Invaders From the North: How Canada Conquered the Comic Book Universe, by John Bell (Dundurn), 223 pp.

Boisterously titled Invaders From the North: How Canada Conquered the Comic Book Universe, Bell's book strives to rectify a historical void. "Here in these pages you will find a doorway into our popular history that has largely gone undocumented," writes Ontario comic artist Seth in the introduction. "John Bell has taken the time and effort to dig up these dusty, forgotten comic books and figure out their complicated and confusing history. It's fascinating stuff."

Indeed, in addition to painting a picture of a rich and exciting Canadian comics scene in terms of the more pulpy, popular comics of yore (he focuses on the historical importance of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster, for example), Bell also draws attention to contemporary artists who deserve a spotlight. Among his focuses are Chester Brown, who forevermore expanded the definition of graphic novels with his bio-comic Louis Riel, as well as notable Montrealers like Rick Trembles, Julie Doucet and Bernie Mireault.

Though Invaders From the North isn't what I'd call the definitive tome on Canadian comics (there's a distinct lack of familiarity with the important franco scene, and the alternative scene in general isn't as well historicized as it could be), it does go a far way toward the inscription of Canada in the genre's international annals. Its 223 pages are packed with captivating information, interesting anecdotes and profiles of important hitherto unknowns, and would make a fantastic stocking stuffer for anyone mildly curious about the infectious art of comics.

 
 

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Captain Canuck     I was suprised to learn that Joe Shuster, a Canadian, created "Superman". I believe that Canada is a very quiet nation with their exports and exploits. For example, Canadians feel that they are low-key, mild-mannered, modest, polite, considerate of others = Clark Kent. It would be interesting to know about Canadian Comics and to even focus on some of these perhaps by having more exibitions or even conferences to showcase this talent. Until now I would not have known who they were and what kind of comics they created.
Cheryl Ramnanan	{13 votes}	January 10th, 2007
Canadian Comic Content     It's funny - despite being a big-time comics fan back in the day, my only real exposure to Canada's influence on comics has really only been that short-lived groan-inducing Captain Canuck series, Northguard, and Alpha Flight (always thought it was pretty col that Wolverine was Canadian). Sure I was also aware that Superman is partially a Cdn. creation but that's about the extent of my knowledge...maybe "Invaders of the North" can broaden my horizons!
Mark St Pierre	{21 votes}	January 7th, 2007
Welcome to the Great White North ...     As a comic junkie & proud Canadian, this book does sound like it'd be very interesting, however I do have how overall a scope it may present. From the way the book is described in articles, reviews & book description on Amazon - it seems to focus on "alternative" comics, rather than more mainstream fare ( such as Marvel, DC, Image ). While the alternative comics scene is jam-packed full of Canadians - a lot of whom have done cutting-edge work - such as Julie Doucet, Seth, Chester Brown, Arn Sarba, Dave Cooper & others - their output of work is relatively small & less known in the comics community and outside it. While I think Dave Cooper is a genius, having a cover done by him when he is relatively & unfortunately an unknown, will not make this book a big seller in any store. Montreal in of itself, is well-known to be an alternative comics mecca - spawning such geniuses as Chester Brown ( of Chateaugay ), Julie Doucet, Bernie Mireault - as well as being the home of the great Drawn & Quarterly comics. Unfortunately I don't think the book focuses much at all on the more mainstream artists/writers which are just everywhere on the scene these days. John Byrne, Matt Wagner ( who wasn't Canadian but did live here forever ), the Schultz sisters, J. Torres, the great Darwyn Cooke, Geoff Isherwood, Todd McFarlane etc etc etc - all of whom are very well-known, produce good work, and are fairly prolific compared to the "alternative" community. I think this probably does the intent of the book, spotlighting Canuck talents, a disservice, and does imply a certain snobbery about what is "art" in the comics community. I would also argue that "famous Canadian & Superman co-creator", didn't make it in comics until he ran away from Canada as fast as he could at an early age, and settled in New Jersey and made friends with another young man named Jerry Siegel. Superman was more an inspiration of the immigration experience of the early 20th Century,than of being Canadian.
Rob Postuma	{26 votes}	January 4th, 2007
Up, Up and Away!     Wow, do we ever get short shrift in the annals of comic-dom. Sure Canada has played an integral role in launching Superman up, up, and away but that's far from the be all and end all of our contribution to the medium. Though it may not be the most comprehensive take on our country's influence on comics, John Bell's "Invaders From the North" goes a long way towards ensuring that we are finally given our due.
David St Pierre	{3 votes}	January 4th, 2007
CANADA COMIC ARTS book Invaders     Great Artist From Canada ,best famous comic art scene greatin from MACEDONA VIZANT VISUAL ART CENTER www.vizasnt.org.mk
zlatkos krstevski		June 25th, 2008

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