Here’s the news about Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators of the week for Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Cole Paul wins BC and Yukon Book prize
The George Straight reported on the winners of the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. Cole Pauls won the Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize for his book Kwändǖr from Conundrum Press. Read more at https://www.straight.com/living/bc-and-yukon-book-prizes-announce-2023-winners

Toronto gets Artsy Fartsy Comic Con
On his Instagram feed, Anthony Ruttgaizer posted news about the upcoming Artsy Fartsy Comic Con. Taking place October 21 at Tranzac in Toronto, the one day event plans to feature a variety of comic book creators, original art, art prints, zines, kids and young adult books plus a whole lot more. Read more at https://www.instagram.com/p/CxnzXWuurOx/?img_index=1

Winners announced for 2023 Alberta Book Publishing Awards
The Book Publishers Association of Alberta announced the winners of the 2023 Alberta Publishing Awards. Notable winners include:
– Jay Bulckaert, Erica Nyyssonen, Halima Muhamud and Lucas Green for Graphic Novel of the Year for King Warrior from Renegade Arts Entertainment
– Ayesha Clough, Hugh Rookwood and Keegan Starlight for Children’s & Young Adult Book of the Year for Howdy, I’m Flores LaDue from Red Barn Books
– Alexander Finbow, Shea Proulx and Emily Pomeroy for Book Illustration for Alberta Comics: Home by Renegade Arts Entertainment
Read more at https://bookpublishers.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Media-Release_-2023-Alberta-Book-Publishing-Awards-Winners.pdf

Roaming gets the focus on CBC’s Q
CBC Arts announced that Q with Tom Power recently conducted a podcast interview with Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki about their new graphic novel Roaming. The discussion revolved around the story of the book, their collaboration over the years and unique Canadian aspect of their works. Read more at https://www.cbc.ca/arts/q/cousins-and-collaborators-mariko-and-jillian-tamaki-on-their-new-graphic-novel-roaming-1.6973856

Black Sun Comics to offer comic creation classes
In an Instagram post, Black Sun Comics announced Comics 101 – Comic Creation Classes for youth ages 8 to 13. The four week in-person sessions being Sunday October 15 at the Pickering, Ontario location. Read more at https://www.instagram.com/p/CxpsVb8MjgI/

Learn How Make A Graphic Novel
The Brampton Arts Organization announced an upcoming workshop entitled Masterclass: How To Create A Graphic Novel. The online class led by Ashley Hasal will be held on October 10th at 1 pm ET. Read more at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-presents-graphic-novel-masterclass-tickets-704982400337?aff=PresenterInstagram

Faith Erin Hicks does Q&A for new graphic novel
Publishers Weekly published an interview with Faith Erin Hicks about her new graphic novel Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy. The interview focuses on the new book slated for stores on October 3 from First Second along with Faith’s thoughts about ice skating, character motivation and her artistic workflow. Read more at https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/93231-q-a-with-faith-erin-hicks.html

Canadians nominated for Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards announced the nominees for the 2023 edition including some prominent Canadian creators such as:
– Chip Zdarsky – Book of the Year for Public Domain
– Jeff Lemire – Book of the Year for Little Monsters vol. 1
– Kate Beaton – Book of the Year for Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands
Winners are to be announced at the 2023 New York Comic Con. Read more at https://www.harveyawards.com/en-us/about/news/harvey-awards-unveil-2023-nominees.html

New Indigenous comics anthology to celebrate pop culture
The Mary Sue wrote that Iron Circus Comics has launched the crowdfunding campaign for Indiginerds edited by Alina Pete. The 11 story anthology is presented by Indigenous creators with the theme of looking at pop culture through an Indigenous lens. Read more at https://www.themarysue.com/indiginerds-comics-anthology-celebrates-pop-culture-through-an-indigenous-lens/

Report from Prairie Comics Festival
CTV News reported on the Prairie Comics Festival that took place this past weekend at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg. The report featured interviews with Megan Kearney and artistic director Samantha Beiko. Read more at https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/the-winnipeg-festival-celebrating-independent-comics-1.6576784

Emily Carroll noted among global creators of fantasy books using myths
The Portalist wrote about nine fantasy books using myths from around the world. Among the talented creators, Emily Carroll was singled out for her take on Grimm’s fairytales in her graphic novel Through The Woods. Read more at https://theportalist.com/folkloric-fantasy

Cole Pauls to speak about indigenous art at University of Oregon
Around The O reported about three indigenous speakers, including Cole Pauls, who will take part in the Indigenous Comics Speaker Series over the coming academic year. Taking place at the University of Oregon plus being free and open to the public, the speaker series is presented by the is presented by the university’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Program, the Department of English, and the Comics and Cartoon Studies Program. Read more at https://around.uoregon.edu/content/speakers-will-explore-indigenous-comic-art-over-coming-year

And in case you missed it, don’t forget to check out the interview with Nick Marinkovich as he chats about illustrating the Image Comics series Dead Romans. Here’s the link: https://truenorthcountrycomics.com/2023/09/27/nick-marinkovich-on-illustrating-dead-romans/