News for Saturday, January 20, 2024

Here’s the latest news about Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators from this week for Saturday, January 20, 2024:

Canada in the spotlight at Angoulême Festival in France
On its website the Angoulême Festival, by far the biggest French-language comics festival in the world, indicated that it’s honouring the art of a foreign country and this year that country is Canada. In addition to listing the wide variety of Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators (very lucky folks), the site also offers specifics about programming that include drawing sessions, discussions, displays and much more. Read more at https://www.bdangouleme.com/focus-sur-le-9e-art-canadien-grand-public

Kate Leth makes New Year’s resolution on TV
CTV News published a video interview with Kate Leth about a New Year’s resolution. After replaying her comment on TikTok, Kate spoke about her goal to pet 100 cats in 2024 and document the achievements through illustration. Watch the interview at https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video/c2845294-a-very-furry-new-year-s-project

Prairie Comics Festival accepting exhibitor applications until Feb 14
On its Instagram feed, the Prairie Comics Festival indicated that exhibitor applications will be accepted until February 14. The post includes the link to application form that’s open to artists, writers, letters, colourists, anthologists, publishers and zine makers. Read more at https://www.instagram.com/p/C2IgnrfO9Hx/

Zac Thompson writes essay about Cemetery Kids Don’t Die
ComicBook.com published an essay written by Zac Thompson about the upcoming Oni Press title Cemetery Kids Don’t Die. The writer outlines the factors that inspired the four-issue miniseries in his treatise entitled “The Second Chances of Second Lives”. Read more at https://comicbook.com/comics/news/zac-thompson-explains-the-origins-of-cemetery-kids-dont-die/

Canadians on tap for future Batman comic books and graphic novels
Hiptoro published a list of anticipated comic books and graphics featuring Batman set for this year. Among the various creators are the following titles with Canadians at the helm:
– Harley Quinn #36 illustrated by Sweeney Boo (January 23)
– Titans: Beast World Tour: Star City #1 illustrated by Jamal Campbell (January 23)
– DC Power: A Celebration HC illustrated by Valentine De Landro (January 30)
– Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 3: Arkham Rising TPB written by Mariko Tamaki (January 30)
– Batman: Urban Legends Vol. 6 TPB written by Jamal Campbell and illustrated by Jamal Campbell and Michael Cho (January 30)
– Batman #145 written by Chip Zdarsky (March 5)
– Knight Terrors: Terror Titans HC written by Ed Brisson (March 5)
– Batman Incorporated Vol. 2: Joker Incorporated written by Ed Brisson (March 5)
– Harley Quinn Vol. 3: Verdict TP illustrated by Riley Ross (March 5)
– Batman Vol. 1: Failsafe TP written by Chip Zdarsky (March 12)
– Batman: The Brave and the Bold #11 written by Karl Kirsch and Zac Thompson, illustrated by Karl Kerschl (March 26)
– Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 4: Riddle Me This written by Mariko Tamaki (April 9)
– DC Pride: Love and Justice written by Mariko Tamaki (May 21)
Read more at https://www.hiptoro.com/p/complete-guide-to-batman-comics-graphic-novels-in-2023-2024/

Zac Thompson keeps busy with arctic crime thriller
Comics Beat reported that Zac Thompson will be writing an arctic Neo-noir crime thriller from BOOM! Studios. Along with artist Nicola Izzo, Zac will create Blow Away set on Canada’s Baffin Island and is slated for release in April. Read more at https://www.comicsbeat.com/blow-away-boom-studios-announcement/

Mall Goth chosen as Kirkus’ 2024 Rise Honoree
On her Instagram feed, Kate Leth posted that her graphic novel Mall Goth has been chosen as a 2024 Rise Honoree by Kirkus. Rise is a feminist book project for ages 0-18. Kate also refers to her cat journal as mentioned above. Read more at https://www.instagram.com/p/C2LOuACpJIW/

Canadians on graphic novel recommendation list
United By Pop issued 10 graphic novel recommendations. The list includes Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks and Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks. Read more at https://www.unitedbypop.com/young-adult-books/graphic-novel-recommendations/

Canadians make the grade for GLAAD nominations
Bleeding Cool reported that list of nominations for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The list includes The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos written by Tate Brombal in the Outstanding Comic Book category, plus Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki in Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology category. Read more at https://bleedingcool.com/comics/jon-kent-doctor-aphra-heartstopper-in-glaad-comic-book-nominations/

Emily Carroll’s graphic novel gets new edition
ICv2 posted an article indicating that Emily Carroll’s graphic novel When I Arrived At The Castle will be published in a new edition from Silver Sprocket. Originally published in 2019 by Toyama Press, the Silver Sprocket edition will feature a new cover with foil accents when it hits stores on April 10. Read more at https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/56014/silver-sprocket-publish-new-edition-emily-carrolls-when-i-arrived-castle

Kaptara updates with new issue finale
Multiversity Comics reviewed Kaptara: Universal Truths #6 by Chip Zdarsky and Kagan McLeod. The article details the oversized finale issue to the series and outlines the final storyline. Read more at http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reviews/kaptara-universal-truths-6/

Get a sneak peek of The Displaced
AIPT Comics provided a sneak peek of The Displaced #1 written by Ed Brisson scheduled for launch on February 14th. Illustrated by Luca Casalanguida, the story is about survivors of a vanished city trying to muster the courage to go on — and that city is Oshawa, Ontario (go figure). Read more at https://aiptcomics.com/2024/01/19/exclusive-boom-preview-the-displaced-1/

Ducks gets noticed for its eco message
EcoWatch wrote about ‘4 Must-Read Graphic Nonfiction Books About The Environment’ and featured Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton. The article highlights the message of environmental concerns posed in the graphic novel and how Kate created a personal story for all to understand. Read more at https://www.ecowatch.com/graphic-nonfiction-environmental-books-ecowatch.html

And in case you missed it, check out this interview with Ari Gross as he chats about his Kickstarter project Wardens.