27 Canadian comics coming out in spring 2025
Check out these Canadian comic books and graphic novels for children and adults coming out in spring 2025.
Hazel Has Her Hands Full by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn
In the fourth book of the graphic novel series, the PAWS squad is getting excited for summer vacation. When a gig for watching two cats pops up, Hazel is the only one who has the time for it. But her overprotective mother would never approve of her taking on the job alone. Regardless, she decides to give it a try to show how capable she is, but she learns that juggling everything, while keeping a big secret, is no easy task.
Hazel Has Her Hands Full is for ages 8-12 and is out now.
Nathan Fairbairn is a Vancouver-based and Eisner-nominated comic creator. Other projects he has worked on include the characters Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman and the graphic novel Lake of Fire.
Michele Assarasakorn is a colorist who has worked on comic book series such as Isola, Gotham Academy and The Magnificent Ms. Marvel. Assarasakorn is originally from Thailand and now lives in Vancouver.
Fairbairn and Assarasakorn have collaborated on the first three graphic novels in the PAWS series, Mindy Makes Some Space, Gabby Gets It Together and Priya Puts Herself First.
Fantastic Lou by Qin Leng
Lou is a clever, creative and adventurous child who embraces life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He enjoys both solo play and energetic interactions with his parents, filling his days with imaginative adventures. With expressive illustrations by Qin Leng, this story captures the joy and whimsy of childhood, celebrating Lou's playful spirit and boundless imagination.
Fantastic Lou is for ages 5-9 and is out now.
Leng is a Toronto illustrator, writer and visual development artist. Her recent books include I Am Small, which Leng wrote and illustrated, and she has illustrated numerous books including A Kid is a Kid is a Kid and A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O'Leary.
Prince and the Pawper by Stephanie Cooke, illustrated by Whitney Gardner
In Prince and the Pawper, The Bins siblings head to a big pet expo in Toronto, expecting to score treats — only for Dusty to meet his doppelganger! Prince the raccoon is rich and pampered, while Dusty knows the streets. Curious about each other's lives, they swap places. At first, Dusty enjoys the luxury, but he soon realizes that even a life full of snacks isn't always better.
Prince and the Pawper is for ages 7-10 and is out now.
Stephanie Cooke is a Toronto-based graphic novel writer. Her other books include Oh My Gods!, ParaNorthern and the My Little Pony: Camp Bighoof series.
Whitney Gardner is an illustrator based in the Pacific Northwest. She is the author of YA novels Fake Blood, You're Welcome, Universe and Chaotic Good. Gardner's other graphic novels include Long Distance and illustrations for Debbie Levy's Becoming RBG.
Purranormal Activity by Alina Tysoe
Poppy, a puptective, is too busy solving the mystery of a furniture-chewing culprit to care about her new neighbour. But when she spots a possible ghost playing with Truffles the cat's toys at night, the situation next door suddenly becomes important. Now, Poppy and Truffles are on the case!
Purranormal Activity is for ages 6-9 and is out now.
Alina Tysoe is a an author, illustrator and 2D animator based in Toronto. She is the creator of the webcomic What's Up Beanie: Acutely Relatable Comics, the graphic chapter book series The Great Puptective and the picture book Emi Isn't Scared of Monsters.
The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby
In The Cranky-Verse, Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm welcome a new friend — a little turtle! But figuring out her name, diet and favourite activities proves to be a challenge. When Speedy gets hurt and turns cranky, does that mean Chicken must become cheerful? Later, the trio embarks on a camping trip full of unexpected surprises. Through laughter and adventure, these three heartwarming stories celebrate friendship, care and the joy of sticking together.
The Cranky-Verse is for ages 6-8 and is out now.
Katherine Battersby is an author and former paediatric occupational therapist. Originally from North Queensland, Australia Katherine spent 11 years living in Ottawa before moving back to Brisbane, Australia. Her books include the Cranky Chicken series, Perfect Pigeons, Trouble and the Squish Rabbit series.
Mallory and the Trouble with Twins by Arley Nopra
Mallory is confident in her babysitting skills — after all, she's taken care of her seven younger siblings for years. But when she starts watching the Arnold twins, Marilyn and Carolyn, she quickly realizes they're more trouble than she expected! The twins play tricks, act spoiled and make her job a nightmare! Still, as a responsible member of the Baby-Sitters Club, Mallory refuses to give up.
Mallory and the Trouble with Twins is out now.
Arley Nopra is a Filipino comic creator who lives in Toronto. She has adapted and illustrated the Babysitters Club books Claudia and the Bad Joke and Mallory and the Trouble with Twins.
Holy Lacrimony by Michael DeForge
Jackie, a famous musician, is abducted by mysterious shape-shifting aliens who call him the "saddest person in the world." Forced to repeatedly perform his sadness for their study of human emotion, he becomes their unwilling emotional spectacle. When he is just as suddenly returned to Earth, Jackie starts looking for answers. He joins a support group of conspiracy theorists and fellow abductees, only to realize he may never truly understand what happened. Holy Lacrimony blends humour, surrealism and social commentary, showcasing Michael DeForge's signature style of innovative and empathetic storytelling.
Holy Lacrimony is for adults and is out now.
DeForge is a Toronto-based creator who has won awards for comics like Leaving Richard's Valley, Dressing and Lose #1. Other acclaimed books include Stunt, Big Kids, Ant Colony, Sticks Angelica Folk Hero and more.
Pluto Rocket: Full Blast! by Paul Gilligan
In Pluto Rocket: Full Blast!, Joe Pidge is the self-proclaimed king of the neighbourhood, and Pluto Rocket, is a curious alien on a secret mission to prove Earthlings are nice. To that end, the unlikely friends venture beyond their familiar streets. But Joe panics when he thinks they're being chased by a wolf — which is actually, just a poodle. Meanwhile, Pluto's kindness earns them unexpected fame. But when word gets back to Pluto's home planet, the duo must make a quick escape to the moon.
Pluto Rocket: Full Blast! is for ages 6-9.
When you can read it: March 18, 2025
Paul Gilligan is a Toronto-based cartoonist. He is also the author-illustrator of Pluto Rocket: New in Town, Pluto Rocket: Joe Pidge Flips a Lid, King of the Mole People and its sequel, Rise of the Slugs.
What If Marty Doesn't Like My Party? by Katie Arthur
As Henry's birthday party approaches, he's thrilled that the coolest kid in class, Marty, is coming — but anxiety takes over. What if she doesn't like his dog, his apartment or his grandma's cake? From the top bunk, his big sister Sam reassures him by flipping his worries into positive possibilities. When Henry asks how she knows things will go well, Sam wisely reminds him that he doesn't know they won't. Told in a warm graphic novel format, What if Marty Doesn't Like My Party? is a heartwarming story celebrating sibling support and offering a gentle approach to managing anxiety.
What if Marty Doesn't Like My Party? is for ages 5-8.
When you can read it: March 18, 2025
Katie Arthur is an illustrator and author from Nova Scotia. She earned an MA in English Literature from Concordia University in 2011 and previously worked in advertising. Arthur was longlisted for the CBC Short Story Prize for two consecutive years, in 2015 and 2016. She is also the author of Our Woolly Bear.
Lucky Mermaid Sleepover by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
In Lucky Mermaid Sleepover, Priya is super-excited when her friend Maddie asks her to plan their first sleepover together! As they plan, Priya learns more about Maddie, like the fact that her parents are divorced, she collects lucky items and she loves mermaids. So, they come up with the perfect theme: a lucky mermaid party that helps save coral! They plan fun activities, like painting seashells and making charm bracelets, and Priya even has a special surprise in store.
Lucky Mermaid Sleepover is for ages 5-7.
When you can read it: April 1, 2025
Mitali Banerjee Ruths is a Montreal-based children's book writer and a pediatrician. Her previous books include the picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the early readers series The Inside Scouts and two other books in the The Party Diaries series — Awesome Orange Birthday, Top Secret Anniversary and Starry Henna Night. CBC Books named Banerjee Ruths a Writer to Watch in 2023.
Aaliya Jaleel is an illustrator, a designer and a visual development artist. Previous books that she has illustrated include Awesome Orange Birthday, Starry Henna Night, Top Secret Anniversary, Maryam's Magic, Under My Hijab and Muslim Girls Rise.
Carousel Summer by Kathleen Gros
In Carousel Summer, Lucy isn't looking forward to summer — her best friend is away, she's stuck with chores, and her dad won't stop criticizing her for being 'different.' But things start looking up when artist Ray and her daughter Anaïs arrive to help restore an old carousel for the town of Milforth's anniversary. Anaïs is funny, smart and easy to talk to, and for the first time, Lucy feels truly comfortable being herself — maybe even more than friends with Anaïs.
As the town faces trouble from a shady development company and tensions rise at home, Lucy struggles with how to express herself. With the whole summer ahead, she just might find the courage to embrace who she really is.
Carousel Summer is for ages 8-12.
When you can read it: April 8, 2025
Kathleen Gros is a comic book artist who was born in Toronto and now lives in Vancouver. She is the creator of the webcomic Lunar Maladies. She has also published the graphic novels Jo and Last Night at Wyrmwood High.
K Is in Trouble AGAIN by Gary Clement
No matter where he goes, trouble always seems to find K. From a goat eating his train ticket to hiding in a barrel of apples and even dangling from a high diving board in front of the whole town, K just can't catch a break in K Is in Trouble AGAIN. Even a talkative snowman manages to land him in more trouble!
But it's not all bad — along the way, K reunites with an old friend, takes a much-needed trip to the sea and meets a kind farm girl.
K Is in Trouble AGAIN is for ages 7-12.
When you can read it: April 15, 2025
Gary Clement is a children's book illustrator, author and cartoonist. His book The Great Poochini won the Governor General's Literary Award for illustration in 1999. His books include My Winter City, The Hockey Song and K Is in Trouble.
Big City Buns by Anna Humphrey, illustrated by Irma Kniivila
The Fluffle Bunnies are back in Big City Buns for another wild adventure! Biggie, Boingy and Flop have their park under control, but things are starting to feel a little too easy. When they discover a festival and cross paths with a tough crew of city rats, they realize their small-time gig might not be enough.
Now, the Fluffle has their sights set on something much bigger — taking over the whole city! But can this adorable bunny gang really pull it off? Only if they do it their way.
Big City Buns is for ages 6-9.
When you can read it: April 15, 2025
Anna Humphrey is an author from Kitchener, Ont. Her other books include the Megabat series as well as the Clara Humble series.
Otis & Peanut Find a Way by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier
In the latest book of their beloved graphic novel series, Otis and Peanut are back for more heartwarming adventures. This long-haired guinea pig and naked mole rat duo continue to explore life's big questions while leaning on their sweet friendship.
In The Trip, Peanut helps Otis face his fear of leaving home. In The Stone, Otis learns how time can ease sadness. And in The Visit, a short time with his sister teaches him the joy of embracing spontaneity.
Otis & Peanut Find a Way tackles deep themes like fear, grief and anxiety in a gentle, uplifting way.
Otis & Peanut Find a Way is for ages 6-8.
When you can read it: April 15, 2025
Naseem Hrab is a Toronto-based writer and storyteller. She is the author of How to Party Like a Snail, Otis & Peanut, Weekend Dad, which was a finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature — illustrated books, and The Sour Cherry Tree, which won the 2022 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature — illustrated books.
Kelly Collier is a Toronto artist and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of A Horse Named Steve and Team Steve, and the illustrator of numerous books including Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle, Izzy's Tail of Trouble and How to Party Like a Snail.
Modern Asian Family: Straight Outta Busan by Stefano Jun
Stefano Jun's Modern Asian Family: Straight Outta Busan is a heartfelt collection of short cartoons capturing his journey as a Korean immigrant in Western Canada. Moving at age 8 with no English skills, he navigates culture shock, family bonds, friendship and the search for belonging over 20 years.
Told through slice-of-life stories, this book offers a mix of humour, emotion and sharp observations about growing up in a new and unfamiliar world.
Modern Asian Family: Straight Outta Busan is for adults.
When you can read it: April 16, 2025
Stefano Jun is a Korean Canadian cartoonist and civil engineer based in Calgary.
Barnacle Bay by Jana Curll
Crab is tired of the same old life in the bay — no one appreciates him and he's ready to leave. But just as he's about to go, he meets Larva, who's searching for a home in Barnacle Bay. Crab reluctantly agrees to show Larva around, introducing him to the bay's quirky residents, from oysters and mussels to bickering sea anemones.
As Larva looks for the perfect place to settle, Crab starts to see his home in a new light. Will he still want to leave, or has this unexpected journey changed his mind?
Barnacle Bay is for ages 6-9.
When you can read it: April 22, 2025
Jana Curll is an illustrator and art director based in British Columbia. Her work has appeared in various mediums including video games, puzzles, maps, greeting cards, books and magazines.
The Dissident Club by Taha Siddiqui and Hubert Maury, translated by David Homel
The Dissident Club is a graphic memoir by Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui, who narrowly escapes a violent kidnapping in Islamabad in 2018 and flees to France. Co-written with illustrator Hubert Maury, the book explores Islamic politics, family tensions and Siddiqui's fight for truth. It follows his journey from a strict religious upbringing in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to his rebellion against fundamentalism, his career exposing military corruption and the dangers journalists face. When he eventually gets to Paris, he establishes the Dissident Club, a refuge for political exiles.
The Dissident Club is for adults.
When you can read it: April 22, 2025
Siddiqui, an award-winning Pakistani journalist living in exile in Paris, has worked for many international and local media outlets that include the New York Times, The Guardian, France 24, Arte, the Christian Science Monitor and Al Jazeera.
Hubert Maury is a graphic novel writer and artist, and The Dissident Club is his first graphic work published in English.
David Homel is a Montreal-based writer, journalist, filmmaker, translator and the author of nine novels. He has translated numerous French-language books into English and has won the Governor General's Literary Award for Translation twice.
Muybridge by Guy Delisle
In 1870s Sacramento, photographer Eadweard Muybridge takes on a challenge from railroad tycoon Leland Stanford — to prove whether a horse's hooves ever leave the ground while galloping. In the process, Muybridge unknowingly pioneers time-lapse photography, laying the foundation for motion pictures as we know them.
Despite his groundbreaking discoveries, his life is marked by betrayal, intrigue and tragedy. Acclaimed cartoonist Guy Delisle captures the highs and lows of Muybridge's career, bringing his story to life with sharp detail and emotional depth.
Muybridge is for adults.
When you can read it: April 29, 2025
Guy Delisle is an critically-acclaimed cartoonist originally from Québec City. His books include Burma Chronicles, Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City, Pyongyang, and Shenzhen.
Way Off Track by Carl Brundtland, illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Blending Jamaican culture with the West African trickster Anansi, Way Off Track is a fun and fast-paced story that follows Nansi's determined — and sometimes misguided — journey. Nansi is used to winning every race — until a snobby girl named Tania beats her. Convinced it's all because of Tania's fancy shoes, Nansi has to get a pair before track tryouts. But where is she going to find $338?
Way Off Track is for ages 8-12.
When you can read it: May 6, 2025
Carl Brundtland is a Jamaican Canadian writer based in Toronto. Growing up, his favourite stories were those about Anansi the spider, which inspired the antics found in his debut graphic novel Way Off Track.
Claudia Dávila is an illustrator from Toronto. She has illustrated the nonfiction books Child Soldier by Michel Chikwanine and Jessica Dee Humphreys, and Change It!, Move It! and Touch It!, all written by Adrienne Mason. She also wrote and illustrated the picture book Super Red Riding Hood.
The World of Maxime by Lucile de Pesloüan, illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn, translated by Helen Mixter
In The World of Maxime, Ten-year-old Maxime loves books and cats—especially her own cat, Turmeric. She feels different from other kids, preferring the quiet company of her book characters over noisy classmates. She wishes she were brave enough to talk to the new girl at school, who also loves Matilda, Maxime's favorite book.
When she discovers mysterious bowls in an alley, Maxime becomes a detective and meets Catamou, an older woman who feeds stray cats. The two form a friendship, and with Catamou's encouragement, Maxime finds the courage to reach out to the new girl.
The World of Maxime is for ages 7-10.
When you can read it: May 20, 2025
Lucile de Pesloüan is a Montreal-based writer. Her first book was the graphic novel What Makes Girls Sick and Tired.
Jacques Goldstyn is a writer, illustrator and political cartoonist from Montreal. In 2017 he won the Governor General's Award for his book Azadah and has won twice for Le Grand Prix du Journalisme Indépendant for his illustrations.
Helen Mixter is a Toronto-based writer and the translator of several children's books, including the 2009 Governor General's Award-winning Harvey.
Astronautical! by Brooklin Stormie
A century after planet Zephyr mysteriously exploded, its people now live on floating chunks of the world. Brothers Max and Lari travel the galaxy with their dad, Captain Cherryhair, delivering goods — until their father is kidnapped by the villainous Cynosure, the Planet Breaker.
With the help of some starry ferryboat captains, the brothers set off on a daring rescue mission in Astronautical!. But when Max is injured by a black hole, Lari must step up and take charge for the first time. Can he uncover the secret of Zephyr's destruction, defeat Cynosure and save both his brother, father and their people?
Astronautical! is for ages 8-12.
When you can read it: May 27, 2025
Brooklin Stormie is an artist and illustrator from Peterborough, Ont.
Zeroed Out by Jim Munroe, illustrated by Eric Kim
After aliens take over Earth and improve everything — ending pandemics, climate change and even curing cancer —Matias' life still manages to spiral downward in Zeroed Out. Dumped and fired in the same week, he's stuck in a dead-end job shredding data. To make things worse, his intimidating, shapeshifting boss insists on weekend work for a mysterious "special project." But as Matias gets to know his boss better, he starts to see an unexpected and intriguing side to him.
Zeroed Out is for adults.
When you can read it: May 27, 2025
Jim Munroe is a Toronto-based graphic artist. He co-founded the world's first videogame arts organization, The Hand Eye Society, and was an Art Gallery of Ontario Artist-in-Residence in 2014.
Eric Kim is a Korean-Canadian artist living in Toronto.
Curb Angels Vol. 2 by Nyala Ali, illustrated by Lisa Mendis
In the follow up to Curb Angels Vol. 1, the all female vigilante group continues their mission to free human trafficking victims and bring the people responsible to justice.
Curb Angels Vol. 2 is for adults.
When you can read it: May 30, 2025
Nyala Ali is a Winnipeg writer, editor, and comics journalist. Her work has been published in the Winnipeg Free Press, Herizons Magazine and in the Eisner-winning online magazine Women Write About Comics.
Lisa Mendis is a Winnipeg illustrator, print maker and graphic designer. Her previous book Curb Angels Vol. 1 received a Doug Wright Award nomination for Best First Book.
Steve, a Rare Egg by Kelly Collier
In Steve, a Rare Egg, while snacking on leftover party cake, Steve stumbles upon a mysterious, smooth, oval-shaped object. He's convinced it's an egg—though no one has ever seen a red egg before. Clearly, it must be a super rare thingamabob egg! Determined to take care of it until its parents are found, Steve puts his egg-care knowledge to the test. What could possibly go wrong?
Steve, a Rare Egg is for ages 6-9.
When you can read it: June 3, 2025
Kelly Collier is a Toronto artist and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of A Horse Named Steve and Team Steve, and the illustrator of numerous books including Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle, Izzy's Tail of Trouble and How to Party Like a Snail.
Soul Machine by Jordana Globerman
Chloe and her sister craft souls by hand in an old countryside house, using a rare material called breth. But when their supply runs out, the powerful MCorp tries to force them into mass-producing synthetic souls. Determined to find a real breth source, Chloe ventures into the big city, hoping to modernize their business — despite her sister Lacey's resistance.
As Chloe searches for untainted breth, she uncovers buried family secrets and starts questioning everything she thought she knew about trust, reality and the nature of souls.
Soul Machine is for ages 12 and above.
When you can read it: June 3, 2025
Jordana Globerman is an illustrator and comic book writer based in Ottawa. Soul Machine is her debut novel.
The Puzzle of Doom by Dom Pelletier, translated by Dina Ginzburg
There's a new kid at Pleasantville Elementary and he's cool. He has an English accent, killer guitar skills and serious basketball talent. Everyone loves him — except Leo, who's definitely not jealous.
But there's something else new in The Puzzle of Doom — a ghost with unfinished business at school. Is it just a coincidence that the hauntings started when the new kid arrived? Leo, Tia and Mr. Peabody team up to solve the mystery before they're stuck with a permanent school spirit.
The Puzzle of Doom is for ages 7-10.
When you can read it: July 1, 2025
Dom Pelletier is a cartoonist based in Saint-Liboire, Quebec. He is the author and illustrator of the Lunch Club series.
Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner
Margot's life in Cascade Cove is pretty quiet — until she stumbles upon a discarded synthesizer labeled "not haunted." Hoping it's the key to becoming a real songwriter — and finally impressing her absent father — she dives into chasing online fame in Free Piano (Not Haunted).
But there's just one problem — the synthesizer is actually haunted — by Vision, a teen pop star from 1979 whose tragic death left her spirit trapped in the keys. Despite their differences, Margot and Vision form an unexpected friendship through their shared love of music. As Margot gets caught up in the rush of Internet fame, she risks losing sight of what music — and herself — truly mean.
Free Piano (Not Haunted) is for ages ten and above.
When you can read it: July 1, 2025
Whitney Gardner is an illustrator based in the Pacific Northwest. She is the author of YA novels Fake Blood, You're Welcome, Universe and Chaotic Good. Gardner's other graphic novels include Long Distance and illustrations for Debbie Levy's Becoming RBG.
