Comic book news for Aug. 8, 2026

Welcome to the True North Country Comics Podcast — originating in Canada and celebrating the world of comic book and graphic novel creators and supporters since 2017.

Here’s the latest news about comic book and graphic novel creators for Saturday, August 8, 2026

Canadian creators nominated for 2026 Ringo Awards
The nominees for the 10th Annual Ringo Awards were announced to celebrate the creativity, skill and fun of comics and Canadian creators made the list. Notables include:

Best Cartoonist (Writer and Artist)
– Scott Chantler
– Paige Walshe

Best Artist or Penciller/Inker Team
– Stefan Tosheff

Best Cover Artist
– Riley Rossmo

Best Non-fiction Comic Work
– Fela: Music is the Weapon (published by Amistad) by Conor McCreery and Jibola Fagbamiye
– Muybridge (published by Drawn & Quarterly) by Guy Delisle (translated by Helge Dascher and Rob Aspinall)

Awards will be announced at the Baltimore Comic-Con on Saturday, September 26. Congratulations to all the nominees.

Mark McGrath plans more Voyageur stories
In a podcast interview, Mark McGrath discussed his long range plans for his Voyageur comic book series. Starting with The Acts of Louis Debraz, Voyageur, he plans to base future stories on the wealth of Quebec folk stories from the past.

Iman Villani launches new comic book at Heroes World
Located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Heroes World will play host to Iman Villani (star of Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel, The Marvels and Marvel Zombies) as she launches her new comic book Chachu. Iman will be signing Chachu #1 from 1 pm to 5 pm today during the launch party.

CBC Books previews Canadian fall books for teens and tweens
With fall fast approaching, CBC Books published a list of 32 Canadian books aimed at teens and tweens. Notables include:
– Frostbite by Ian Boothby and illustrated by Pia Guerra (published by Scholastic Canada)
– S’Witch Back by Sophie Escabasse (published by Random House Graphic)
– Tuutarjuk by Louise Flaherty and Neil Christopher, illustrated by Kagan McLeod (published by Inhabit Media)
– Namaste, Santa by Rahul Chaturvedi, illustrated by Sunita Balsara (published by Kids Can Press)
– Sunwing: The Graphic Novel by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Christopher Steininger (published by HarperCollins Canada)
– Trove by Danie Stirling (published by HarperCollins)

Toronto Comic Arts Festival announces 2027 dates
The Toronto Comic Arts Festival revealed the dates for the 2027 event taking place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Comic book aficionados can mark May 7 to 9, 2027 as the dates for the annual festivity to celebrate creators from Canada and around the world.

Kate Phillips discusses future artistic project
While chatting during a recent podcast interview, Kate Phillips mentioned that her next project will be an artist residency on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. The government supported artistic effort will allow Kate to visit the island for a set time period and use her artistic skills to record through illustration the scenery including the wild horses that live on the tiny sand bar.

Blackmouth creators plan signing in Toronto
Kyle J. Smith and Katie Sawatsky will be signing their latest graphic novel Blackmouth: The Witch’s Mark today at Little Ghosts Bookstore & Cafe in Toronto, Ontario. Between 1 pm and 3 pm, the creators will be on hand to sign the book and sit in on the moderated chat.

Jason Loo to launch new Pitiful Human-Lizard comic book at FAN EXPO Canada
Attendees of FAN EXPO Canada will have the opportunity to purchase a new Pitiful Human-Lizard comic book during the event. Jason Loo posted that the ‘Made In Chinatown’ story found in issue #10 will be a must-have for long-time fans of the comic book series. Don’t miss it!

Renée Nault announces signing event at Legends Comics
In an Instagram post, Renée Nault offered attendees at Legends Comics, in Victoria, British Columbia, to have any of her books signed on August 13. The event coincides with the launch of Renée’s newest graphic novel Salvage. Stay tuned for a upcoming podcast interview with Renée in the near future.

Ty Templeton announces Archie and Captain Canuck comic book
In an Instagram post, Ty Templeton revealed that with the help of Dan Parent and a bunch of Canadian creators there are plans for a comic book where Captain Canuck meets Archie. Ty mentioned that the sneak peak summer special will be available at FAN EXPO Canada with the full mini-series set for early 2027. Stay tuned!

CBC previews fall books for kids
CBC Books published a list of books for kids targeted for a fall release. Some of the notables include:
– Rebecca written by Kate Beaton and illustrated by Sydney Smith (published by Roaring Book Press)
– Young Cat, Old Cat by Jillian Tamaki (published by Groundwood Books)
– When a Dragon Goes to a Party by Chelsea M. Campbell and illustrated by Charlene Chua (published by Feiwei & Friends)
– My Friend Fear by Elise Gravel (published by Scholastic)

Zeta Paul announces debut book launch
In an Instagram post, Zeta Paul revealed that the new comic/art book Borderline will be launched at Open Book Coffee in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The September 13th event will include an artist talk, book signing and an honour song by Zeta Paul.

Calendar

July 7 to 9
FAN EXPO Boston
Featuring Aaron Reynolds, Heather Antos and Steven Ahola
Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center
Boston, Massachusetts

July 7 to 9
Terrificon 2026
Featuring David Finch and Adam Santangelo
Mohegan Sun
Uncasville, Connecticut

Please remember to subscribe to True North Country Comics for more news and interviews about comic book creators and supporters. And if you are feeling generous, please consider supporting my efforts by signing up for transcriptions for a low, low cost. Thanks!