It’s Canada in World War Two, eh? Hey, Canada formed its own comic industry to fill the void left by the wartime ban on importing American comics. War can be hell on comic fans!
Dark Horse’ War Bears Hard Cover edition collects the three 2018 War Bears comic issues. Written by award-winning Canadian author Margaret Atwood and co-written and illustrated by comic veteran Ken Steacy, War Bears takes us back to the early 1940s in Toronto.
It’s mayhem, as the fledgling Canadian comic business blossoms out of nowhere. Bare bones studios, sweatshop conditions, lousy pay and lots of hassles. A tough grind for artist Alain Zurakowski, fresh in from Montreal. Soon, though, Alain is grinding out pages of a new black and white title, Oursonette. This heroine and her bear brigade are very popular, and Alain has steady work! Or does he?
War Bears is a fun read if a bit ‘Toronto-centric’. You know, the type of story that takes place in Toronto, and features cameos from stereotypical characters from various parts of Canada. They all say ‘eh’ a lot, and take pains to mention specific landmarks in say, Halifax, Nova Scotia. A bit much.
Steacy’s artwork is a bit on the ‘broad stroke’ also, but he portrays his characters with gusto. As stereotyped as they are, and as thoroughly researched, there is still an earnest sense that these comic creators are meant to represent the real thing.
Speaking of ‘real thing’, the high point for me are the fictional (well, MORE fictional) black and white stories of Oursonette, included here. These are incredibly written and drawn. They are a true tribute to the Canadian Whites, as the original 40’s comics were called. The drawings are amazing. Dramatic, well choreographed, and as powerful as heck!
If you like a history lesson, a stage play and a comic story all mixed into one package, this one is for you!
Dark Horse, War Bears HC, $19.99 for 108 pages of content. Rating not provided, perhaps Teen
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