I hope this will be helpful for those looking to be published as well as those interested in Canadian comics.

I’m slowly adding publishers to the Canadian Cartoonists Database and created this as a reference. I’ve also included Canadian publishers who don’t solely focus on comics but still publish a significant amount of comics, as well as collectives who self-publish members’ work and produce anthologies. Please feel free to contact me with suggestions or point me to more databases out there! (the Canada Comix Wiki was a helpful resource).

Where known, publishers are organized by province/territory and city/region and then alphabetical by name. Click on the title of the publishers for more information. Quoted descriptions are taken from publishers’ websites unless otherwise noted.

If you’ve found the resources on our website useful, like the Canadian Cartoonists Databases and our library blog, please let us know! If you’d like to show even more support, consider joining CCOL’s Patreon from $1.50 a month. We are all volunteers and every little bit helps!

Header image is the cover of Nova Graphica: A Comic Anthology of Nova Scotia History edited by Laura Ķeniņš and published by Conundrum Press.

Nunavut

Iqaluit

Inhabit Media

Yukon

Dawson City

Hecate press

“Hecate Press is a comics micro-press project started in Dawson City by Kimberly Edgar and Princess J. ” “a subarctic micropress on Tr’ondek Hwech’in territory, Dawson City, YT!”

British Columbia

Douglas & McIntyre
Douglas & McIntyre (1970-)

Indigenous Story Studio Justice CoverArtCree

Indigenous Story Studio (2005-)

“Indigenous Story Studio creates illustrations, posters, video and comic books on health and social issues for youth…has been a registered non-profit Society in the province of British Columbia since 2005. Our mandate is the non-profit promotion of health, literacy & wellness.”

Theytus Books (1980-)

“Theytus Books is a leading North American publisher of Indigenous voices. Located in Syilx territory on the Penticton Indian Reserve in British Columbia, Theytus Books is proudly First Nations-owned and operated in partnership with the En’owkin Centre. As the oldest Indigenous publishing house in Canada, Theytus Books is recognized and respected internationally for its contributions to Aboriginal literature. Since its inception in 1980, Theytus Books has been a leading proponent for Indigenous authors, illustrators and artists. It ensures that their voice and vision are expressed with the highest level of cultural authenticity and integrity.”

Burnaby

Arcana Studio (2004-)

“A successful animation studio and intellectual property house, Arcana launched in 2004. Producing engaging storytelling with compelling art, Arcana is an innovative leader in the development of intellectual properties across all platforms. Arcana’s library of wholly owned intellectual properties contain well over 5,000 characters that transcend gender, age, and cultural and geographic boundaries.”

Vancouver

Arsenal Pulp Press

Arsenal Pulp Press (1984-)

“Arsenal Pulp Press is a book publisher in Vancouver, Canada with over 400 titles currently in print, which include literary fiction and nonfiction; books on social issues; gender studies; LGBTQ and diverse literature; graphic novels and non-fiction; cookbooks; alternative crafts; visual arts; and books in translation. We are interested in literature that engages and challenges readers, and which asks probing questions about the world around us.” View their Indigenous comics and other literature here.

Class Comics (1995-)

an independent comic books publisher, founded in 1995 by Patrick Fillion as Class Enterprises, which specializes in gay erotic comics. Class Comics Inc. is now run by Fillion and his partner Fraser in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fillion has written and illustrated the largest share of Class Comics current catalogue.” (Wikipedia)

Cloudscape Comics (2007-)

“The Cloudscape Comics Society is a non-profit comics organization based in British Columbia dedicated to publishing BC graphic novels and fostering the local comics community. As a far-reaching charity, Cloudscape has published over 25 graphic novels and anthologies, spearheaded comic book classes and workshops for the public, run special events and talks on the medium, created public artworks, and run numerous other activities that engage the public within the fascinating world of comics.”

Graphic History Collective (2008-)

“Founded in 2008, the Graphic History Collective (GHC) is a group of activists, artists, writers, and researchers passionate about comics, history and social change. We produce alternative histories – people’s histories – in an accessible format to help people understand the historical roots of contemporary social issues.”

MAPLE LEAF PUBLISHING (1941-1946)

” was a World War II-era Canadian comic book publisher active during the Golden Age of Comic Books. They were one of four publishers—along with Anglo-American Publishing, Hillborough Studios, and Bell Features—which published “Canadian Whites“—black-and-white comic books with colour covers that proliferated during the war years when American imports were restricted.[1] Maple Leaf Publishing started publishing comic books in March 1941 and went out of business in late 1946.” (Wikipedia)

Moniker Press

“a risograph print and publishing studio that works collaboratively with artists and writers to produce small editions of books, zines and print ephemera.”

New Reliable Press (2005-2010)

“was a Canadian comic book and graphic novel publishing company, owned and operated by Ed Brisson. New Reliable Press is probably best known for publishing the anthology series You Ain’t No Dancer, which has contained the work of well-known indie artists like Jeffrey Brown, Lilli Carré, Nicholas Gurewitch, K. Thor Jensen, Jason Turner, Hope Larson, Mitch Clem, Liz Prince, Neil Babra, Jim Mahfood, Bryan Lee O’Malley, Dean Trippe, Kate Beaton, Lucy Knisley and Jen Wang. New Reliable Press ceased operations as a comic publisher in 2010, changing focus to comic and publishing production for other organizations.” (Wikipedia)

Nanaimo

Strong Nations Indigenous Books

Strong Nations (2010-)

“We are an Indigenous owned and operated online Book and Gift store, as well as a Publishing house. We work hard to provide authentic books and gifts in our online store. As a publisher, we are proud to say that ALL our resources that Strong Nations creates are Made in Canada.”

Victoria

13 Flames Empire

13 FLAMES EMPIRe (1999-)

“13 Flames Empire’s product line includes comic books, graphic novels, t-shirts, stickers, buttons, art prints featuring ‘Zombie Jesus‘, ‘Champions of Hell‘, and ‘Undead Inbreds‘.” Satanic and Horror themes.

Alberta

Calgary

GYTHA PRESS (2018-)

Small press specializing in comics, zines and art. We here at Gytha Press believe our most important job is being responsible to our community, our artists, our readers, and ourselves. Because we also believe in transparency, our full code of ethics is available right here.” “Gytha Press is a passion project to foster creative expression and support in the arts community. We believe in paying our artists first, and right now we’re 100% volunteer-run. We make positive, interesting, provocative and safe (That means LGBTQ, female and minority friendly!) spaces for comics that we think make the world a little more fantastic.”

p1-logo-black

PANEL 1 (2015-)
“A collective of comics creators, from all disciplines and all career stages, working together to put a spotlight on local, original work.”

TWO GARGOYLES COMICS (2010-)

“is an independent publisher of comic titles, including the genres of superheroes, comedy, horror, and urban fantasy… with more to come. You can read all about each title and individual issue on this site using the main menu above. You can purchase printed copies of these comics at Indyplanet, or purchase digital copies at Comixology. Two Gargoyles Comics is based in Alberta, Canada, and appears live at conventions in Western Canada and all over North America.” (Can Comics Wiki)

Rocky Mountains

RENEGADE ARTS ENTERTAINMENT

“Our mission is to bring stories to life that we are passionate about and believe others will be too. Currently, we are publishing comic books, graphic novels and audio books. Our stories are from new voices as well as the very best of Canadian and international storytellers. We operate from the Rocky Mountains in Canada, though members of the team are working from many different countries.”

Edmonton

Nothing Works

Nothing Works Entertainment Inc. (2015-)

“a creator-owned, small-press, independent comic book publisher founded in 2015 by writer and color artist Chase Kantor and Jared Kantor. NWE publishes single-issue creator-owned content. NWE launched its first title The Saga of the Jack of Spades No. 1 in 2015 with the help of IndieGogo. Four separate titles have followed, with many more in the pipeline.” (Can Comics Wiki)

Strawberry Jam Comics (1985-1992)

“Strawberry Jam Comics was a Canadian publisher of comic books during the black-and-white comics boom of the mid and late 1980s. Inspired by the creative success of Dave Sim‘s Cerebus the Aardvark,[1] founders Paul Stockton and Derek McCulloch launched Strawberry Jam with the publication of To Be Announced #1 in 1985.” (Wikipedia)

Saskatchewan

Cuckoo's Nest Press

CUCKOO’S NEST PRESS (2011-)

“Cuckoo’s Nest Press is home to award-winning Canadian Graphic Novelist Elaine M. Will (Look Straight Ahead) and Writer Mark Allard-Will (Saskatch-A-Man). Cuckoo’s Nest Press is the home of Xeric Award-winning, Saskatchewan Book Award-nominated Graphic Novelist and Artist, Elaine M. Will (Look Straight Ahead) and Writer, Mark Allard-Will (Saskatch-a-Man, AxeMan); alongside guest collaborations that are announced periodically.” (Can Comics Wiki)

Regina

SDS Comics

S.D.S. COMICS (1992-)

“Started in 1992 as a small self-publishing outlet for the creativity of Jason Sylvestre. During the time that S.D.S. Comics has existed it has produced zine style comic books such as Shadow Force, and Viper. And web based comic books such as Ottawa Street, and Jason Of New York City, and more recently fully self published comic books and graphic novels, such as Jason of New York City. S.D.S. Comics Present, IG, The Idiot Caveman, Headlights and Hooligan, Roadtrip,and many more. You can find our books on Amazon.ca, and indyplanet.com.” (Can Comics Wiki)

Saskatoon

Gabriel Dumont Institute Publishing (2015-)

Manitoba

Winnipeg

At Bay Press

AT BAY PRESS (2012-)

“At Bay Press is an independent, award-winning publisher. We strive to seek out new work by undiscovered authors and artists and bring their work to light. We are known for original, thoughtful content as well as exceptionally crafted and well designed titles, some of which are constructed by hand. At Bay Press is a member of the Association of Canadian Publishers, Association of Manitoba Book Publishers, the Literary Press Group, the Fine Press Book Association and the Canadian Book Binders and Book Artists Guild.”

BEDSIDE PRESS (2014-2019)

Founded in 2014, Bedside Press published a diverse range of comic and prose works including anthology collections like The Secret Loves of Geek Girls, and historical reprints such as the adventures of Brok Windsor. Bedside Press also published new content by up-and-coming artists/writers, and established creators including Margaret Atwood, Trina Robbins, and Roberta Gregory. In November 2019, Bedside Press ceased operations after publisher Nicholson confessed to sexual misconduct and assault.” (Wikipedia)

Dirty Water Comics

DIRTY WATER COMICS (2016-)

Western Canada’s worst managed publishing house. We make real stories for real people. Based out of Winnipeg, the greatest city in the world.” Publisher of Christie Pits: “A gritty ride through Toronto’s immigrant neighbourhoods, Christie Pits tells the incredible true story of when young Jewish and Italian immigrants squared off against Nazi-inspired thugs on the streets of Toronto. This is the history of a gruff and unrecognizable Canada— one of ‘swastika clubs’ and public bigotry.  A homemade swastika flag flown at a public baseball game was the spark that found tinder in these untenable and hateful conditions. What followed was the worst race riot in Canadian history. Archival research and first-hand interviews lend historical depth to an unknown story of resistance against hatred in uncertain times.”

High Water Press
HighWater Press (Imprint of Portage and Main, founded in 1967 as Peguis Publishers)

“an Indigenous-focused imprint of Portage and Main Press. You can find many of their titles at CCOL! “HighWater Press publishes books that portray a wide-ranging expression of Indigenous peoples’ culture and experiences, including high-quality fiction and nonfiction. Our current catalog is a rich mix of novels, graphic novels, memoirs, and children’s books. Our acclaimed list features established authors as well as emerging new voices. Vibrant and thought-provoking, these books will challenge and engage you.” View their comics here.

Pemmican Publications (1980-)

 

Ontario

Toronto

AH Comics (Alternate History) (2011-)

“Our books include the critically successful debut publication Titan: An Alternate History, the Juno Award Nominee shortlisted title River Pilots’ Delta, the massive 256 page Jewish Comix Anthology featuring a story edited by Stan Lee, the Association of Arts & Social Change Canadian Publishing Award nominated graphic novel series Hobson’s Gate and the multiple-award winning MOONSHOT The Indigenous Comics Collection.”

Aircel Comics
Aircel Comics (1985-1994)

“founded by Barry Blair, based in Ottawa and active from 1985 until 1994. In 1988, it merged with American publisher Eternity Comics, itself an imprint of Malibu Comics, and in the late 1980s was taken over by Malibu before ceasing publication. It was the original publisher of The Men in Black, the 1990 comic book on which the Men In Black film series was based. Aircel blended historical and futuristic fantasy from different cultures as the underlying theme for each comic series. It featured high-quality colour covers with black-and white interiors. Canadian artists such as Dave Cooper, Denis Beauvais, and Dale Keown got their start at Aircel. Charles de Lint also scripted several comic books for Aircel in the mid-1980s.” (Wikipedia)

Freelance Robin Hood

Anglo-American Publishing (1941-1951)

“While they published a number of Canadian creations, they also printed Canadian reworkings of scripts bought from American publisher Fawcett Comics.” (Wikipedia)

Annick Press

Annick Press (1975-)

“Founded in 1975 by Rick Wilks and Anne Millyard, Annick’s reputation was built on a commitment to literature for youth that remains our guiding philosophy to this day. Annick publications are dynamic and written to the highest literary standards. We encourage critical thinking and the development of a child’s inner resources so that, in addition to becoming confident, contributing members of their community, they are also engaged with society at large and their peers around the globe. Most of all, we are passionate about ensuring that our books be pleasurable, self-affirming, informative, and entertaining.” Search “graphic novel” as the keyword in their online catalogue.

BELL FEATURES, ALSO KNOWN AS COMMERCIAL SIGNS OF CANADA (1941-1953)

“Bell Features, also known as Commercial Signs of Canada, was a Canadian comic book publisher during the World War II era. They were the most successful of the publishers of “Canadian Whites“, and published comics such as Adrian Dingle‘s Nelvana of the Northern Lights.” (Wikipedia)

Black Eye Books

Black Eye Books (1992-1998; 2019-)

“From 1993–1998, under the banner of Black Eye Books, I had the honour and pleasure of publishing such notable cartoonists as Jay Stephens (The Land of Nod, Atomic City Tales), Nick Craine (Dance Me Outside), Jason Lutes (Jar of Fools, Berlin), Tom Hart (The Sands), Jeremy Eaton (World of Trouble), Matt Madden (Black Candy), James Kochalka (Quit Your Job), Ed Brubaker (Lowlife), Brian Biggs (Dear Julia), and New Zealand’s Dylan Horrocks (Pickle, Hicksville). In 2019, I relaunched Black Eye with the publication of the ‘lost’ issue of Dylan Horrocks’ Pickle, followed shortly by the Jay Stephens collection, Dejects. I believe the current intersection of crowdfunding, social media, and quality short run printing is the exciting future of micro-publishing.”

Black Sun Comics

“African-centered science fiction and fantasy comics and graphic novels. Afrofuturism at its finest…Set in the fantasy realm of Alkebulan, Black Sun is a graphic novel series that retells the story of a group of unlikely heroes who must band together to reclaim their homeland from a mysterious, invading alien armada.”

Bleating Heart Press (2016-)

“is a Toronto-based micro press that publishes zines, weird comics, and the very best media criticism.” “Zines, comics, and books by women and all non binary people.”

Call Out Comics (2017-)

“a free, black and white newspaper featuring fierce work that challenges people, ideas, pet-peeves and/or attempts to hold someone/something accountable for their words/actions.” Published by cartoonist Jonathan Rotsztain.

“We share a love of creating art and stories, and showcase paintings, sculptures, illustrations, zines, and a variety of merchandise. We are proud of our diverse and unique members, who all come from varying backgrounds, beliefs, and world views. We aim to create a healthy space for open conversation with our work amongst our respective communities, and celebrate the narrative of these differences working together.”

Colour Code (2012-)

“Colour Code is an independent print studio and publishing platform based in Toronto, Canada. We specialize in high quality, artist friendly printing for local, US and international customers. We also publish and distribute small-run artist books, comics, posters and other printed matter which you can find at our shop.

COMICS SYRUP PRESS

“Comic Syrup Press is the natural progression of the love of Canadian comic books. It exists to give life and access to otherwise lost or inaccessible comic books. In 2010 I began working with the amazing collection of Canadian comics at Library and Archives Canada, The John Bell Collection. This collection is comprehensive and includes everything from zines and superheroes to educational and satirical comics. At that time I discovered how little information there was on some of these comics, and so I made it my prime directive to put up as much information on them as I can. I welcome comments and additional information I may not have posted. Since then I have worked for the Doug Wright Awards, the Joe Shuster Awards, I did research for the Lost Heroes documentary on Canadian superheroes and have published out of print books such as Nelvana of the Northern Lights and Johnny Canuck. I am currently working on the production of Mr. Monster, Thunderfist, Major Domo and Jojo, Rex Baxter, Betty Burd, The Penguin, and others.”

Coming Soon Comics (2020-)

“Comics on the theme of “a world without police and prisons.” Shared on Instagram.

Credible Threat Press

CREDIBLE THREAT PRESS (2017-)

“a creator-owned, passion-driven, independent comic book publisher. Focusing on gritty, dark, and poignant works of fiction, This indie press has slowly been growing its catalog with some of the most promising young comic book artists and writers around today. What sets Credible Threat apart is its unwavering dedication to the creative teams it works with and the desire to help publish works that aim to inspire, critique, as well as entertain, whether they be dystopian political thrillers or fantastical space operas.”

Decent Comics

DECENT COMICS

“Indie Comic Imprint & Loving Supporter of the Comic Book Industry at large. Our titles include Snakors Pizza, The Last Paper Route & Highly Dubious.”

Dragon Lady Press (1985-1988)

“Dragon Lady Press was the publishing wing of the Toronto-based comic book store Dragon Lady Comics, operating from 1985 to 1988. The company was known for its reprints of classic newspaper comic strips in various forms. Its publications were distributed through the direct market throughout the United States and Canada” (Wikipedia)

Dreamwave Productions (1996-2005)

“Art design studio and comic book publisher founded in 1996 which is best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series.” (Wikipedia)

Friendship Edition

Comics collective based in Toronto, Ontario with members mary verhoeven, jenn woodall, trevor henderson, kat verhoeven, laura harte, gblekkenhorst, erin rei, and jj trebake.

Group of 7 Comics

Group of 7 Comics is a publisher of creator-owned independent comic books based in the Greater Toronto Area and the home of acclaimed comic book series, Group of 7. Our mission is to tell great stories.” Focus on WW1 and Vimy Ridge.

HELLO BOYFRIEND

“a group of friends based in the Greater Toronto Area who make comics! Hello Boyfriend is made up of: Jade Armstrong, Victor Martins, Christine Wong and Keelin Gorlewski.”

Hillborough Studios (1941-1942)

Publishers of Adrian Dingle’s Nelvana of the Northern Lights.

The Gathering Place

JUNCTION COMICS GROUP (2019-)

Publisher of The Gathering Place, “a collection of four short stories about Canadian artists, illustrators, and storytellers. Each chapter captures a moment within the artist’s life that allows us the opportunity for a greater appreciation for these artist’s works.” Created by artist Nelson Caetano.

Koyama Press (2007-2020)

“Our mandate is to promote and support a wide range of emerging and established artists. Projects include comics, graphic novels, art books, and zines. We are known for our alternative edge and diverse range of titles that include a myriad of genres from autobiography to photography, from horror to humour, and more.”

Kwentong Bayan

“Kwentong Bayan is a collective of two Toronto-based artists, Althea Balmes and Jo SiMalaya Alcampo. Their artistic mandate is to explore a critical and intersectional approach to community-based art, labour, and education. In the Filipino language, “kwentong bayan” is the literal translation of “community stories”.

Lev Gleason® Incorporated (previously Chapterhouse Publishing) (2015-)

“featuring classic Canadian comic book characters such as Captain Canuck and Northguard in a unified comic book universe.” (Wikipedia)

Old Growth Press (2019-)

“Old Growth Press is committed to publishing the work of BIPOC/LGBTQ2S+ Canadian artists. As a publisher we aim to further an environmentally conscious practice and mindset by using paper that is acid-free and not derived from old-growth forests, as well as recycled binding materials, in order to lessen our impact.”

POPNOIR EDITIONS (2018-)

“publishes art books, comics and zines, and occasionally releases artist multiples; we also curate the 4PANEL experimental comics site, a space where a range of talented artists creatively explore the four-panel comics format! The 4PANEL Project is a constraint-based comics platform developed by interdisciplinary artist Mark Laliberte — http://4panel.ca is a space where a range of talented artists creatively explore the four-panel comics format in a formal, abstract, literary, conceptual and/or transformative context. A print version of 4PANEL debuted in issue #28 of CAROUSEL, a Canadian hybrid literary & arts magazine (edited by Laliberte) and continues to appear in each new issue of the bi-annual journal.”

Read More Comix (2016-)

“a collective of three cartoonists who push each other to produce their best work and explore new ways of making comics. Their chief endeavour has been the production of a semi-annual full-colour anthology aptly titled Read More Comix.”

speakeasy comics
Speakeasy Comics (2004-2006)

“Speakeasy published monthly comics, creator-owned independent series, original graphic novels, and collected out-of-print creator-owned comics series that had originated with other companies. Its best-known titles were Atomika, Beowulf, The Grimoire, and Rocketo.”(Wikipedia)

Swimmers Group (n 2014-)

Founded by Sebastian Frye, Swimmers Group produces poetry, comics, and artist books by Mark Laliberte, Geoffrey Pugen, Sarah Sands Phillips, Ami Xherro and many others.

Toronto Comics Vol. 1 edited by Steven Andrews

Toronto Comics Anthology (TO Comix Press) (2014-)

“We publish comics celebrating upcoming creators and diverse voices. We’re dedicated to transparency, and helping build a supportive and kind comics community. You can find us at most major Ontario conventions, and at our social events in Toronto!”

Vortex_logo

Vortex Comics (1982 to 1994)

“Vortex Comics is a Canadian independent comic book publisher that operated during the years 1982 to 1994. Under the supervision of president, publisher, and editor Bill Marks, Vortex was known for such titles as Dean Motter‘s Mister X, Howard Chaykin‘s Black Kiss, and Chester Brown‘s Yummy Fur, the last of which was a pioneer of alternative comics. Vortex also earned a reputation for publishing Canadian comic book creators such as Brown, Ty Templeton, Ken Steacy, and Jeffrey Morgan” (Wikipedia)

Wavering Line Collective (2016-)

“puts out a bi-annual magazine of comics and illustration. It features work from the collective and invited artists for the issue. There have been six issues published since the fall of 2016.”

Mississauga

ZELPHA COMICS (2012-)

“started in 2012 as a way for Nuwame to publish his array of indie comic book titles like Paper Rock Scissors N’ Stuff Wars, The Adventures of Little Petalianne and Enter the World of Mephistopheles. Since its inception, Zelpha Comics has branched out into publishing trading cards, board game concepts, cardboard novelties and offering custom design services for individuals and businesses.”

Kitchener

Aardvark-Vanaheim

Aardvark-Vanaheim‎ (1977-)

“founded in 1977 by Dave Sim and Deni Loubert and is best known for publishing Sim’s Cerebus. In July 1984, Aardvark-Vanaheim was threatened with possible legal action by Marvel Comics over a parody of Marvel’s Wolverine character in Cerebus. For a brief time, the company also published other titles, sometimes under the name Aardvark One International. This was mainly in the early 1980s, and most of these titles moved to Renegade Press. Since the 1980s the majority of titles published by the company were related to Cerebus, although since the final issue of Cerebus was published, A-V has gone on to publish other works by Sim, including glamourpuss.” (Wikipedia)

Peterborough

ChiGraphic Publications

Comics imprint of ChiZine , publishers of dark sci-fi, horror, and fantasy. ChiZine was scrutinized in 2019 for their mistreatment of authors and staff.

Timmin

Great North Comics (2015-)

Home of Auric Of The Great White North. Founded by Davis Dewsbury and Andrew Thomas Armelim

Ottawa

Ad Astra Comix (2013-)

“is committed to bringing a diversity of voices to life in the pages of comics. To this end, we publish comics with social justice themes. Our first full length graphic novel was ‘Drawing the Line: Indian Women Fight Back’, a North American edition of an already successful feminist comic.”

Expired Comics

EXPIRED COMICS (2004-)

“Expired Comics is the result of an attempt to defeat monotony. In 2004, Kevin and Martin had just met at a less than stellar summer job. After working just a few days, they realized that it would slowly seep the happiness from their souls. Then, as if by a miracle, inspiration hit, they witnessed the most amazing mullet. This was no normal mullet; it was a beautifully gelled masterpiece which bounced ever so softly in the wind. From that moment, Kevin and Martin pooled their creativity to bring The MorningWood Guardian to life.  Since then, Expired Comics has grown and now specialize in creating and publishing comic books, kid’s books and web comics. Newly founded and based in Ottawa, Ontario, Expired Comics has already gained national and international recognition for their two comic series, The MorningWood Guardian, which held the #1 selling spot on iTunes/iBooks Canada and Earth’s Finest, which was quoted by AMC’s Comic Book Men’s Ming Chen as being “The greatest comic ever created!”

Mirror Comics Studios

MIRROR COMICS STUDIO (2015-)

“Mirror Comics Studios is a Canadian comic book and graphic novel making project centered around Ottawa based principal Dominic Bercier, writer-artist-creator of Treadwell, Ghost King [A Book of Changes] and the 24 Hour graphic novella Like Never Before & Like Never Again. Bercier is also artist-collaborator on The Bird Caller, Mission Arizona and Hold My Hand [A Father and Son Book], the pre-production comic for the Sony Pictures film Defendor and the prequel comic to the film Eddie [The Sleepwalking Cannibal]. After art school, Bercier worked as an illustrator-designer and developed comics and graphic novels in his free time. His first published professional solo work was Ghost King [A Book of Changes] through his own imprint, Mirror Comics, where he was president and publisher from 2010 to 2015. His last book at Mirror was Treadwell, which garnered a nomination in the Aurora Awards Best Graphic Novel category. Mirror Comics the publisher was shut down in March 2015 in order to allow Bercier the time to develop a space opera he originally created as a 12 year old. Mirror Comics Studios, founded by Bercier in 2015, gives him the framework to do just that.” (Can Comics Wiki)

RED QUILL BOOKS (2009-)

“Run by an editorial collective, Red Quill Books is dedicated to three key principles. Consciousness Raising: We are committed to disseminating critical academic works to a mass readership in formats that are accessible and that raise awareness and promote political engagement. Ecology: We aim to build a sustainable and Green publishing house. Our processes are digital with minimal supply-chain waste. We are an on-demand producer of books, which also ensures our books are never out of print. Community. We offer academic prizes and graduate research grants to support the next generation of critical scholars. We seek to actively promote future critical scholarship.”

Quebec

Montreal

DRAWN AND QUARTERLY (1989-)

“Over the course of several decades, Drawn & Quarterly has grown from a single-issue magazine to an internationally renowned publisher of the world’s best cartoonists. D+Q has published many North American luminaries of the medium including Adrian Tomine, Lynda Barry, Daniel Clowes, Chris Ware, Kate Beaton, Chester Brown, and Seth, as well as international authors including Tove Jansson (Finland); Guy Delisle (France); Tom Gauld (UK); Astrid Lindgren (Sweden); Yoshihiro Tatsumi (Japan); Rutu Modan (Israel); Shigeru Mizuki (Japan); and many more cartoonists from across the globe. The company’s dedication to high production values, editorial integrity, and artistic autonomy has led to it being described by Time as “the most elegant comics publisher in North America. The company operates two storefronts, Librairie D+Q and La Petite D+Q, in the Mile End neighbourhood of Montreal, the very same neighbourhood where the company was founded in 1989 by Chris Oliveros.”

ÉDITIONS DE LA PASTÈQUE (1998-)

“La Pastèque (“The Watermelon” in English) was founded by Martin Brault and Frédéric Gauthier in Montréal, Québec in July 1998, and their first publication, the first volume of Spoutnik, appeared that December. The establishment publisher arose from talks between Brault and Gauthier about the state of comics in Québec around 1997. Things seemed pessimistic, and it seemed unlikely that the small market in the province could sustain itself. The two wanted to invigorate comics publishing in Québec, and chose to adopt a different approach to that of Franco-Belgian or American comics by publishing artists who had more personal work. They are the main French-language publisher of a number of artists such as Michel Rabagliati, and have also revived older albums, such as Jean-Paul Eid‘s Jérôme Bigras and Réal Godbout & Pierre Fournier‘s Red Ketchup.” (Wikipedia)

Éditions Mille-Îles (1988-)

“Mille-Îles began in 1988 with Tristan Demers’ Gargouille, a series for children, and the adult comics album La Vie qu’on mène by Line Arsenault. They have since expanded into a wide variety of genres, and have a number of imprints.” (Wikipedia)

ÉDITIONS POW POW / POW POW PRESS (2010-)

“Éditions Pow Pow was founded in 2010 by author Luc Bossé, who hoped in this way to be able to publish his own books as well as those of his friends. Nine years later, Pow Pow’s catalog has forty titles signed by twenty authors. The Montreal publishing house occupies a prominent place in the effervescent world of Quebec comics, in addition to having set up an English-speaking division which is in charge of translating and exporting its publications. Since November 2016, the books of Éditions Pow Pow have also been available in French-speaking Europe.

Pow Pow Press was created in 2015 by Montreal-based French publisher Éditions Pow Pow . Its goal is to make the work of Quebec cartoonists available to an English-speaking audience in both Canada and the United States. As of early 2019, it has released 16 books. Authors published by Pow Pow Press include Cathon, Sophie Bédard, Pascal Girard, Francis Desharnais, Blonk, Alexandre Fontaine Rousseau and Michel Hellman.”

La Mauvaise Tete (2012-2019)

Montreal comic book publishing house, active between 2012 and 2019 which has published twenty books of sixteen authors.

Les 400 coups

Les 400 coups (1995-)

“Les 400 coups devotes itself exclusively to children’s literature by publishing breathtaking, humorous, stimulating and often even surprising illustrated albums. Combining an open mind with a dedicated passion, we offer a place to all creators who wish to share and experiment, while offering readers publications that change from the ordinary. The 400 coups are 25 years of creation and inspiration, more than 450 titles published, more than 350 creators and more 305 awards and distinctions.”

Love Love Hill

Collective of comic makers, self-publishing anthologies of comics, short stories, art zines, and minis, based in Montreal, Ontario, and across Canada.

Spilt Ink

SPIlT INK

“Spilt Ink is the small press imprint of Salgood Sam. Dedicated to publishing comics, web sites, and in the future a variety of other classes of publications. Current line includes books, digital editions, Sequential the comics news blog, The Italian Machine Project, and Dynamic Drawing.” (Can Comics Wiki)

STUDIO LOUNAK (2010-)

Lounak editions were born out of a desire to make beautiful books from the incredible artistic work that is performed daily at Studio Lounak. Fascinated as much by American, European and Asian comics, we publish the artists of the studio as well as all those who inspire us. The Lounak editions thus pay tribute to the hybridization of cultures that has made Montreal this cosmopolitan metropolis that we inhabit and that inhabits us.”

TRIP COMIX

“TRIP comix is a small independent publishing company who produces psychedelic modern mythology.”  “an alternative publisher interested in visionary, psychedelic, poetic and artistic graphic novels. Our goal is to support and promote unparalleled work that might not otherwise be published because it’s deemed too risky.”

Châteauguay

New Heroes Comics

NEW HEROES COMICS (2013-)

“an independent Canadian comic book publisher founded by Lawrenz Lano. All comics released through New Heroes Comics are available in English and French. Lawrenz Lano is the official translator of the comics.” (Can Comics Wiki)

Nova Scotia

Wolfville

CONUNDRUM PRESS (1996-)

“Conundrum Press started in 1996 in Montreal, Quebec as a way “to give voice to the under-represented working in the underground anglo cultural milieu,” according to publisher Andy Brown. The press first began making chapbooks for local writers and cartoonists but soon morphed into “genre-defying” books with spines. Around 2011 Conundrum moved to Nova Scotia and began focusing exclusively on graphic novels. They still represent their Quebec roots with the BDang imprint, which brings Quebec’s underground comics to English readers, including Michel Rabagliati’s Paul series and Real Godbout’s Amerika, which is a retelling of Franz Kafka’s novel. More recently they launched an International imprint, where the press brings world-class cartoonists and artists to the Canadian / North American reader. Titles published under this imprint include Chihoi’s The Library and Willy Linthout’s What We Need to Know.” (Profile: Literary Press Group of Canada)

 

 

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