Canadian comic book news Jan. 17, 2026

Here’s the latest roundup of news about Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators for Saturday, January 17, 2026

Canadian creators bring Baby Garfield to life
BOOM! Studios announced a new comic book series entitled Baby Garfield! featuring an array of creators including Canadians such as writers Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner along with cover artist Agnes Garbowska. The news also mentions that the first issue will be available on March 18 to tell the story of “sassy but oh-so-adorable baby Garfield in navigating a series of universal “firsts” in this positively silly new comic series perfect for Garfield-lovers, feline fanatics, and readers of all ages”.

Jeff Lemire to write The Fury of Firestorm
In his Substack post, Jeff Lemire announced that he’ll be writing The Fury of Firestorm for DC Comics, with art by Rafael DeLatorre and colorist Marcelo Maiolo, starting this spring. The post also features variant cover art by Riley Rossmo.

Jamal Campbell takes on Zatanna
DC Comics announced that Jamal Campbell will be the writer and artist on a new ongoing Zatanna comic book series arriving in April. This book, along with The Fury of Firestorm, are part of the DC: Next Level initiative designed to “push magic, mystery, and raw power into uncharted territory.”

Ryan North and Jason Loo in conversation
In a LinkedIn post, Jason Loo announced that he will join with Ryan North for an appearance at the Westdale Branch of the Hamilton Public Library for an in-depth conversation about their work. The event is slated for Thursday, January 29 at 7 pm and a Q&A session is planned to follow the talk.

Graphic novels on 2026 winter book reading list
CBC Books published the ’30 Canadian books to read in winter 2026′ and graphic novels made the list. Notables include:
– Fela: Music is the Weapon by Jibola Fagbamiye and Conor McCreery (from HarperCollins Publishers)
– 9 Times My Work Has Been Ripped Off by Raymond Biesinger (from Drawn & Quarterly)
– Muybridge by Guy Delisle (from Drawn & Quarterly
– This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux (from Abrams Fanfare)

Exhibitor applications for Ottawa Comic Arts Festival open until Feb. 28
On its website, the Ottawa Comic Arts Festival announced that applications for exhibitors are open until February 28. The inaugural event is slated to take place on April 4 at the Glebe Community Centre with a goal to “provide a platform for the diverse and talented creators of visual narrative arts within Ottawa and beyond.”

Sofia Alarcon recognized by New York Public Library for Endsickness
In its announcement of Best Comic Strip Collections of 2025, Sofia Alarcon’s Endsickness was included in the New York Public Library list of notables. Published by Conundrum Press, Endsickness was selected by New York Public Library with the following statement: “If you’re looking for something to speak words to your eco-anxiety addled brain (for your endsickness!) or to help yourself not feel so alone in the fight for our planet, Endsickness is the book for you.”

Kevin Mutch on tap for live reading of The Moon Prince graphic novel
In Instagram post, Ivan Kocmarek announced that Kevin Much will be conducting a live reading plus a Q&A session for his new graphic novel The Moon Prince. The event is slated for 6:30 pm on January 22 at the main branch of the Hamilton Public Library.

Julie Rocheleau illustrates MCAF 2026 poster
The Montreal Comic Arts Festival announced, in an Instagram post, that Julie Rocheleau has been selected to create the poster for this year’s festival event. With the theme of ALIVE! and marking the 15th anniversary of the event, MCAF/FBDM selected Julie because “her posters, with their dynamic compositions, are always elegant and sensitive, with a unique punk touch.”

Canadians in the mix for 2026 GLAAD Media Awards
Bleeding Cool reported on the nominations for the 2026 GLAAD Media awards with awards announced on Thursday, March 5 in Los Angeles, California. Notable nominated Canadians are included in the following categories:

Outstanding Comic Book
– Riley Rossmo forAbsolute Green Lantern (published by DC Comics)
– Anthony Oliveira and Bailie Rosenlund for Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices (published by Marvel Infinity Comics)
– Jeff Lemire for Minor Arcana (published by BOOM! Studios)
– Tate Brombal forThe Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos: Children of the Night (published by Dark Horse Comics)

Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology
– Andrew Wheeler for Hey, Mary! (published by Oni Press)


Mark Your Calendar
Check out this week’s events taken from the Calendar page:

Jan 16-18
FanExpo Portland
Featuring Adam Gorham, Jim Zub and Heather Antos 
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon
https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpoportland/

Jan. 17-18
Central Florida Comic Con
Featuring Aaron Reynolds
RP Funding Center
Lakeland, Florida
https://centralfloridacomiccon.com/

Jan. 17-18
Ottawa Comiccon Winter Edition
EY Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
https://ottawacomiccon.com/

Jan 23
Peterborough Comicon
The Venue
Peterborough, Ontario
https://www.popculturecanada.ca/main.html

Jan. 24
Compasscon: Oakville
Galaxy 707 Club
Oakville, Ontario
https://www.compassconevents.ca/

In case you missed it, check out this interview with Simon Roy about his new graphic novel A Star Called The Sun