Canadian comic book news for Feb. 21, 2026

Here’s a round up of the latest news about Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators and supporters for Saturday, February 21, 2026

Joe Ollman in the spotlight
CBC News interviewed Joe Ollman about his new graphic novel The Woodchipper. During the chat, Joe talks about the inspiration for his stories in the book that will launch at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in Hamilton, Ontario today between 2 pm and 4 pm.

Diana Schutz reflects on comic book editing career
WordBalloon Podcast chatted with Diana Schutz about her long editing career with Comico and Dark Horse Comics. Podcaster John Siuntres asked Diana about the efforts undertaken to help build Dark Horse Comics plus her role on the Will Eisner Hall of Fame judging committee and more.

Public Lending Right Program announces May 1 registration deadline
The Public Lending Right Program revealed the deadline for 2026 registrations is May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT. The Public Lending Right Program sends yearly payments to creators (including writers, translators, illustrators, photographers and editors) whose works are in Canada’s public libraries.

Montreal Comic Arts Festival undergoes leadership change
In an Instagram post, the Montreal Comic Arts Festival announced that after leading the organization since 2022, Mélanie La Roche will step down at the end of the next edition of the Festival, which will take place from May 15 to 17, 2026. Starting in June 2026, MCAF will adopt a joint general management, dividing responsibilities between an artistic director and an administrative director, with Virginie Mont-Reynaud appointed as Co-Executive Director and Artistic Director.

Richard Van Camp promotes new board book
In an Instagram post, Orca Book Publishers announced new titles for various readers including We Can’t Wait To Hold You by Richard Van Camp. The independently owned Canadian children’s book publisher based in Victoria, British Columbia, believes in the motto that “every child deserves access to books that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, a deeper understanding of the world around them—and are fun to read!”

Interview with underground cartoonist Leo Burdak
The Comics Journal published an interview with the late underground cartoonist Leo Burdak. During the chat, Leo spoke about his work Gearfoot Wrecks, his early drawing work, living and working in Vancouver in the 60’s, the trials and tribulations of publishing and much more.

Darcy Van Poelgeest announces new graphic novel from Image
Comic Book Club wrote that Darcy Van Poelgeest will be producing a new graphic novel The Cutting Garden from Image Comics. According to the news, watercolour artist Erin Connally will be illustrating the graphic novel that is planned for release on September 2.

Canadians feature in Zelda Awards nominations
The Zelda Award nominations were announced and Canadian creators are featured. Notables include:
– Emilia Strilchuk – Graphic Novels Non-Fiction for Be Yourself, Oh Not Like That and Emerging Trailblazer (<10 years in the biz)
– Agnes Garbowska – Graphic Novels Superhero for DC Super Heroes
– Stephanie Cooke – Children’s Graphic Novel for Pillow Talk and Founder’s Award: Ink the Future (Creators who are CHANGING the industry)
– Whitney Gardner – Children’s Graphic Novel Scary!! for Free Piano (Not Haunted))

Canadian creators help Barbara Gordon ‘breakout’
Popverse, reporting from the ComicsPRO Annual Meeting 2026, wrote that Mariko Tamaki will be writing the new DC comic book series Barbara Gordon: Breakout. The first issue is slated for sale on May 13 featuring a cover drawn by Karl Kerschl and a variant cover by Yanick Paquette.

Nathan Fairbairn talks up new PAWS graphic novel
CBC Radio interviewed Nathan Fairbairn about the new middle-grade graphic novel PAWS: The Trouble With Leo. During the chat, Nathan explains the story revolves around a three friends who have a turf ward with a rival group of dog walkers.

Canadian creators on Comics Beat winter graphic novel list
The Comics Beat listed their anticipated YA and adult graphic novels for winter 2026 and Canadian creators are on the list. Notables include:
– All The Cameras In My Room by Michael DeForge, published by Drawn & Quarterly
– Birth Story by Elisabeth Belliveau, published by Conundrum Press
– Closing Act by Chris W. Kim, published by Conundrum Press

Teresa Wong offers advice for writers
CBC Books interviewed Teresa Wong about her past CBC Nonfiction Prize win while offering advice for writers. Teresa spoke about writing a nonfiction graphic novel such as Dear Scarlet.

Fred Kennedy sells out with new grindhouse-inspired comic
AIPT spoke with Fred Kennedy about his new comic book series The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre with the first issue selling out and getting second printing cover. Fred reflected on the book’s success and why people need a good laugh.

Calendar

Feb. 21-22
Alaska Comicon
Featuring Aaron Reynolds
Carlson Center
Fairbanks, Alaska
https://www.alaskacomicon.com/

Feb. 22
Rock, Paper, Scissors Book & Print Fair
Art Gallery of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario
https://artgalleryofguelph.ca/event/rock-paper-scissors-book-print-fair-2026/

Feb. 28
Owen Sound Comicon
Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Branch 6
Owen Sound, Ontario
https://www.popculturecanada.ca/main.html

And in case you missed it, check out these podcast interviews
– David Sax discusses ‘The Future is Analog’
– Dian Day and Amanda White discuss new middle grade graphic novel

P.S. Quick update on social media platform support. Swapped TikTok for UpScrolled. I’m currently beta testing the all-Canadian Gander social media app with the username @truenorthcountrycomics. Hoping for great things from that new app.