast.

Raw Sewage Science Fictionis out now.

Marc Bell is a Canadian cartoonist originally from London, Ont. His other books includeHot Potatoe, Pure Pajamas,andShrimpy and Paul and Friends.

Little By Little by Sonya Ballantyne, illustrated by Rhael McGregor

A composite image of a purple book cover and portraits of two young people.
Little by Little is a YA graphic novel by Sonya Ballantyne, centre, and Rhael McGregor, right. (sonyaballantyne.com, Portage & Main Press, submitted by Rhael McGregor)

When a speaker at a youth conference says things about Michael's community that aren't true, he decides to speak up for what he thinks is right.This graphic novel is inspired by the true storyaward-winning community organizer, public speaker, and member of Shamattawa First Nation Michael Redhead Champagne.

Little By Little is out now.

Sonya Ballantyne is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker and public speaker based in Winnipeg.

Rhael McGregor is a Mtis and two-spirit/queer comic artist based in Winnipeg. Their work includes illustrations and stories published by publications such as Iron Circus Comics, Quindrie Press and Highwater Press.

Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1

Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel Vol. 1. Illustrated book cover of a zombie creature walking out of the woods at night with a full moon shining. Also, a portrait of the author.
Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 includes four terrifying tales by Joel A. Sutherland, illustrated by Hannah Barrett, David Bishop, Matt Salisbury and Jenn Woodall. (Scholastic Canada, Colleen Morris)

Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1is an illustrated collection of four "terrifying tales" from the original series. InRotting In a Cagea dead body looms, inMandy Livesa doll is scarily alive,Isle of Demonsfocuses on an eerie part of the Maritimes and inDon't Get Caughtthere's a neighbour everyone avoids.

Adapted in four different art styles, the new graphic novel for young readers combines horror and Canadian history.

Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1is out now.

Joel A.Sutherland is an Ontario author of thriller, horror and fantasy short stories and novels, anthologies and children's books. Alongside many other books in the Haunted Canada series, he is also the author ofSummer's Endwhich received a Red Maple Award Honour andHouse of Ash and Bone.

The illustrators ofHaunted Canada: The Graphic Novelare comprised of Canadian artists Hannah Barrett, David Bishop, Matt Salisbury and Jenn Woodall.

Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and a portrait of a woman with dark hair smiling.
Taxi Ghost is a graphic novel by Sophie Escabasse. (Penguin Random House Canada )

Adleis just a normal teenager until her firstperiod comes and with it the ability to see ghosts. When the ghosts won't leave her alone,Adlestarts to get to know them and their problems and eventually she starts helping them out in whatever ways she can.

Taxi Ghostis out now.

Sophie Escabasseis a cartoonist based in Montreal.She has illustrated many books for middle-grade readers, including her bestselling graphic novel series Witches of Brooklyn.

Steve, A Pretty Exceptional Horse by Kelly Collier

A composite image of an illustrated book cover with a white horse and a portrait of a woman with blonde hair looking into the camera.
Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse is a graphic novel by Kelly Collier. (Kids Can Press, Submitted by Kelly Collier)

This graphic novel is based on Kelly Collier's popular picture book featuring Steve the Horse. Steve wants to be exceptional but can't find anything special about himself. That is until he finds a shiny gold horn in the forest and ties it to his head. When he heads to show off to his friends, their reaction lets Steve know that there is more to being exceptional than what you like.

Steve, A Pretty Exceptional Horseis out now.

Kelly Collier is a Toronto artist and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator ofA Horse Named SteveandTeam Steve, and the illustrator of numerous books includingSloth and Squirrel in a Pickle,Izzy's Tail of TroubleandHow to Party Like a Snail.

Little Moons by Jen Storm, illustrated by Ryan Howe

Composite image of an illustrated book cover and portraits of a woman and a man smiling into the camera.
Little Moons is a YA graphic novel by Jen Storm, centre and Ryan Howe, right. (Portage & Main Press, )

A year after her sister Chelsea's disappearance,thirteen-year-oldReanna and her family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss. In an attempt to escape the painful memories, Reanna's mom moves to the big city leaving Reannaand her brother on the reserve in the care of their dad. When lights start turning on in empty rooms and objects move without being touched Reanna starts to wonder if she's not as alone as she's been feeling lately.

Little Moonsis out now.

Jen Storm is an Ojibwaywriter and artist from the Couchiching First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. She was born and raised in Winnipegandcompletedher first novel,Deadly Loyalties, when she was 14 years old. She is the author of the graphic novelFire Starters.Storm wroteRed Cloudsand illustratedNimkiiwithRyan Howe forThis Place: 150 Years Retold.

Storm was a 2017 recipient forCBC Manitoba's Future 40 Under 40 and in 2019, she served as the writer-in-residence for One Book UWinnipeg at the University of Winnipeg.

Ryan Howe is a comic artist, illustrator and graphic designer from Saskatoon. His work includes theHenchmen comics,Gun Street Girl: Volume 1, the Female Force collectionand the ongoing Daisy Blackwood series.

God Flare by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Scott B. Henderson

A composite image of a book cover and portraits of two men with glasses looking into the camera.
God Flare is a graphic novel by David A. Robertson (C), illustrated by Scott B. Henderson (L) and Andrew Thomas (not pictured). (Portage & Main Press)

God Flareis the latest volume in the Reckoner Rises series from best-selling author David A. Robertson. Following the events of Version Control,Cole and Eva are reunitedas a new terror looms. MihkoLaboratories latest human experiments are about to be unleashed as the crew prepares for the final showdown.

God Flareis out now.

David A. Robertson is an author andgraphic novelist of Swampy Cree heritage based in Winnipeg. He has published 25 books across a variety of genres, including the graphic novelsWill I See?andSugar Falls, aGovernor General's Literary Award-winning picture book calledWhen We Were Alone,illustrated by Julie Flett, and the YA bookStrangers.

Scott B. Henderson is an illustrator and comic book artist.He graduated from the School of Fine Art at theUniversity of Manitoba andstarted as a digital colourist for comics.

Andrew Thomas is a comic creator, artist andletterer based in Brantford, Ont. He also is the co-creator of the award winning seriesAuric of the Great White North.

Nancy Spector, Monster Detective 1 by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Linh Pham

A composite image of an illustrated book cover beside portraits of a man with glasses and an Asian woman with dark hair.
Nancy Spector, Monster Detective 1 is a graphic novel by Stephen W. Martin, centre, and Linh Pham, right. (Hachette Book Group)

Nancy Spector is an intrepid eight-year-old who hunts monsters with the help of her talking dog Jinx. When The Invisible Man's invisible dog Spot goes missing, he enlists Nancy to get to the bottom of the case.

Nancy Spector, Monster Detective 1is out now.

Stephen W. Martin is a Canadian screenwriter and children's author based in Los Angeles.

Linh Phamis an award-winning illustrator and visual development artist from Vancouver.

Something, Not Nothing by Sarah Leavitt

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and a portrait of a woman with dark hair and glasses looking into the camera.
Something, Not Nothing is a graphic memoir by Sarah Leavitt. (Arsenal Pulp Press, Jackie Dives)

Following the medically assisted death of her partner of twenty-two years, cartoonist Sarah Leavittbegan small sketches that quickly becamesomething new and unexpected to her. The abstract images mixed withpoetic text, layers of watercolour, ink and coloured pencil combine to tell a story of love, grief, peace and new beginnings.

When you can read it: Sept. 24, 2024

Sarah Leavitt is a Vancouver comics creatorand writing teacher. Her debut book wasTangles: A Story About Alzheimer's, My Mother, and Me.

The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova

An illustration of a man from mouth to knees. He is smiling while wearing a doctor's lab coat, white button-up shirt and a stethoscope around his neck.
The Rez Doctor is a graphic novel by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova. (submitted by Gitz Crazyboy, HighWater Press)

This inspiring graphic novel is inspired bya true story and follows young Ryan Fox, a good student who isn't sure what he wants to be when he grows up. All of that changes when Ryan meets Blackfoot doctor thatinspires himto chase his dream of becoming a doctor himself.The Rez Doctorrecounts some of the pressure, loneliness and otherstruggles Ryan faced along his journey.

The Rez Doctoris out now.

Ryan "Gitz Crazyboy" Derang is a Siksikaitsitapi and Dene author, actor and activist. The Secret of the Stars was his debut novel.

Veronika Barinovais an emerging illustrator currently living in Calgary. She has a Bachelor in visualcommunication design from the Alberta University of the Arts and works primarily in digital media.

All Our Ordinary Stories by Teresa Wong

A composite image featuring an illustrated book cover and a portrait of an Asian woman  smiling into the camera.
All Our Ordinary Stories is a graphic memoir by Teresa Wong. (Arsenal Pulp Press, Kaitlin Moerman)

Starting with her mother's stroke a decade ago, Teresa Wong takes a journey through time and place to find the origin of her feelings of disconnection from her parents. The series of stories carefullyexamine the cultural, language, historical and personality issues that have been barriers to intimacy in her family.

When you can read it: Sept. 24, 2024

Teresa Wongis the author of the graphic memoirDear Scarlet: The Story of My Postpartum Depression, a finalist for The City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize andlonglisted forCanada Reads2020. Her comics have appeared in The Believer, The Rumpus and Event Magazine. She teaches memoir and comics at Gotham Writers Workshop and wasthe current Canadian writer-in-residence at the University of Calgary.CBC Books named her awriter to watch in 2019.

Tegan and Sara: Crush by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin, illustrated by Tillie Walden

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and portraits of three women.
Crush is a graphic novel by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin, top, and illustrated by Tillie Walden, bottom. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)

In the follow up to their bestselling graphic novel Junior High, Tegan and Sara have made it out of seventh grade but that doesn't mean their junior high drama is over. Just asTegan's fallingout with her BFF and Sara is dealing with growing feelings for her dream girl the twins also have to find a way to focus on their upcoming battle-of-the-bands and a chance to open up for their favourite artist.

When you can read it:Oct. 1, 2024

  • 15 Canadian books to read on International Women's Day

Tegan Quin and Sara Quin are twin sisters, musicians and writers from Calgary. Their previously published memoir,High School,was adapted into a television series with Amazon. They are also the authors of the graphic novelJunior High.

Tillie Walden is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist, illustrator and writer. She has published severalgraphic novels, includingOn a SunbeamandSpinning.

Puffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

A composite image featuring an illustrated book cover featuring a cartoon puffin and penguin standing beside each other and portraits of a woman and man smiling into the camera.
Puffin and Penguin is a kids graphic novel by Helaine Becker, centre, and Kevin Sylvester, right. (Kids Can Press)

On Puffin's first day at his new school he's happy to find out Penguin, the coolest kid in school, has been assigned to be his buddy. But Puffin quickly finds out that popularity also comes with a lot of work especially with Penguin set to play King Midas in the school play.But when a blackout threatens the play's opening night, it's up to Puffin to save the day.

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

Helaine Beckerhas written more than 80 books, includingPorcupine in a Pine Tree,Dashing Through the Snow,We Wish You a Merry Christmas,Counting on KatherineandThat's No Dino! Or Is It?. Becker lives in Toronto.

Kevin Sylvester, is a broadcaster and the award-winning illustrator and writer of middle-grade books such as the Neil Flamb Capers series and the MiNRS space adventure series.

Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and a portrait of a person looking into the camera.
Bog Myrtle is a book by Sid Sharp (Annick Press)

Sisters Beatrice and Magnolia are polar opposites Beatrice is always cheerful and Magnolia is always grumpy. When Beatrice is gifted a magic yarn from a giant forest spider she sets out to knit the perfect sweater. But her greedy sister Magnolia sees this as a chance to put the spiders to work for profit. And when the spiders strike Bog Myrtle is not pleased.

When you can read it: Oct. 8, 2024

Sid Sharp is a Toronto-based painter and comic creator. Their debutcomic was The Wolf Suit.

Boy vs. Shark by Paul Gilligan

A composite image featuring an illustrated book cover with a blue shark on it and a portrait of a smiling man with beard.
Boy vs. Shark is a graphic memoir by Paul Gilligan. (Tundra Books, Submitted by Paul Gilligan)

The summer of 1975 starts out as carefree as any other for ten-year-old Paul Gilligan. His only worries are keeping his comics in pristine condition and keeping up with his friend David's increasingly bold stunts. That is until the movie Jaws to town, leaving Paul a cowering mess as he begins to seemingly be haunted by the big screen shark.

When you canread it:Oct. 15, 2024

Paul Gilligan is a Toronto-based cartoonist. He is also the author-illustrator ofPluto Rocket: New in Town,Pluto Rocket: Joe Pidge Flips a Lid, King of the Mole Peopleand its sequel,Rise of the Slugs.

Helge Dascheris a frequent translator of comic books. She's also translatedmany ofGuy Delisle's titles,Ayaby Marguerite Abouet and Clment Oubrerie,WhiteRapidsby Pascal Blanchet andPaul Goes Fishingby MichelRabagliati.

Lost at Windy River by Trina Rathgeber, illustrated by Alina Pete

A composite image of an illustrated book cover featuring a young Indigenous girl on a dog sled.
Lost at Windy River is a graphic novel by Trina Rathgeber (C), Alina Pete (L) and Jillian Dolan (not pictured) (Orca Book Publishers)

Lost at Windy Rivertells the story of thirteen-year-oldIlse Schwederwho got lost in a snowstorm checking her family's trapline. Facing freezing temperatures and wild animals and with no food or supplies,Ilseuses her traditional teachings and connection to the land to findher way home.

When you can read it:Oct. 15, 2024

Trina Rathgeberis a children's author and member of thePeter Ballantyne Cree Nation. She is the author ofFrench Fries Are PotatoesandThe Bunnies Talk Money.

Alina Pete is a nehiyaw artist and writer from Little Pine First Nation in western Saskatchewan. She is the editor of the graphic novel anthologyIndiginerds.

we see stars only at night by Cole Pauls

A composite image with an illustrated book cover with cartoons of Indigenous people on it and a portrait of an Indigenous man with long hair smiling into the camera.
we see stars only at night is a graphic novel by Cole Pauls. (Conundrum Press)

This collection of art was originally created for theNanaimo Art Gallery's group show "Gutters are Elastic," before Pauls expanded it into this full length book. This dreamlike narrative looks at the connection between the land, heritage and performance.

When you can read it: Oct. 17, 2024

Cole Pauls is a Tahltan comic artist. He created his first comic,Dakwkda Warriors,as a language-revival initiative. In 2017, it won Broken Pencil magazine's awards for bestcomic andbest zine of the year. In 2020, it wonbestwork in an Indigenous language from the Indigenous Voices Awards. He is also the author of the graphic novelPizza Punks.

Roth by Richard Van Camp, illustrated by Christopher Shy

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and portraits of two men looking into the camera.
Roth is a horror graphic novel by Richard Van Camp, centre and Christopher Shy, right. (Renegade Arts Entertainment, William Au Photography)

Richard Van Camp's latest graphic novel follows a local hero named Ross, who is bitten by a Wheetago at his cabin in northern Edmonton. The province of Alberta is crawling with the deadly monsters and Ross must form an alliance with escaped prisoners in order to reach his family, who are trapped in the city.

Half-transformed, Ross holds onto his humanity with the help of his family medicine. But the Wheetago are not discouraged they've already renamedhim "Roth" and wait for him to join their "gruesome crusade."

When you canread it:Oct. 18, 2024

RichardVan Camp is a Tch Dene writer from Fort Smith, N.W.T., who has written 26 books across multiple genres. His graphic novelA Blanket of Butterflieswas nominated for an Eisner Award and his children's bookLittle You, illustrated by Julie Flett, was translated into Bush Cree, Plains Cree, South Slavey and Chipewyan.

Christopher Shy is an American artist,book cover designer and film poster artist. His graphic novel work includesDead Space, I Sleep in StoneandThe Mummy.

Dog Days by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim, translated by Janet Hong

A composite image featuring a yellow illustrated book cover with a group of dogs sitting on it and an illustrated portrait of a woman.
Dog Days is a graphic novel by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim. (Drawn & Quarterly)

Dog Days is cartoonistKeum Suk Gendry-Kim's latest graphic novel, which centres on an unconventional family trying to build trust, not only with each other, but with their neighbours.

When you can read it: Oct. 22, 2024

Keum Suk Gendry-Kim is a Harvey Award-winning South Korean comic artist and translator. Her books includeGrass,The Waiting,La saison des pluies,Jiseul,Jun,The Naked Tree among others.

Janet Hongis a writer and translator based in Vancouver.She has translated numerous works of fiction, essays, and graphic novels such as Keum Suk Gendry-Kim'sGrass.

The Cosmic Con by Ron Kasman

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and a portrait of a man smiling into the camera.
The Cosmic Con is a graphic novel by Ron Kasman. (At Bay Press, trinaphoto.com)

It's 1960s Toronto and Herbie Weingartenfinds out his uncle Jeffrey has been taken in by a religious cult called "Exalted Consciousness." The young man tries to free his uncle from the cult's grasp as he navigatesToronto's downtown core when Yorkville was a hippy haven, Rochdale College was a centre of the illicit drug trade.

When you can read it: Oct. 30, 2024

Ron Kasman is a Canadian comics creator.He createdWilliam Lyon Mackenzie, the first graphic novel of Canadian history.

The Squad by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao

A composite image of an illustrated book cover featuring three girls cheering and two portraits of two Asian women smiling at the camera.
The Squad is a YA graphic novel by Christina Soontornvat, centre and Joanna Cacao, right. (Scholastic, Sam Bond, Warren lacaba)

Christina and her best friends Megan and Leanne are preparing for another brutalset ofcheerleading tryouts. Christina is finally coming into her own, but as they worry about making the team, Christinafinds out her parents'marriage is coming to an end. Can she keep her composure long enough to keep her cheerleading dreams alive?

When you canread it: Nov. 12, 2024

Christina Soontornvat is an award-winning author of over a dozen books for kids of all ages.

Joanna Cacaois a Canadian Filipino authorand illustrator basedin Winnipeg.

The Forgotten Frontier by Tristan Jones, illustrated by Alexander Bumbulut

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and portraits of two men looking into the camera.
The Forgotten Frontier is a graphic novel by Tristan Jones, centre, and Alexander Bumbulut, right. (At Bay Press)

The Forgotten Frontier is a critical retelling ofthe often misrepresented story of the Western Frontier from anIndigenous perspective, which has been historically missing.

When you can read it: Nov. 21, 2024

Tristan Jones is a Toronto-based writerof Black Mi'kmaq heritage and Anishinaabe ancestry. The Forgotten Frontier is his debut book.

Alexander Bumbulutis an illustrator,graphic designer and painter based in Germany.

Curb AngelsVol. 2by Nyala Ali, illustrated by Lisa Mendis

A composite image of an illustrated book cover and black and white portraits of a two women.
Curb Angels is a graphic novel by Lisa Mendis, right and Nyala Ali, centre. (At Bay Press)

Inthe follow up to Curb Angels Vol. 1, the all female vigilante group continues their mission to free human trafficking victims and bring the people responsible to justice.

When you can read it: Nov. 28, 2024

Nyala Ali is a Winnipeg writer, editor, and comics journalist.Her graphic novelCurb Angels Vol. 1received a Doug Wright Award nomination for Best First Book.

Lisa Mendisis a Winnipeg illustrator, print maker and graphic designer. Her previous bookCurb Angels Vol. 1received a Doug Wright Award nomination for Best First Book.

Add some good to your morning and evening.

Sign up for our newsletter. Well send you book recommendations, CanLit news, the best author interviews on CBC and more.

...

The next issue of CBC Books newsletter will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in theSubscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.