Comic book news for Sat. Oct. 17, 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, October 17, 2026

Graphic novel creators nominated for Forest of Reading 2027
Forest of Reading, Canada’s largest recreational reading program, announced the English and French-language nominees for the 2027 Awards including graphic novel creators. Notables on the list include:
– Charlene Chua for illustrating Love Panda written by Elaine Su (published by Scholastic Canada) in the 2027 Bruce Spruce category
– Jay Odjick and KC Oster for Kaboom! Blast Off (published by Scholastic Canada) in the 2027 Silver Birch Fiction category
– Alina Tysoe for My Sister The Werebeast (published by MacMillan) in the 2027 Silver Birch Fiction category and for The Great Puptective: The Big Mousetake (published by Simon and Schuster) in the Silver Birch Express category
– Kristy Jackson and Rhael McGregor for Touching Grass (published by HarperCollins Canada) in the 2027 Silver Birch Fiction category
– Faith Erin Hicks for Inbetweens (published by First Second Books) in the 2027 Red Maple category
– Elise Gravel for Ensemble (published by Éditions Scholastic) in Le prix Peuplier category
– Brett Huson and Natasha Donovan for The Cedar Mothers – Mothers of Xsan (published by HighWater Press) in the Yellow Cedar category
– Mariko Tamaki for This Place Kills Me illustrated by Nicole Goux (published by Abrams Books) in the White Pine category

Arizona O’Neill nominated for Quebec Writers’ Federation award
The Quebec Writers’ Federation announced the nominees for the 2026 literary awards. Arizona O’Neill was nominated for Opioids & Organs (published by Drawn & Quarterly) in the Concordia University First Book Prize category. Listen to a podcast interview with Arizona O’Neill talking about her debut graphic novel.

Canadian creative team sign up for Murdoch Mysteries comic book
At New York Comic Con, a new comic book series about Canadian Detective William Murdoch will be written by Ryan North, illustrated by Jason Loo and lettered by Andrew Thomas. While no published or date has been announced, more details are forthcoming.

Canadian creators participate in Kellogg’s Feeding Reading program
Kellogg’s and Penguin Random House Canada have teamed for for the Kellogg’s Feeding Reading program. With the purchase of specially Kellogg’s products, free books, offered in English and French languages, are available during the promotion. Notable books include:
– Boy vs Shark by Paul Gilligan
– Head Lice: The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel
– Kaboom! Decolage by Jay Odjick and KC Oster
– La Nouvelle by Cassandra Calin
More details are available at https://www.feedingreading.ca/Home

Jed MacKay takes on writing duties for Jean Grey
Marvel Comics offered a sneak peek of Jean Grey #1 written by Jed MacKay slated for sale January 27, 2027. In the online interview, Jed spoke about why he took on the character, what threats he plans for Jean and what it was like working with illustrator Rogê Antônio.

Canadian creators on Barnes & Noble best of 2026 list
Bookseller Barnes & Noble published their best of 2026 list and Canadian creators made the list. Notables for Best Young Readers’ Books included:
– Arley Nopra for Dawn on the Coast: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-sitters Club #19) with Ann M. Martin (published by Scholastic)
– Cassandra Calin for The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel (The New Girl #2) (published by Scholastic)

Calendar

Oct. 17-18
Atlantic Entertainment Expo
Moncton Colliseum
Moncton, New Brunswick

Oct. 17
The Toronto Sh!tshow
The Parkdale Hall
Toronto, Ontario


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