Canadian comic book news for May 9, 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 9, 2026

Brantford Comic Con in the spotlight
CHCH News interviewed Andrew Thomas and actor Ming Chen about this today’s Brantford Comic Con. During the TV interview, Andrew spoke about what attendees can expect at the annual convention including actors, wrestlers, vendors and, of course, comic book creators.

Fiona Smyth noted for creating 2026 Doug Wright Awards poster
In an Instagram post, the Doug Wright Awards announced that this year’s official ceremony poster was created by Fiona Smyth. Fiona was the winner of the 2023 Egghead Award and was inducted into the Giants of the North: The Canadian Cartooning Hall of Fame.

Sofia Alarcon wins 2026 Lynd Ward Prize Honor Book award
In an Instagram post, Conundrum Press announces that Sofia Alarcon’s Endsickness is the winner of the 2026 Lynd Ward Honor Book award. The award is presented annually to the best graphic novel, fiction or nonfiction. and honours Ward’s influence in the development of the graphic novel.

Jon Claytor nominated for Amazon Canada First Novel Award
CBC Books wrote about six authors who are nominated for this year’s Amazon Canada First Novel Award including Jon Claytor for his graphic novel Nowhere published by Goose Lane Editions. The article states the winner will be announced at an in-person event in Toronto, Ontario on June 4.

Doug Wright Awards nominees announced
On its website, the nominees for the 2026 Doug Wright Awards were announced. The categories and nominees include:
Best Book
– Holy Acrimony by Michael DeForge (published by Drawn & Quarterly)
– Muybridge by Guy Delisle (published by Drawn & Quarterly)
– Cannon by Lee Lai (published by Drawn & Quarterly)
– Salt Green Death by Katarina Thorsen (published by Conundrum Press)
– The Last Band on Earth by Elaine M. Will (published by Renegade Arts Entertainment)

The Nipper (Emerging Talent)
– Mollie Cronin for Future Me is Fat (published by Conundrum Press)
– Jordana Globerman for Soul Machine (published by Annick Press)
– Stefano Jun for Modern Asian Family: Straight Outta Busan (published by Renegade Arts Entertainment)
– Alex Swift for The Connoisseurs (published by Frog Farm)
– Lis Xu for Layover and Mad (self-published) plus Raccoon Rescue (published by Gytha Press)

The Pigskin Peters (Best Small- or Micro-Press Book
– Life After Life by Joshua Barkman (self-published)
– Soft Serve & Nosferatu by Matthew Daley (self-published)
– Old Souls by Jackaris (published by Cloudscape Comics Society)
– Mobile Gang Fortress by Alexander Laird (published by Frog Farm)
– Pass Me By: Lily by Kate Simmers and Ryan Danny Owen (published by Renegade Arts Entertainment)

The Egghead (Best Kids’ Book)
– Way off Track by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Dávila (published by Kids Can Press)
– Howler Reef by Mike Deas and Nancy Deas (published by Orca Book Publishers)
– Fantastic Lou by Qin Leng (published by Tundra)
– Paisley & Peck: Jurassic Farm by J. Torres and Mike Deas (published by Own Kids)
– My Sister the Werebeast by Alina Tysoe (published by First Second)

The 22nd annual Doug Wright Awards, hosted by Ho Che Anderson, is scheduled to take place at 8 pm at the Arts & Letters Club, Toronto, Ontario. Congratulation to all the nominees.

Stephanie Cooke fights back against AI comic book venture
In an Instagram post, Stephanie Cooke posted her interaction with Jon Oringer, founder of Shutterstock, decrying his efforts to garner comic book and graphic novel creative support for his new AI platform. It goes without saying that Stephanie’s post is receiving critical support from creative professionals.

Comic books help Vancouver community to connect
BCIT News wrote about the Vancouver comic book community and the various efforts underway to encourage human connection. The article mentioned Golden Age Collectibles comic book store, Cloudscape Comics Society, and the promotion of Free Comic Book Day as factors that contribute to more genuine human connection.

Camille Perron-Cormier announces new English translation of her comic series
In an Instagram post, Camille Perron-Cormier revealed that Second Story plans to translate her SOS Sorcières comic series into English. The new version will be available starting October 6 with the title The Secret Society of the Willbrook Witches.

Alison McCreesh reveals her new book The Short Years
MyNorthNow.com spoke with Alison McCreesh about The Short Years from Conundrum Press — a comic treasury about raising small children. During the chat, Alison offered information about the humour in the comics, the reason for creating the book, and how she found time to produce a book while still looking after children.

Calendar

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

May 14-16
Fantasy Basel
Featuring Francine Delgado
Messe Basel
Messeplatz, Basel, Switzerland
https://fantasybasel.ch/en

May 15-17
Montreal Comic Arts Festival
Saint-Denis Street
Montreal, Quebec
https://www.fbdm-mcaf.ca/en/

May 15-17
Gem State Comic Con
Featuring Andrew Thomas
Expo Idaho
Boise, Idaho
https://www.gemstatecomiccon.com/

May 16
Collingwood Comicon 
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63
Collingwood, Ontario
https://www.popculturecanada.ca/main.html

May 17
Orangeville ComiCon 
Orangeville Curling Club
Orangeville, Ontario
https://www.popculturecanada.ca/main.html

In case you missed it, check out out these podcasts
– Andrew Thomas discusses new comic book projects prepping for Brantford Comic Con
– Elisabeth Belliveau tells her ‘Birth Story’
– Michael Carson introduces his comic book series ‘The Realm’
– Jon Claytor reveals his new graphic novel ‘Nowhere’


P.S. I’ve introduced a new optional payment option to the site related to podcast transcripts. For the low, low cost of a coffee, each month your contribution rewards you with text readouts of podcasts while also helping to assist with the ongoing effort to celebrate Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators and supporters. Note that podcasts will continue to be available to freely enjoy on this site. Thanks!