Canadian comic book news for Aug. 9, 2025

Here’s the latest news about Canadian comic book creators and supporters for Saturday, August 9, 2025

Boum’s The Jellyfish receives award nomination
Publishers Weekly reported on the 2025 Sophie Castille nominees that included Robin Lang and Helge Dascher for their work on The Jellyfish by Boum published by Pow Pow Press. The awards, which recognize translations of comics, will be LICAF on September 27. Read more at https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=5479

Tate Brombal chats about Christopher Chaos
Hollywood Soapbox had the opportunity to interview Tate Brombal about the new Dark Horse miniseries The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos: Children of the Night. During the conversation Tate offer details about what readers can expect from the new story and new characters, what inspired this new story, and the inspiration for the ‘Monsters in Love’ section of each comic. Read more at https://www.hollywoodsoapbox.com/interview-monster-club-members-unite-christopher-chaos-is-back/

Ryan and Chip visit The Fantastic Four set
In a YouTube video, Marvel Entertainment promoted a visit from comic book creatives to the set of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ including Ryan North and Chip Zdarsky and other Marvel Comic notables. Ryan described the event has having a ‘dizzying effect’ on him, while Chip said it was unlike any other movie he’s encountered. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/xdiGz6VhEyU?si=v96S6xA-7lCFeyoa

St. John’s Comic Arts Festival announces featured guests
In a press release, St. John’s Comic Arts Festival reveal featured guests for the September 6-7 inaugural event. Special guests include:
– Scott Chantler, creator of Squire & Knight, Two Generals and more
– Wallace Ryan, creator of Zeitgeist, Newfoundland Quarterly and more
– Kevin Tobin, creator of Fly on the Wall
– Irene Velentzas, known for Tunnel Vision Press and Conundrum Press
The free and open event is slated to take place at the Landing and the Loft in the University Centre of the Memorial University St. John’s Campus. Read more at https://www.stjohnscomics.com/

Charlene Chua discusses her latest picture book
Pubishers Weekly interviewed Charlene Chua about her new picture book The Pink Pajamas: A Story About Love and Loss. Charlene addressed questions about what inspired her to get into illustration, what motivated her to create a picture book, what was the inspiration for this story, and her future plans for creative work. Read more at https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/98343-four-questions-for-charlene-chua.html

Jed MacKay prepares to launch new Nova series for Marvel Comics
CBR spoke with Jed MacKay about creating the new upcoming Nova series for Marvel Comics slated for sale beginning in September. In the interview Jed offered insight into the reasoning behind the new story, how he turned a one-shot into an ongoing series, how the classic Western vibe influenced the stories, and the process of working with artist Matteo Della Fonte. Read more at https://www.cbr.com/jed-mackay-nova-imperial-marvel-interview/

CBC recognizes comic book/graphic novel authors to watch in 2025
In a recent article, CBC Books wrote about the 22 Canadian writers making their mark in 2025. Comic book and graphic novel writers were also noted including:
– Arley Nopra for Mallory and the Trouble with Twins published by Scholastic
– Ruth Chan for Uprooted published by Roaring Brook Press
– Anthony Oliveira for Avengers Academy by Marvel Comics
Read more here https://www.cbc.ca/books/mallory-and-the-trouble-with-twins-by-arley-nopra-1.7476114

Canadian graphic novel creators nominated for LAMBDA awards
In a press release, the LAMBDA Literary Awards announced nominees for 2025. Notable Canadian graphic novel creators included:
– Julie Delporte for Portrait of a Body from Drawn & Quarterly in the Lesbian Memoir/Biography category
– Sarah Leavitt for Something, Not Nothing: A Story of Grief and Love from Arsenal Pulp Press in the LBGTQ+ Comics category
Winners will be honoured in a virtual ceremony to be held on October 4. Read more at https://lambdaliterary.org/2025/07/announcing-the-finalists-for-the-37th-annual-lambda-literary-awards/

Ken Steacy illustrates opinion about the war on wildfires
The Globe and Mail published an illustrative opinion piece by Canadian comic book artist and writer Ken Steacy. The artwork and text highlight how Canada has the means and capability to combat wildfires with the Super Scooper. Read more at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-super-scooper-plane-waterbomb-wildfire/

In case you missed them, check out these podcast interviews:
– True North Country Comics Podcast presents Made in Canada – Creator Resources featuring a chat with Mike O’Connor, founder of Ardith Publishing and author of ‘Pages to Profit’
– Veronica Post offers a sneak peek of the 2025 Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival