The 13 Best Canadian Graphic Novels of All Time

It's taken me a while to compile this list, but I've finally completed my list of best Canadian graphic novels of all time. Usually when someone develops such a list, they'll preface it by acknowledging the subjectivity, they'll anticipate some dissent and controversy, and they'll request alternative suggestions.

I'll follow suit. I've read no where near all of the Canadian graphic novels. Not even a vast amount. In fact, the majority of the Canadian graphic novels that I've read made this list. So, yes, it's largely subjective. However, I've chosen to read Canadian graphic novels that have all ready made names for themselves: award winners, best sellers, critically acclaimed and popular titles. My best of list may be subjective, but there are plenty of those who'd agree with at least some of my choices.

But not all. I'm guessing, for instance, that I'll piss plenty of people off with the logo I created above. There is a glaring omission of superhero graphic novels. I have nothing against superheros (recently I quite enjoyed All-Star Superman, Vol. 1) but I refuse to put one in just for the sake of putting one in. As of writing this, Jeff Lemire's Justice League Canada still hasn't been released. And Captain Canuck sucks. Some may like some of the authors I've chosen, but not the book. Some may feel my list is too mainstream. Some may take other issues. Regardless, it is what it is.

But I'm open to suggestions. In fact, I'd love suggestions. The list is not written in stone and I'm sure after I've continued to discover more and more wonderful Canadian graphic novels, I'll update the list in due time.

In the meantime, here we go!

1. Louis Riel- Chester Brown
2. Pride of Baghdad- Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Niko Henrichson (illustrator)
3. Essex County- Jeff Lemire
4. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken- Seth
5. Pyongyang- Guy Delisle
6. Skim- Mariko Tamaki (writer) and Jillian Tamaki (illustrator)
7. Paul Has a Summer Job- Michel Rabagliati
8. Scott Pilgrim series- Bryan Lee O'Malley
9. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Treasuries- Lynn Johnston
10. Northwest Passage- Scott Chantler
11. Tangles- Sarah Leavitt
12. Binky the Space Cat- Ashley Spires
13. My New York Diary- Julie Doucet