Sequential art is a beautiful way to tell a story. The unique visual language of text, illustration and colour gives the reader a sensory experience that can broaden our interpretation of the narrative unfolding on the pages before us. Here’s a collection of some fabulous creators working in Ontario and Canada!
Hobtown Mystery Stories by Kris Bertin and Alexander Forbes
A critically acclaimed series set on the Canadian East coast and nominated for the Doug Wright Award. A teenage detective agency tries to solve bizarre occurrences and uncover the eerie underbelly of their small town. Vintage illustrations are evocative of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, themes reminiscent of Twin Peaks and the X-Files, with lush line work that sets the dark atmosphere. Highly entertaining; an immersive read before your eyes! This series is also made available through CELA’s accessible library services.
Pass Me By: Gone Fishin’ by Kyle Simmers and Ryan Danny Owen
Listed on CBC 2019’s ‘Must Read List,’ this tender story is crafted using a warm and minimal colour palette, creatively applied to infuse more profound meaning in the characters' lives. This novel pays tribute to our memories; whether we cherish them or hide them away, how would you feel if you were losing them?
Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography by Chester Brown
Chester Brown is considered one of the greatest cartoonists alive. His Louis Riel blazed a trail for the biographical comics genre. Five years in the making, almost every letter is hand drawn, including Brown’s extensive footnotes. With illustrations inspired by Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie, Louis Riel is a masterpiece in storytelling and a fascinating interpretation of a complex character in Canadian history.
Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire
Content note: contains scenes of violence. Sweet Tooth is one of multi-Eisner award winner Jeff Lemire's personal favourites; a dystopian horror science fiction with haunting illustrations that set the tone for a grim post-apocalyptic world. The main character embodies childhood innocence and hope even in the darkest times. The dichotomy between the earth and the characters Lemire creates conjures up a powerful effect on the reader; you can’t help but feel fully invested in his character’s dangerous journey to safety. Recently adapted into a popular show — read the series first! This series is also available digitally through Hoopla.
Dancing After TEN by Vivian Chong and Georgia Webber
Vivian Chong is a force to be reckoned with. This is her story of reclaiming her life while honouring her identity. After tragic events unfold while on vacation, Vivian is diagnosed with a rare skin disorder, TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis), which eventually takes her eyesight. Abstract illustrations depict the world through the experience of a sightless person leaving you reconsidering your perceptions. Heartbreaking yet inspirational, and at times beautifully poetic, this is a dance of a memoir. This novel is also made available through CELA’s accessible library services.
Palookaville by Seth
Written and illustrated by a treasured Canadian graphic novelist known as Seth, Palookaville is a nostalgic look at a fictional town frozen in time, navigating the challenges of a rapidly modernizing world. Seth uses his unique cartoon style to convey his melancholic humour. This edition includes an in-depth look at Seth’s artistic practice, including his scale model of the town he created, Dominion, where the story takes place, and his tour to many Canadian galleries.
