Comic Events and Conventions

• FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013

Thank you to everyone for coming out on Free Comic Book Day! We hope you had a fabulous time and chose some books that you enjoy!

CONVENTIONS

• Kazoo! Zine and Comic Expo

This event features local self-published zine and comic creators. Come and meet them and purchase their books. The last show was April 14th, 2012. lease email robert@thedragonweb.com if you'd like to participate or attend next year's show!

• Word on the Street: Kitchener

This is a great literacy promoting event that runs in multiple cities across Canada, the closest being Kitchener. While not comic-focused, there are always comic stores and events at the various cons, and a ton of book-sellers and book-related programming. This year, it takes place on Sunday, September 23rd, 2012.

• Fan Expo Canada

These guys run a bunch of different conventions for comics and anime. Their big 4-day show is August 23rd to 26th, 2012, and has programming and guests for comics, anime, gaming, horror, and sci-fi. They have several 1-day shows throughout the year, and a 2-day show on March 10th-11th, 2012. Check out their website for more details!

• Wizard World: Toronto

Formerly the Paradise Toronto Comicon, now a Wizard World show! This show takes place March 24-25, 2012.

• TCAF

This is the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, and your best chance to meet all your independent and small press faves, as well as find out about the coolest up-and-comers. The next one is May 5th-6th, 2012, at the Toronto Reference Library. Check their website for guests and more details.

• ConventionScene.com

This site is devoted to giving you up-to-date news and reports from conventions all around the world. Go to this site and link to any con your heart desires.

AWARDS

• Joe Shuster Canadian Comic Book Creators Awards

An organization dedicated to honouring the contributions of English and French Canadian comic artists and writers in the areas of mainstream comics, cartooning, self-publishing, kids books, and webcomics. This event changes locations and dates each year. Check their site for more information. The Dragon is the proud sponsor of the Comics for Kids Award.

• Doug Wright Awards

These awards honour top English Canadian comics and graphic novels. This event usually coincides with TCAF.

PAST EVENTS

• Eisner Celebration Party: July 27th, 2012

On July 27th, The Dragon staff and customers invaded the Pennywhistle Pub to celebrate our win for the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. The evening was full of raffles, cake, and free books. You can read Bryan Munn's report of the event here. Below is a list of the winners of the various raffles:
Will Eisner Graphic Novels: Josh Hanneson, Sabrina Stevens, Jessica Lee, Debra Shelly, Matthew Keeley, John Petterson, Brendan Bauer
Avengers vs. X-Men #2 Diamond Retailer Summit Variant: Marisha A.
Fairest #1 C2E2 Variant: Sara Barradell
Batman #11 SDCC Retailer Variant: Kevin Boyd
Think Tank #1 Variant: Bradley Shaw
Saga #1 C2E2 Retailer Variant: Matthew Keeley
Thief of Thieves #1 Image Expo Variant: Sara Barradell
FCBD Thor Miniature: Alex Kuemmling
Court of Owls Mask decorated by Steve Leialoha: Shanleigh Veniot
Fringe SDCC Promo Hat: Jeremy Chun Taite
Ghost SDCC Retailer Exclusive Print: Eduardo Valdes
Glory Print signed by Joe Keatinge: Stacey Bauer
Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone for coming out!

• Kazoo Zine and Comic Fest 2012: April 14th, 2012

On April 14th, dozens of zine and comic creators came to Guelph to participate in this casual self-published expo at the Norfolk Street United Church. The event was part of the larger annual Kazoo Festival of independent music and art. The event was a great success, with lots of attendees. After the event, the creators attended an after-party at the Bookshelf eBar, where the festival awarded three awards: Best Debut, Best Comic, and Best Zine.

Congratulations to the Award Winners:
Best Debut - Adam Aylard for "Helium vs. Hydrogen ¦2"
Best Comic - Nick Maandag for "The Libertarian"
Best Zine - Julian Evans for "One Way Ticket"

Kazoo Zine and Comic Fest 2012

Award Winners: L-R Nick Maandag, Julian Evans, Adam Aylard

Winning Books

• Avengers vs. X-Men Launch Party: April 3rd, 2012

We had a lot of fun, eating treats and watching "X-Men First Class", with trivia and prizes for everyone in attendance. At 8pm, we released the book. The Dragon was an official X-Men store, as voted on by the customers.

The spread: snacks, prizes, and a movie

Junia says "The Dragon sides with the X-Men!"

• Guelph Zombie Walk: October 15th, 2011

• Comics for Kids Workshops

Scott Chantler: November 13th, 2010
Listen to the Podcast


Clayton Hanmer: October 16th, 2010
Listen to the Podcast


Kean Soo: September 11th, 2010
Listen to the Podcast


Brian MacLachlan: August 11th, 2010
Listen to the Podcast