Canada Post has just launched its second set of limited edition stamps celebrating the country’s contribution to the world of graphic novels. The new set is available now, with original designs by each creator featuring the lead character reading the graphic novel they are featured in.
Highlighted authors in the new set include Kate Beaton (Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, 2022), Jimmy Beaulieu (Non-aventures: planches à la première personne, 2013), Guy Delisle (Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City, 2012), Julie Doucet (Journal, 2004; known as 365 Days in English), Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life, 2004), and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Red: A Haida Manga, 2009).
“Canada has produced several prominent graphic novelists, and this stamp issue shines a light on six influential Canadian creators,” wrote Canada Post Magazine. “These individuals have not only risen to prominence in their field but their works each showcase a diverse and unique approach to storytelling that resonates with readers.”
These stamps can be ordered from the Canada Post website — however, you have to be Canadian to buy. Shipping to the US, previously possible, has been temporarily halted due to “customs changes,” and no other international destinations are available for delivery.
A 12-stamp booklet – featuring two of each stamp, and their Official First Day Covers – costs CA$14.88 and they are a limited edition of 1.56 million. Not short supply but when they are gone, they are gone.The Official First Day Cover for each creator is CA$2.24 and contains twelve stamps but only 4,000 of each has been produced.
Only the booklet of the previous stamp set, which debuted in May 2024, is still available (960,000 were originally issued). Featuring Chester Brown (Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography, 2003), Michel Rabagliati (Paul à Québec, 2009; English edition: The Song of Roland, 2012), Seth (Clyde Fans, 2019), and cousins Jillian & Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, 2014). It retails for CA$9.92.
Putting together the two sets makes a total of ten showcased Canadian graphic novelists, one wonders who an American version could feature…
