CBC Archives

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

Canadian comics finally get their due

Broadcast Date: May 28, 2005

For years they've worked in the shadow of their American counterparts, now homegrown Canadian cartoonists finally have something to celebrate. In May 2005, a distinctly Canadian set of trophies is unveiled. Established as a way to help cast the spotlight on the country's diverse talent pool, The Doug Wright Awards borrow their name from one of the giants of the medium. This radio clip covers the inaugural event held in Toronto.

Canadian comics finally get their due

• Since Albéric Bourgeois created the first Canadian comic strip 1904, there has been no national award ceremony to honour the country's English-language comic artists.
• The year 2005 saw not one, but two award ceremonies established to honour Canada's indigenous comic book and strip artists.
• In April 2005, the Joe Shuster Awards were introduced. Though they also are aimed at home grown comic creators, The Shusters focus on recognizing the work of Canadians within the mainstream comic book field.

• Then on May 28, 2005, the first Doug Wright Awards for Canadian cartooning were handed out during a ceremony in Toronto. Named for the creator of the comic strip Doug Wright's Family, the event aims to recognize the best in both established and up-and-coming talent.
• The Wright Awards honour cartoonists in two categories, Best Book and Best Emerging Talent. The awards themselves are glass and wood trophies designed by Guelph, Ont., cartoonist Seth.

• The first annual award for Best Emerging Talent was won by Halifax's Bryan Lee O'Malley for his book Scott Pilgrim Vol. One. The Best Book award was won by Seth, for his book Clyde Fans, Book One.
• Speaking to CBC Arts Online, Seth said "I was kind of hoping I wouldn't win…I'm very happy to win, of course, but being the guy who designed the trophy, it looks kind of bad."
• The jury for the inaugural Wright Awards included cartoonist Chester Brown, filmmakers Don McKellar and Jerry Ciccoritti and writer and CBC broadcaster Nora Young.

• Doug Wright's surviving family, including his wife and his three sons, were in attendance at the ceremony.
• To watch a 1968 interview with Doug Wright, go to our clip Doug Wright's family.
• The best of Québécois comics, or bandes dessinées, are awarded the annual Prix Bédélys.
• Since 1949, Canadian editorial cartoonists have been recognised as part of the National Newspaper Awards.

Canadian comics finally get their due

Medium: Radio

Program: World Report

Broadcast Date: May 28, 2005

Guest(s): Chester Brown

Host: Bernie McNamee
Reporter: Marsha Lederman

Duration: 1:49

Last updated:
Aug. 13, 2006