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Dave MichaelsPosted Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 21:08 |
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Up, Up and Away, Eh?
Many people may not know that the most recognized superhero and the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way…is half Canadian.
Yes, one half of the duo that created Superman, The Man of Steel, was born in Toronto, Ontario. Joe Shuster lived in Canada until he was 9 and his parents moved to Cleveland Ohio, where he met his legendary collaborator, Jerry Siegel…and the rest, as they say, is history.
In honor of Mr. Shuster’s achievements in the comics business, The Canadian Comic Book Awards Association annually hand out The Joe Shuster Awards to homegrown Canadian comic book creators that have achieved greatness in their field.
This year, for the first time ever, these great awards were handed out at the Montreal Comic Con, and yours truly, The 
Bleeder King, had the honor of attending the ceremony.
Along with me was my esteemed colleague Steve Damm (he left the smoking monkey at the hotel…even though I was looking forward to seeing it in a tuxedo…sad face), our good friend Stephane Trahan and a very talented independent creator we’ve befriended over the last couple of years by the name of Craig Stuckless.
It was an intimate affair (us Canadians like it cozy), but the atmosphere was not void of love for the comics medium, as familiar faces from the Con began to fill the room.
In full Clark Kent mode, I took my place as close to the action as possible, which was right next to where the co-host of the awards (and my good buddy), Jason Rockman (of CHOM FM here in Montreal and frontman of the rock group, Slaves On Dope) was seated.
After Jason and I shared some adventure stories from the Con, he soon hopped up on stage to join his co-host, Catherine Smith-Desbiens from Astral Radio, and begun his hosting duties!
The first award given out was for Outstanding Cover Artist, and the nominees were:
- Kalman Andrasofszky X-23 5-19, X-Men: Earth’s Mutant Heroes 1 (Marvel Comics), Stan Lee’s Soldier Zero 6-10 (Boom!)
- Kaare Andrews Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis 5, Ultimate Comics Hawkeye 1-4, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 156, 1-5, Ultimate Comics X-Men 1-5, Ultimate Comics Ultimates 1-5 (Marvel Comics)
- Fred Jourdain Le Dragon Bleu / The Blue Dragon (Éditions Alto/Ex Machina/House of Anansi Press)
- Francois Lapierre Chroniques Sauvages (Glenat Quebec)
- Jeff Lemire Jonah Hex 69 (DC Comics), Sweet Tooth 18-28 (DC/Vertigo)
- Francis Manapul The Flash Vol.4 9-12, The Flash Vol. 5 1-4, Flashpoint: Grodd of War 1, Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost 1-3, Green Lantern 4, Green Lantern Corps 62, Superboy 5, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents 5 (DC Comics) 7 Warriors (Boom!)
- Yanick Paquette Batman Incorporated 3-5, Knight and Squire 1-6, Swamp Thing 1-4 (DC Comics)
And the winner is…
Francois Lapierre
For his work on Chroniques Sauvages
The judging committee were particularly enamoured with his cover work for Chroniques Sauvages, and felt that Mr. Lapierre captured an intriguing and appealing design.
Most of Francois’ acceptance speech was given in French, but he did relay in English that he was very happy and honored to receive this award and said it was a very nice surprise.
Next up was the Gene Day Award for Self-Publishers!
The presenter for this award and the following two was Robert Haynes, the associate director of the Shuster Awards. He explained that the all three awards are coupled together because they build on each other.
The Gene Day Award in particular was created to promote small press creators, which Robert pointed out, are the next generation of the industry. The award was created to not only encourage them, but to help them create great comics.
The winner of the award receives a bursary to kickstart the cost of the next book that the winner puts together, so it really is a very important award and truly gives back to the Canadian independent comics scene in a big way.
The nominees were…
- Silly Kingdom: Alengrimrickshaw’s 211th Birthday by Katie and Steven Shanahan
- Ghost Rabbit by Dakota McFadzean
- Drupe by Jeremy Bourgeois Raymonde
- 21 Journeys by the Cloudscape Comics Collective,
- Fifteen Months by Colleen MacIsaac
The winner is….
Ghost Rabbit
By Dakota McFadzean
Dakota was not in attendance, but Robert accepted the award on his behalf. Dakota was really influenced by Charles Shultz and it really shows in his work.
The work is about loss and is very emotional, and the Shuster jury feels McFadzean communicates things beyond the panel borders.
It’s Dakota’s second Shuster nomination and he’s a first time winner, so congratulations go out to him and his hard work!
The next award is the Harry Kremer Retailer Award, which was presented by Nicolas from Planete BD, the winner of last year’s award, to properly pass the torch.
This award is given to the retailers in Canada as an approach to recognize the anchor of the industry, which are the retailers, because after all, without them, comics just wouldn’t get out there for the public to see!
The nominees are…
- Amazing Stories (Saskatoon, SK)
- Another Dimension (Calgary, AB)
- The Comic Hunter (Moncton, NB)
- Comic Readers (Regina, SK)
- Golden Age Collectables (Vancouver, BC)
- Heroes (London, ON)
- L’Imaginaire (Quebec City, QC)
- Silver Snail (Toronto, ON)
- Studio 9 Comic Shop (Montreal, QC)
- Warp 1 Comics and Games (Edmonton, AB)
And the winner is…
The Silver Snail
Toronto, On
The Silver Snail has been an institution particularly in Ontario for years, with many locations in the province (I’m familiar with them, since my brother lives in Ottawa and made waking up after a surgery a few years ago much easier for me with a stack of comics from the location there).
2011 saw a new management take over the chain of stores and The Shusters are recognizing them for not only the great work as a retailer, but the work they have done distributing and supporting Canadian independent comics.
The new owner, George, who worked for Silver Snail for a number of years, graciously accepted the award. Congrats to them!
The next award is Dragon Prize: Comics for Kids Award, and presenting that award was Jennifer, from The Dragon store in Guelph, Ontario (the award’s sponsor). She also is a schoolteacher and a proud board member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, who are constantly working their butts off for comic book creator rights.
The nature of the Dragon Prize is to help teachers, parents and librarians recognize quality in Canadian comics for young readers. These books are for the whole family to enjoy and provide life lessons to the next generation of comic book fans!
The nominees were….
- Ariane et Nicolas Tome 6: Les Toiles Mysterieuses Paul Roux (Les 400 Coups)
- Big City Otto Vol.1 Bill Slavin (Kids Can Press)
- Hyena in Petticoats: The Story of Suffragette Nellie McClung Willow Dawson (Puffin Books)
- L’Agent Jean Tome 1: Le Cerveau de l’Apocalypse Alex A. (Presses Aventure)
- Lone Hawk: The Story of Air Ace Billy Bishop John Lang (Puffin Books)
- Luz Sees the Light Claudia Davila (Kids Can Press)
- Silly Kingdom: Alengrimrickshaw’s 211th Birthday Katie and Steven Shanahan (Self-Published)
- Three Thieves Book 2: The Sign of the Black Rock Scott Chantler (Kids Can Press)
The winner is…
Ariane et Nicolas T.6: Les Toiles Mysterieuses 
By Paul Roux
Paul was not able to attend but sent his acceptance speech, which was entirely in French.
I am not going to translate it perfectly, and will not even attempt to try, but I can say that he was very honored and thanked the Shusters for their recognition of his work.
That cover is great, and I’m sure the book is hilarious!
The next award given out was for Outstanding Webcomics Creator, an award which brings to light the efforts of the ever growing new generation of comic creators that use the far-reaching capabilities of the worldwide web to get their comics out there and available to an unlimited amount of fans.
The nominees were…
- Jayd Ait-Kaci The Fox Sister, Sfeer Theory
- Emily Carroll Comics 2011 (Anu-Anulan and Yir’s Daughter, Dream Journal Mar 30th, Margot’s Room, The Prince and The Sea)
- Tony Cliff Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant
- Kate Craig Heart of Ice
- Iris et Zviane L’ostie d’chat – Le blog de Jasmin et Jean-Seb
- Drazen Kozjan The Happy Undertaker
- Ty Templeton Bun Toons
The winner is…
Emily Carrol
For her 2011 comics on her site
It’s Emily’s second year in a row winning this award and the Shusters are proud to recognize her for her strong, appealing dialogue and her choice of colors and unique brand of storytelling.
Emily was also not at the ceremony, but a representative from the Shuster Awards accepted on her behalf.
He exclaimed that Emily’s stuff is just jaw-dropping and the fact that she is a two time winner just shows that her work continues to elevate, and is just worth checking out.
Emily did send a few words, expressing her gratitude to the committee and jury followed by an enthusiastic, “MERCI!”
The next award is Outstanding Writer. The nominees covered a vast amount of comic book storytelling, from superheroes to medieval adventures, from autobiographical comics to Shakespearian ethics.
The nominees were…
- Anthony Del Col, Connor McCreery Kill Shakespeare 9-12 (IDW)
- Francis Desharnais Motel Galactic (Editions Pow Pow)
- Maryse Dubuc, Marc Delafontaine Les Nombrils T.5: Un Couple D’enfer (Dupuis)
- Kathryn Immonen Avengers: Origins – Thor 1, Captain America and the First Thirteen 1, Wolverine and Jubilee 1-4, “Queen, King, Off-Suit“/X-Men: To Serve and Protect 4 (Marvel Comics), “Say You’re Dead“/Outlaw Territory Vol.2 (Image)
- Jeff Lemire Animal Man 1-4, Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown 1-3, Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. 1-4, Giant Size Atom 1, Superboy 3-11 (DC Comics), Sweet Tooth 26-28 (DC/Vertigo), “-“/Brilliant! Tragic! The Comic Book 1 (Art Brut)
- Tristan Roulot Le Testament de Capitaine Crown T.1: Cinq Enfants du Putain, Goblins T.5: La Fleur au Canon, Psykoparis T.1 (Soleil)
- Kurtis G. Wiebe Green Wake 1-8, The Intrepids 1-6 (Image), “Logan‘s Lost Lesson“/Marvel Holiday Special 2011 (Marvel Comics)
- Jim Zubkavich Skull Kickers 5, 7-11 (Image) * which, of course, got a huge “woo” from Damm
The winner is…
Kurtis G. Wiebe
For his work on Green Wake, Intrepids and Marvel Holiday Special 2011
Kurtis sent his acceptance speech via his colorist and letterer on Green Wake, Kelly Tindall. He said that his work on that particular book was during a tough time in Kurtis’ life and it came through in his eclectic work.
Kelly said that he was very proud of his and everyone’s work on the book and was honoured to accept the award for Mr. Wiebe.
Kurtis really seems to be an up and coming writer in the industry and his writing, especially on Green Wake, is definitely worth a look!
Next award was Outstanding Artist (an award that I particularly was looking forward to). I was very familiar with most of the nominees, and was looking forward to seeing which of my fellow Canuck artists were going to be honored.
The nominees…
- Chris Bachalo Age of X: Alpha 1, Avengers 13, 15, Wolverine and the X-Men 1-3, X-Men 7-10 (Marvel Comics)
- Marc Delafontaine Les Nombrils T.5: Un Couple D’enfer (Delcourt)
- Stuart Immonen Fear Itself 1-7, “Queen, King, Off-Suit“/X-Men: To Serve and Protect 4 (Marvel Comics), “Say You’re Dead“/Outlaw Territory Vol.2 (Image)
- Fred Jourdain Le Dragon Bleu / The Blue Dragon (Éditions Alto/Ex Machina/House of Anansi Press)
- Jeff Lemire Jonah Hex 69 (DC Comics), “A Coffin for Mrs. Bishell”/ Outlaw Territory Vol. 2 (Image)
- Yanick Paquette et Nathan Fairbairn Swamp Thing 1-3, Batman Incorporated 3, 5 (with Michel Lacombe) (DC Comics)
- Cameron Stewart “Chapter 1: The School of Night“/Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes! 1 (DC Comics), Suicide Girls 1-4 (IDW)
The winner is…
Stuart Immonen
For his (epic) work on Fear Itself, X-Men: To Serve & Protect & Outlaw Territory
Ty Templeton got up to accept Stuart’s award, and immediately let us know that he and all of his fellow artists in the industry are extremely jealous of Mr. Immonen’s talents!
Ty said that Stuart’s a great guy and never turns in a bad comic book. In fact, he’s seen him turn in many, many great ones.
This win reared in a big round of applause that was much deserved.
Personally I will say that Immonen’s work on Fear Itself was a joy to read from front to back and I really suggest that if you dig action packed, epic superhero stories as much as I do, you better order or go pick up your trade/hardcover
(heck, get both!) of Fear Itself from eXpertComics, RIGHT NOW!!!
The final award of the evening went to Outstanding Cartoonist/Writer/Artist.
The nominated works ranged all genres from biographical, historical, crime and sci-fi to comedy, mythological and what was described as “Lord of the Rings style fantasy on acid”! (is there any other kind?)
The nominees were…
- Chester Brown Paying For It: A Comic Strip Memoir About Being A John (D+Q)
- Darwyn Cooke ”The Seventh“/Parker: The Martini Edition, “Betty Saves the Day“/Rocketeer Adventures 2 (IDW) *wouldn’t be surprised if that “woo” I heard on my audio recording wasn’t Damm again!
- Guy Delisle Chroniques de Jerusalem (Delcourt)
- Ray Fawkes One Soul, Possessions Book Two (Oni Press)
- Francois Lapierre Chroniques Sauvages (Glenat Quebec)
- Jeff Lemire Sweet Tooth 17-25 (DC/Vertigo)
- Ramon Perez Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand (Archaia Press)
- Michel Rabagliati Paul au Parc (La Pasteque)
The winner is…
Ramon Perez
For his work on Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand
Ty Templeton got up again to accept this award, joking that he “continues to not be the person winning”!
He said that for the people that have not read Tale of Sand, it was adapted from a screenplay written by Jim Henson that was deemed “unfilmable”.
Perez took this screenplay and created the most beautifully readable graphic novel that has been put out in recent years. Templeton then said that “if you haven’t read it yet, I ORDER YOU TO! You do not have a choice.”
Well said, Ty.
I for one, will follow my orders and put Tale of Sand on my Must Read list, as well as many of the Shuster winners and nominees from this year.
Not just because I’m a good little Canadian, but because they all look genuinely amazing and deserving of their accolades!
It was really an honor to attend the Shusters this year, I thank them for coming to my hometown for our Con this year and I hope to be there next year if I am able!
I am doubly honored for this Joe Shuster Awards piece to featured in the 50th episode of this little spot on the internets I like to call Full Page Bleed!!!
It’s been one phenomenal year writing this thing and it seems people really enjoy me doing it, so I’ll keep on bleeding for hopefully MANY more episodes and years to come!
I’m gonna work my booty off so the next 50 eps will be even more hilarious and fantabulous than the first!
That’s a promise!
Montreal Comiccon was one amazing weekend and I was able to conduct about 7 great interviews and more goodies that will provide me with A LOT of different topics to BLEED all over! So stay tuned, gang!
BLEED OUT.
eXpect eXcellence. We are eXPress News on eXpertComics.com
Columnist: Dave Michaels Twitter – @expertcomicsFPB Email – dave@expertcomics.com
©2012 eXpertComics.com | Full Page Bleed| Dave Michaels
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