Arguably
Canada
’s comic capital,
Toronto
plays host to many industry events. The 2007
Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon wrapped up this past weekend and it was a smash success. Thousands of fans turned out for
Canada
’s largest convention solely dedicated to comic books and sequential art.
Coinciding with the convention, the
Women of Comics 2 symposium presented special panels featuring some of the field’s most influential leading ladies. Editors Shelley Bond (Vertigo/Minx), Joan Hilty (DC), Robyn Moore (
Strangers in Paradise) and Marvel’s
Renee Witterstaetter were on hand to discuss the ins and outs of the business for those interested in pursuing an editorial career. In addition to the editors panel, Janet Hetherington moderated a spotlight session on the DC Comics title
Birds of Prey, featuring Gail Simone and Nicola Scott.
The Awards
Another jewel in the Toronto Comicon crown was the third annual
Joe Shuster Awards to honour Canadian talent in the comics field. Darwyn Cooke scored an incredible three JSA plaques!
The full breakdown of award winners:
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist (Writer/Artist) – Darwyn Cooke for
The Spirit
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Writer – Darwyn Cooke for
Superman Confidential
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artist -
Darwyn Cooke & J. Bone for
Batman/The Spirit #1
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Publisher -
Drawn & Quarterly
Outstanding Canadian Web Comic Creator or Creative Team -
Dan Kim for
April & May & June, Kanami, Penny Tribute
Outstanding International Comic Book Creator (write-in) – Brian K. Vaughan
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Creator - English Language (write-in) – Dan Kim
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Creator - French Language (write-in) -
Michel Rabagliati
The Harry Kremer Award for Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Retailer – Happy Harbor
Inductees to
The Canadian Comic Book Creator Hall of Fame -
Albert Chartier,
Gene Day,
Jacques Hurtubise /Zyx,
Gerald Lazarre
The Guests
Among the long list of guests to the show, headliners included Matt Wagner (
Grendel, Batman and the Monster Men), Marv Wolfman (
Teen Titans,
Crisis on Infinite Earths) and Terry Moore (
Strangers in Paradise). There were a slew of other guests, including independent creators, DC and Marvel contributors, TV icon Ed the Sock, wrestler Trish Stratus, and the Suicide Girls. I’d link you to the Suicide Girls site, but The Bin is a family friendly publication.
The ink and graphite were flowing as autographs and sketches were heaped upon the grateful throngs of comic enthusiasts.
The Costumes
The last day of the con was free for those in costume. I counted at least three Batmen and two Spider-Men mingling with a Golden Age Green Lantern, some Supergirls, and a knockout Power Girl portrayed by City-TV personality Liana K. Darth Vader marched with his troops, posing with all his adoring fans. When one Spider-Man noticed the other, he promptly stamped a sign on his rival’s back which read “I’m the Clone”.
COMING SOON: DC/Vertigo panel report and photos from the con! Lots of glorious photos.
