Canadian comic book news for May 23, 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 23, 2026

Creative team reveals secret of young readers’ fascination with ‘trash cat’ graphic novel series
During their podcast interview, Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner discuss the popularity of their graphic novel series The RACC Pack: The Bins Breakout and why young readers’ are eager to get their hands on the latest entry. Plus they offer insight into what’s next for the series in the near future.

Canadian creators help celebrate Star Trek’s 60th anniversary
IDW Publishing will offer Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Special this September marking a milestone achievement for the story of the icon science-fiction series. Both Ryan North and Michael Cho are contributing to the one-shot 50-page comic featuring all new stories to commemorate the truly special event.

Iman Vellani to write new comic mini-series for Image Comics
Although fans know Iman Vellani from her ‘Ms. Marvel’ series and ‘The Marvels’ motion picture, readers will be excited to know that Image Comics plans to publish her new comic book mini-series Chachu this August 5. The story is said to revolve around a 19-year-old Pakistani-Canadian girl who teams up with her ‘Chachu’ to resolve a mystery involving family secrets and more.

Sam Maggs to pen new Star Trek series for Webtoon
In conjunction with Paramount, Webtoon plans to produce a 40-episode webcomic series entitled Stargazers written by Sam Magg starting this summer. According to the press release, the story involves ‘a young woman awakens with no memory of who she is or how she got there, only to discover six other passengers share the same fate. With no clear answers and little trust between them, the group turns to the ship’s enigmatic holopilot, JAID, who appears to be withholding critical information.’ More great content to help celebrate Star Trek’s 60th anniversary.

Industry professionals against AI at the Eisner Awards
As reported on this site, many comic book and graphic novel professionals are stoically against the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to create. Because one of the titles nominated for this year’s Eisner Award used A.I., Comic Book Yeti Editor-in-Chief Byron O’Neal has set up a petition on Change.org to bring this error to the committee’s attention. The petition hopes to change the submission guidelines to disqualify any submission that uses generative A.I. as part of the creation process for any future nominations. The petition is available on Change.org

Anthony Oliveira on tap for Marvel Comics’ Swimsuit Special
According to Marvel, this July will showcase Marvel Swimsuit Special: Brand New Beach Day #1 featuring a slew of creators including Anthony Oliveria. The issue promises some tongue-and-cheek stories for readers starting July 1.

Canadians on tap for Thought Bubble Comic Con 2026
The Thought Bubble Comic Con lineup has been published with Canadian comic book and graphic novel creators in the mix. Special guests of the Harrogate, UK event include Kate Beaton and Adam de Souza. Other Canadian exhibitors include:
– Anthony Ruttgaizer
– Brenna Baines
– Charlotte Forrester
– Comix Asylum Publishing
– Conundrum Press
– Courtney Loberg
– Emilia Strilchuk
– Group of 7 Comics
– Keith and Amy Grachow
– Michael Schwartz
– Renée Nault

Dave Cornelius channels ADHD as ‘super power’ to create graphic novel series
In his podcast interview, Dave Cornelius revealed how understanding ADHD led him to create a graphic novel series about squirrels who become special agents to break animals out of a zoo. Additionally, Dave shared insight about the creative community in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Stuart Immonen contributes to Amazing Spider-Man #1000
Marvel Comics announced that readers will have the opportunity to purchase Amazing Spider-Man #1000 featuring an array of creative talent including Stuart Immonen. The giant-sized special anniversary issued is slated to go on sale September 16.

Kristy Jackson and Rhael McGregor win Saskatchewan Book Awards
The 33rd annual Saskatchewan Book Awards were recently handed out and graphic novel creators were highlighted among the many winners. Kristy Jackson and Rhael McGregor won in the Children’s Literature Award category for Mortified (published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.) in addition to winning in the Book of the Year Award category for Touching Grass (published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.). Listen to an interview with Rhael McGregor chatting about the graphic novel Touching Grass.

Editor’s Note: The site has introduced a new payment option providing podcast transcripts. For the low, low cost of a special beverage from your nearby coffee house, 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 plus news and articles will continue to be available to freely enjoy on this site. Thanks!

Thanks for reading and remember to subscribe to True North Country Comics