A Tale of Two TCAFs
Back to Back appearances at Toronto Comic Arts Festival!
Hello friend!
I still find it a bit hard to believe I’ve now exhibited at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival twice—first in 2024 at the Toronto Reference Library, and again this year in 2025 at their new venue, the Mattamy Athletic Centre (better known to some as the old Maple Leaf Gardens).
Toronto has always held a special place in my heart. Becoming my favourite city decades ago when I lived in the GTA during my art college years, and any chance to come back feels like a homecoming. Getting into TCAF in 2024 was a huge moment for me—it was my first time tabling at the festival, and thanks in part to a travel grant from Creative Saskatchewan, I was able to make the trip happen.
The 2024 show had a lot of highlights. Not only was I debuting Does Your Mother Know?, but it turned into something of a reunion for the Canadian artists who had attended the Angoulême festival earlier that year. It was such a joy to reconnect with friends and fellow creators whose work I admire, and like in Angoulême, a lot of that connection came thanks to Chris Sanagan and Jason Lapidus of the Group of 7 series, who once again facilitated wonderful a gathering and helped bring people together.
My table was small—just three feet—but it didn’t matter. I was just thrilled to be part of it. A particularly meaningful moment came when two comics shops that mean a lot to me—The Beguiling (a staple during my college years) and The Dragon in Guelph—picked up my book for their shelves. Knowing my work would be in those spaces felt like a full-circle moment.
Outside the show, it was a chance to spend time with good friends—Gilbert, Julia, Aylwin and his wife Joyce, and to meet their little one in person. We turned the trip into a bit of a vacation, too. My wife came with me, and we stayed in the theatre district.
She and her sisters took in a world-class performance of Les Misérables at the Mirvish, and we all enjoyed some great dinners with friends and fellow artists. I even had the chance to meet Nick and Joe from The Found Footage Festival, a favourite show of mine.
The schedule was packed, but looking back now, I don’t really remember the tiredness or the logistics. I just remember how good it felt to be there.
Sales at the show were decent, but more than anything, it felt like the right place to be. TCAF is really the heart of the literary comics world, and even having a small presence there was exciting. As Patrick Allaby once said, it felt like a glimpse of the life I want. If I have one regret, it’s that I didn’t walk the floor more or meet some of the featured guests, many of whom are among my favourite creators.
Going into 2025, I had tempered expectations. I’d heard it was rare for out-of-town exhibitors to be invited back in consecutive years, and when I landed on the waitlist, that seemed to track. 2024 had been a year of open doors—new books, travel, exciting shows. 2025, by contrast, felt a bit more cautious. So when I was offered a spot off the waitlist, it came as a real surprise. I hesitated at first—thought maybe I’d just apply again next year—but my wife encouraged me to make it work, and I’m so glad she did.
This year’s show felt different in some ways. With the move to the Mattamy Athletic Centre, the layout was more centralized and less labyrinthine than the Reference Library. It was still busy, and some of the aisles were a little tight, but overall, I preferred the new setup. Somehow I ended up with a great spot—right on the corner of the rink floor—which gave people a bit more room to stop and look. Sales were strong, and it really felt like I’d started to build something from last year.
There were other differences, too. The guest list had a distinctly Canadian focus this year, with some of the big American publishers sitting this one out. The result was a show that felt more homegrown, in the best way. And once again, the social side was a highlight. I was lucky to spend time with friends—over dinners, hangouts, and even an impromptu overnight stay when a hotel booking of mine fell through. Chris and Jason hosted another great artist dinner, full of not just talented creators, but genuinely kind, generous people. We even celebrated Jason’s birthday, and it was touching to see how much thought and care went into the gifts he received from fellow artists. I can’t wait for the next time I get to see these people.
Some especially meaningful moments this year: Chester Brown, one of the many inspirational artists thanked in DYMK? picking up one of my books. Kate Beaton—whose work means a lot to both me and my wife—graciously accepting a copy of Does Your Mother Know?. I even made her laugh at one point, which felt like a real victory, given how many laughs she’s provided us with over the years.
I owe thanks to Mark Allard-Will of Cuckoo’s Nest Press for watching my table so I could meet her and pick up a few things from friends around the floor.
Was everything perfect? Not quite. The concessions were underwhelming (I won’t dwell on the hot dog, except to say how do you screw up a hot dog?), and the tight aisles made it hard for people to move around at times. The signing format utilizing the stadium seating felt weird, as well. But overall, I really liked the new venue. It felt like I had more engagement, more space, and more time to appreciate it all.
The only thing missing this time was my wife. It wasn’t the same without her there, and I hope we get the chance to go together again in the future. Still, being back in Toronto, surrounded by friends—old and new—and creativity, reminded me again why this city means so much to me. I don’t take it for granted.
I’ll have more to share soon—another show announcement, some links to new work, and a bit of a catch-up. For now, I just want to say thank you for reading, and for following along.
I hope it’s not my last time at TCAF. But even if it is, I’m deeply grateful for these two years.
Thanks for reading. I love you.