Canadian Comic Characters- Who knew??

When I think of Canada these things come to mind: Canadian hockey, the Canadian Flag, Canadian Football League, maple syrup, surviving the cold winters, Terry Fox and Wayne Gretzky, the Health Care system, peacekeeping, Tim Hortons and Poutines, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

And in comic books, we think of these Canadian comic characters…

Wolverine

Was born in Alberta, Canada as James Howlett. It wasn’t until he was experimented on that he would turn into the Wolverine that the world knows and loves today. The experiment gave him those retractable claws that became what he was known for. The character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180 as a cameo in the last page. He was created by writer Len Wein and Herb Trimpe. Shortly after 180, he would join the X-Men and the rest, as they say, is history.

Deadpool

Yes, Deadpool. Call him what you will…The Merc With A Mouth or The Jerk With A Mouth, Deadpool is Canadian. He’s so Canadian that in the Deadpool movie, Canadian Actor Ryan Reynolds portrayed him. The character first appeared in The New Mutants #98 as a mercenary assassin with powers to quickly heal any damage that is inflicted on his body.

Captain Canuck

Nobody embodied the classic read and white colors with the traditional maple leaf then Captain Canuck. Captain Canuck is a favorite among Canadian heroes. He was created by Ron Leishman and Richard Comely in 1975 and made his debut in Captain Canuck #1. He was the answer to the United States version of Captain America.

Sasquatch

The muscle-bound Alpha Flight member debuted in Uncanny X-Men #120. Sasquatch is a Canadian version of the Hulk but with a Canadian twist. He was born Walter Langkowski and fascinated with Dr. Banner’s work. He was so fascinated that he tried to mimic it. He tried his luck with a gamma ray experiment but the experiment resulted in turning him into a Harry and the Hendersons lookalike.

Nelvana

Did you know that someone before Wonder Woman was a real Canadian Maple Leaf ass kicker…?

Nelvana of the Northern Lights is a Canadian comic book character. She was also the first Canadian Superhero making her one of the first female superheroes. As a fellow Canadian, that’s pretty cool.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane its…

When you think of Superman you automatically think American idealism. The funny thing is that co-creator was Joe Shuster who was from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Yes, even Supes is half Canadian.

Todd McFarlane

Before he was known as the man who created Spawn and helped create and launch Image Comics, Todd McFarlane penciled and wrote on Amazing Spider-man. Better yet, he’s from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Enough said Eh!

Alpha Flight

When you think of teams in comics you think X-Men, Avengers, and Justice League, right? Fear not. Canada has its own team of superheroes in Alpha Flight. The team consists of Guardian, Northstar, Aurora, Sasquatch, Shaman and Snowbird. Maybe, just maybe we can watch proudly as these fellow Canucks make their big screen debut.

Just like the slogan says from Molson Canadian Beer, “I am Canadian” yes, I am Canadian and these are some Canadian Comic Characters. Raise your glass and toast to all that is good about Canada.

Happy 150 Canada.

Title Image © ankakay

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