Comics / Comics News

Report: Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon 2007

By Avi Weinryb
June 15, 2007 - 20:37

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.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12