Canadian comic book news for May 2, 2026

Welcome to the True North Country Comics Podcast — dedicated to celebrate Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators and supporters.

Here’s the latest news about Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators and supporters for Saturday, May 2, 2026

Canadian creators on board for Free Comic Book Day 2026
Bleeding Cool News listed the 48 most anticipated Free Comic Book Day comic books for 2026 and Canadian creators are behind the most popular including:
– Chip Zdarsky – Avengers Armageddon #1
– Jed MacKay – Avengers Armageddon #1 (X-Men feature)
– Ryan North – Avengers Armageddon #1
– Jim Zub – Conan: Tides of the Tyrant King #1 and Manga Classics – Journey to the West #1
– Bailie Rosenlund – Avatar Legends/Minecraft – Heart of Cobblestone #1

Calgary Expo report
CTV News Calgary spoke with some of the creators who exhibited at the recent Calgary Expo. Jim Zub spoke about life on the road. Ken Lashley enjoyed meeting fans and appreciates the time they spend to meet with creators.

Arizona O’Neill in the spotlight
The Montreal Gazette interviewed Arizona O’Neill about her debut graphic novel Opioids & Organs. Arizona spoke about the story behind the graphic novel, how she turned her grief into a work of art after years of scientific research into the subject of organ donation. Arizona will be in conversation with Neil Smith at the Drawn & Quarterly bookstore in Montreal on May 12 at 7 pm to discuss Opioids & Organs.

Stephanie Guest announces book launch
In an Instagram post, Stephanie Guest revealed the book launch for her graphic novel Sunset Chaser will take place on May 14 at the Prairie Comics Festival Studio Space in Winnipeg. The event will be include a conversation about the new graphic novel and the creative process hosted by S.M. Beiko as editor.

Brandon Mitchell talks up new middle-grade graphic novel
Windspeaker.com wrote an article featuring Brandon Mitchell and his upcoming middle-grade graphic novel The Search for Gluscap. Brandon offered details about the upcoming book (available in May from by Highwater Press) including themes of the story, why he’s using this medium to encourage young Mi’kmaq and non-indigenous readers to learn more about the stories while encouraging a sense of wonder.

Vivi Partridge in conversation about new graphic novel
In an Instagram post, Vivi Partridge announced that she plans to be interviewed by Mollie Cronin about her new auto bio graphic novel Vivisect. Details mentioned include the launch event will occur on May 29 at the RAID Gallery Cafe in Toronto, Ontario at 7 pm with a Q&A, book signing and more.

Guy Delisle wins Blue Metropolis literary prize
Quill & Quire reported on the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival where Guy Delisle was presented with the Blue Metropolis Future and Society Award. The annual festival took place in Montreal from April 23 to 26.

Kate Beaton receives honorary degree from St. Thomas University
In a press release, St. Thomas University, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, announced the presentation of honorary degrees to recognize exceptional merit and achievement. Kate Beaton is among the select to receive the honorary degree at Summer Vocation on July 3.

Calendar

April

Apr. 30 – May 3
Comic Con Africa
Featuring Heather Antos
Cape Town International Convention Center
Cape Town, Africa
https://comicconafrica.co.za/ccct-home-page/

May

May 1-3
Northern FanCon
CN Centre
Prince George, British Columbia
https://www.northernfancon.ca

May 2-3
Pop Con YXE
Prairieland
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
https://www.popconyxe.com/

May 2
Vernon Comic Con
Vernon Recreation Centre
Vernon, British Columbia
https://www.vernoncomiccon.com/

May 3
Huntsville Comicon
Canada Summit Centre
Huntsville, Ontario
https://www.popculturecanada.ca/main.html

May 3
TriCon 2026
The Museum
Kitchener, Ontario
https://themuseum.ca/events/tricon-2026-05-03/

May 9
Brantford Comic Con
Lions Park Arena
Brantford, Ontario
https://brantfordcomiccon.com/

May 9
Trenton Comicon
Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens
Trenton, Ontario
https://www.popculturecanada.ca/main.html

May 9-10
Mumbai Comic Con
Featuring Ramón K. Pérez
Jim World Convention Centre
Mumbai, India
https://www.comicconindia.com/all-cities-main-page/mumbai-comic-con

In case you missed them, check out these podcast:
– Steve McGinnis promotes horror comics at Brantford Comic Con
– Chris W. Kim discusses Closing Act
– Jim Perry talks about web-based comic book series Parapsych-Comic
– Conor McCreery chats about the last Last Witch graphic novel