TADDLE CREEK

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TAB

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NORTHGUARD

Written by Mark Shainblum and illustrated by Gabriel Morrissette, “Phillip Wise” or “Northguard” first appeared in New Triumph Featuring Northguard no. 1, 1984, published by their company Matrix Graphic Series. Under this organization they published five issues. The story arc was finished when Matrix Graphic Series combined with Caliber Press of Michigan to publish a three issue run called “The ManDes Conclusion”. “Northguard disappeared for about sixteen years till resurrected by Chapterhouse Comics in 2016. Chapterhouse also began a series called Agents of P.A.C.T. This series owed its origins to another Mark and Gabrielle creation. P.A.C.T. Corp. (Progressive Allied Canadian Technologies) was the inventor of “Northguard’s” uniband. Neither Mark nor Gabrielle are visibly involved in either of these of these resurrections. Gabrielle with support of some of the old gang did create an interesting back up feature picturing “Northguard” some thirty years after the initial story, but even here Mark is conspicuously absent.

The story arch of the first “Northguard” follows a young man of no particular accomplishments but influenced by superhero comics who through a fluke of circumstances falls into a superhero role. He finds it is not what he expected, becomes disenchanted and ultimately rejects the superhero mythology. To enhance the realism of “Northguard” the two artists not only used historical figures, but took photographs of actual Canadian locations and used those pictures as the basis for the settings of “Northguard’s” adventures.

The story begins when P.A.C.T. Corporation stumbles upon a sinister organization “ManDes” about to commit a terrorist act. Young Phillip Wise is going about his everyday life when he is kidnapped by P.A.C.T. agents. It turns out that P.A.C.T. has invented a powerful weapon called the uniband which was designed to work on the brain waves of Karl Mannings one of the P.A.C.T. agents killed. Pillip has matching brainwaves and so he becomes “Northguard’. It turns out that ManDes, an extremist organization dedicated to God and America and led by a man called “Reverend” is about to assassinate René Levesque at a public rally. “Phillip” as “Northguard” thwarts this attempt in a very public rescue which reveals the existence of the uniband to both the C.I.A. and the K.G.B.

There follows an interlude in which these two organizations attempt to steal the weapon. During this sequence, ‘”Manon Deschamps” a martial arts expert enters Phillips life in issue 3. She becomes the costumed “Fleur de Lys” in issue 5. Also in issue 3, Mark and Gabrielle introduce “Edward Holman” or the “Steel Chameleon” who is a Richard Comely creation. A romantic relationship, at least from Phillips side develops with “Manon” and a kind of mentorship develops between “Edward Holman” and ‘Phillip”.

The story returns to “ManDes” but is mostly focused on relationships between members of “P.A.C.T. and “Phillip’s” own self doubts. The story comes to an abrupt stop with issue 5.

About two/three years later “ManDes Conclusion” the three issue series co-produced between Matrix and Calibre brings the story and “Northguard” to an end . The series opens with “Northguard” a prisoner of “ManDes”. They discover that since the uniband is wired to “Phillip’s” nervous system it is also wired to “Phillip’s” emotional system and if they take the safety stops out of the uniband they can turn it into a nuclear weapon triggered by “Phillip” himself. “ManDes” bringing “Phillip” with them then attack “P.A.C.T.” headquarters with the intent of destroying a good part of Canada. In the climax “Phillip” comes to control his emotions and the devise preventing disaster. He sets out to kill “Reverend” but is thwarted when “Steel Chameleon” shoots the “Reverend” first. This is to prevent “Phillip” from becoming a killer. Here, not only the story ends but Mark and Gabrielle appear to bring an end to the “Northguard” character as well.

About 2016, Chapterhouse Comics revived the “Northguard” character, apparently picking up the story in the same time frame used by Shainblum and Morrissette. Anthony Falcone was the writer and Ron Salas and later Eric Kim have been illustrators. In Chapterhouse hands, “Northguard” has become more or less your typical superhero doing typical superhero things. His principal adversary is still “ManDes”.

MEDIUM:

BOOK GRAPHIC COLLECTION:

Content story:

Northguard.: Bk 1, Manifest Destiny. Matrix Production/Caliber Press, 1989. (A collection of New Triumph Featuring Northguard, issues 1 to 5.)

Cover book wraparound:

Northguard: Bk 1, Manifest Destiny.1989: Illus., Gabrielle Morrissette.

PERIODICAL GRAPHIC:

Content serial:

Chapterhouse Archives: Northguard, 1, May 2016: “Chapterhouse Archives presents Northguard: ‘And Stand On Guard’.” Writ., Mark Shainblum. Illus., G. Morrissette. Col., Bernie Mireault. Let., Ian Carr.. A coloured reprint of the first issue of New Triumph Featuring Northguard. Chapterhouse Comics.

New Triumph Featuring Northguard….: “Northguard…” . Matrix Graphic Series. Black & white.

1-1,1985: “And Stand On Guard.” Writ., Mark Shainblum. Illus., G. Morrissette. Let., Ian Carr: 1-24. 1-2, 1985: “Awaken The Dreamers.” Writ., M. Shainblum. Illus., G. Morrissette. Let., Ian Carr: 1-24. 1-3 1985: “Target Red Target Blue: Making Hate.” Writ., M. Shainblum. Pen., G. Morrissette. In.,          Jacques Boivin. Let. I. Carr: 1-24. 1-4 1985: “Target Red Target Blue: Never Surrender.” Writ., M. Shainblum. Pen., G. Morrissette. In.,    G. Morrissette & J. Harpes. Let. I. Carr: 1-24. 1-5 Summer 1986: “Northguard.” Writ., M. Shainblum. Illus., G. Morrissette. Let., I. Carr. 1-24.

 

Northguard..:. “Northguard: The ManDes Conclusion: …” Writ., M. Shainblum. Illus., G. Morrissette Matrix Production/Caliber Press. Black & white.
1, 1989: “…Blood and Fire.” Let., Mario Beaulac.. 2, 1989: “…Fleur de Lys.” Let., Ron Kasman..	3, 1990: “…Scorched Earth.” Let., R. Kasman..

Northguard, 1, Aug. 2016 :” “…” …. Chapterhouse Comics. Colour.

“Aurora Dawn pt 1.” Writ., Anthony Falcone. Illus., R. Salas. Col., Irma Kniivila. Let., Ed Brisson.              “Northguard: 80’s Heroic Flashback.” Car., Gabriel Morrissette. Col., Bernie Mireaul, Let., Angelo                 Malartic t: 26-28.

Northguard, 2, Sept. 2016: “…” …. Chapterhouse Comics. Colour

“Aurora Dawn pt 2: Dangerous Encounter.” Writ., A. Falcone. Illus., pg. 1-3, R. Salas, pg. 4-20, Eric          Kim. Col., Juanco. Let., Ryan Ferrier.                                                                                                            “Northguard: 80’s Heroic Flashback.” Car., Gabriel Morrissette. Col., Bernie Mireault. Let., Angelo             Malartic: 24-26.

Northguard, 3, Oct. 2016: “…” …. Chapterhouse Comics. Colour.

“Aurora Dawn pt. 3: Eyes Are Watching.” Writ., A. Falcone. Illus., E. Kim. Col., Juanco. Let., R. Ferrier.      “Northguard: 80’s Heroic Flashback.” Car., Gabriel Morrissette. Col., Bernie Mireault. Let., Angelo               Malartic: 26-28.

Northguard, 4, Nov. 2016: “…” …. Chapterhouse Comics. Colour.

“Aurora Dawn pt. 4: Always Dangerous.” Writ., A. Falcone. Illus., E. Kim. Col., Maro Pagnotta. Let., R. Ferrier.                                                                                                                                                            “Northguard: 80’s Heroic Flashback.” Car., Gabriel Morrissette. Col., Adam Martin. Let., Angelo                         Malartic: 28-29

Northguard,…: : Northguard …:” Chapterhouse Comics. Colour.

2-1, [5]Sept. 2017: “… Ch 1: Hunter/Hunted.” Writ., A. Falcone. Pen., Allen Watson. In., Fedrico Iglesias. Col., Vaneda Vireak. Let., Andrew Thomas.. 2-2, [6] Oct. 2017: “… Ch 2: Big Bad.” Writ., A. Falcone & Aaron Feldman. Pen., Sergio Carrera. In., F. Iglesias. Col., V. Vireak. Let., A. Thomas..

Story:

Northguard. 3, 1990:  Northguard meets The Jam and the gang at Matrix Graphic Series. Creators, Mark Shainblum, Gabriel Morrissette and Bernie Mireault. Matrix Production published by Caliber Press. Black & white: 28-29.

Cover front

Chapterhouse Archives: Northguard, 1, May 2016. Illus., Gabriel Morrissette. ‘Chapter House Comics. A reprint.

New Triumph Featuring Northguard….: Illus., … Matrix Graphic Series.
1-1, 1985: Gabriel Morrissette. 1-2, 1985: Dan & David Day. 1-3 1985: Gabriel Morrissette.	1-4 1986: Dan & David Day. 1-5 Summer 1986: Thierry Labrosse.

Northguard…: Illus., Ken Steacy. Matrix Production/Caliber Press.
1, 1989.	2, 1989	3, 1990.

Northguard….: Cover A: Illus., Ron Salas. Chapterhouse Comics.
1, Aug. 2016.	2, Sept.. 2016.	. 3, Oct. 2016.

Northguard, 4, November 2016: Cover B: Illus., Dan Parent. Chapterhouse Comics.

Northguard, 2-1, [5] September 2017. Illus., Alex Perkins.. Chapterhouse Comics.

Northguard, 2-2, [6] October 2017: Illus., Cian Tormey & Mark Dale… Chapterhouse Comics.

MERCHANDISE:

Button:

SOURCE:

Article newspaper:

Toronto Star, 1 Feb.1992: “The Great Canadian Superhero.” Writ., Henry Mietkiewicz: J1.

GALLERY:

 New Triumph featuring Northguard, 1-1, 1985. Front cover. Illus., Gabriel Morrissette,

Northguard, 1, Aug. 2016 Chapter House Comics. Front cover. Illus., Ron Salas,

 Northguard, 1,2, 3. A triptych of covers. Illus., Ken Stacey,

Northguard 3. Car., Gabriel Morrissette. Matrix Production/Caliber Press.

 

NOW YOU’RE LOGGIN

About Now You’re Logging, the graphic novel “… a true anomaly: written and drawn by a man with decades of experience in the woods, it’s a book with no clear antecedent, more intent on documenting a way of life than telling a story (though it does that too) … it might just change your perception of what comics are, what they do, and why we need them.”                                                                Shawn Conner

Created by Bus Griffiths, this story falls into two categories with a thirty years gap between them. Although the characters remain largely the same for both sections the first was an adventure strip for youngsters that appeared in Rocket Comics in the 1940’s while the second was a graphic novel more focused on depicting a way of life and directed at adults.

In 1941, Griffiths with some cartooning skills, created “Now You’re Loggin” which appeared in Maple Leaf’s Rocket Comics. It depicted the adventures of two young loggers Al Richards and his friend Red Harris and their enemy later turned friend Art Donnegan. The series like the graphic novel that would eventually follow it presented a great deal of information about logging terms and techniques. Although the drawing was rough the series stood out as an original and distinct feature in Rocket Comics. It proved so popular that Maple Leaf asked Griffiths to revive his first proposal which became a second series Son of the Range – a western. While the stories remained poplar Griffiths didn’t have the time to do both them and his logging job and so in 1943 he dropped the two series.

About 20 years passed before Griffiths took up art again in a serious way. This time he taught himself to paint. These paintings stimulated an enquiry from the logging magazine BC Lumberman in 1973 which inspired Bus to revive the “Now Your Loggin” series but this time emphasizing the lifestyle of the loggers rather than the conflict between men aspect. After publishing a couple of episodes the BC Lumberman was forced to discontinue it for financial reasons. However, Griffiths continued to work on the project more or less continuously for the next five years. The result was Now You’re Logging one of the earliest graphic novels produced in Canada. The novel appeared in excerpt form in three issues of the journal Raincoast Chronicles. It won the Eaton’s B.C. Book Award and sold out in two years.

The story had the same characters but now Art Donnegan was the foreman and the rivalry between him and Al Richards was gone. Toward the end there is a courtship between Al and Debbie Brown and the book ends with a marriage proposal. The story reads much like a diary recording the day-to-day experiences of logging in the forest. It is clear that story is merely the devise to describe a vanished logging heritage its techniques and style.

MEDIUM:

BOOK GRAPHIC COLLECTION:

Content serial & Cover dust jacket front & back:

Now You’re Logging. Car., Bus Griffiths. Harbour Publishing, 1978.

PERIODICAL GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Content serial:

Rocket Comics …: “Now You’re Loggin’.” Car., Bus Griffiths.
1:4, June-May 1942.	1:5, July – Aug.1942.	1:8, Jan.-Feb. 1942.

PERIODICAL TEXT & GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Content:

Portrait:

Raincoast Chronicles, no number, Raincoast Historical Society, no date: No title. Illus., Bus Griffiths: Back cover, outside & inside.

Story:

Raincoast Chronicles, no number, Raincoast Historical Society, no date: “The Old Shingle Bolt Camp.” Car., Bus Griffiths: 24-29.

Raincoast Chronicles, 6, Raincoast Historical Society, no date: “Now You’er Logging.” Car., Bus Griffiths: 35-45.

Raincoast Chronicles, no. 7,Raincoast Historical Society, no date: “Now You’er Logging.” Car., Bus Griffiths: 25-32.

SOURCE:

Article book:

Now You’re Logging, Car., Bus Griffiths. Harbour Publishing, 1978: “Bus Griffiths.” dust jacket.

Article periodical:

The Beaver, 85-3, June/July 2005: “With Axe and Saw.” Writ., Paula Wild: 29-33.

The Comics Journal, 187, May 1996: “Beyond the Grid up in the Woods…” Writ., Shawn Connor,. 111-112. (same issue includes an interview with Griffiths and samples of his work.

Raincoast Chronicles, Raincoast Historical Society, no date: “Review: Now You’re Logging.” Writ., Tony Robertson: 23.

Vancouver Magazine (?) : “Now You’re Logging Bus Griffiths: Logger & Comic Strip Artist.” Writ., Peter Trower: 32+.

Article newspaper:

West Coast News, 10 July 1979, 17 July 1979, 24 July 1979, 31 July 1979: “The Westcoast’s Most Unique Artist Parts 1, 2, 3, 4.” Writ., Peter Trower,. 4. (With some additions this is a reprint of “NOW YOU’RE LOGGING Griffiths: Logger & Comic Strip Artist”.

GALLERY:

Rocket Comics, 1-4: May/June 1942:“Now You’re Loggin’”: 3

Raincoast Chronicles, Raincoast Historical Society, no date: Back cover. Illus., Bus Griffiths.

Now You’re Logging. Harbour Publishing, 1978: From dust jacket front. Illus., Bus Griffiths.

Now You’re Logging. Harbour Publishing, 1978: From dust jacket back. Illus., Bus Griffiths.

 

NOW AND THEN TIMES

See NOW AND THEN PUBLICATIONS

 

NOW AND THEN PUBLICATIONS                                                                                  Location: 103 Queen Street South, Kitchener, Ontario.                                                    Owner publisher: Harry Kremer.

This was a extension of the Now and Then Books retail outlet owned by Harry Kremer Through it he underwrote the cost of the two issues of Now and Then Times which were reviews of the individuals and publications in the cartooning industry and Oktoberfest Comics in 1976.

PRODUCT:

PERIODICAL GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Oktoberfest Comics,1-1, Fall 1976.

PERIODICAL TEXT &GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Now and Then Times, 1-1, Summer 1972.

Now and Then Times, 1-2, 1973.

GALLERY:

Now and Then Times, 1-2, 1973. From front cover. Illus., Jerry Lazare.

Oktoberfest Comics, 1-1, Fall 1976. Front cover. Illus., Dave Sim.

NOW AND THEN BOOKS

See KREMER Harry

       NOW AND THEN PUBLICATIONS

 

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

This humorous cartoon strip was created by Harry Moyer. It first appeared in the Toronto Evening Telegram sometime in 1928. It was still appearing as of December 30, 1936. Later it was replaced by “News ‘n Nonsense”. It reappeared probably as reprints in Bell Features and Publishing publications during World War 2.

MEDIUM:

PERIODICAL GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Content:

Humour:

Active Comics,… no date: “Nothing But The Truth.” Car., Harry Moyer. Bell Features, Black & white.
25: 26..	26: 29.	23: inside front cover.	23: 24-25.

GALLERY:

 Active Comics, 26: “Nothing But The Truth.” 29.

 

NORTHERN STAR PRESS                                                                                              Location: P.O. Box 3174 South, Halifax, Nova Scotia.                                                        Editor: John Bell, Alain Chabot.

Contributors: John Bell, Alain Chabot, John Charette, John Robert Colombo, Larry Dickenson, Gene Day, George Freeman, Jack Gaughan, Rand Gaynor, Donald M. Grant, Tim Hammell, Roy Krennel, Cathy Hill, Spider Robinson, Derek Sarty, Charles Saunders, Dave Sim, Norbert Spehner

Alan Chabot and John Bell created this company to publish Borealis a magazine of science fiction, fantasy and cartooning.

In 1975 Chabot had thought of the title and attempted to start the magazine, but it wasn’t till 1976 that a fortuitous meeting with John Bell at Halycon 1 – the first Halifax SF Convention created a partnership that brought the magazine to publication. The first issue appeared in the Summer of 1978. Shortly after the first issue Chabot left. John Bell tried to carry on alone but Borealis 1-2 Spring 1979 was the last issue.

PRODUCT:

PERIODICAL TEXT & GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Borealis, 1-1, Summer 1978.

Borealis, 1-2, Spring 1979.

SOURCE:

Article periodical:

Borealis, 1-1, Summer 1978: “Two Solitudes.” Writ., John Bell.: 4-5.

Borealis, 1-2, Spring 1979: “One Solitude.” Writ., John Bell. 4.

 

NORTHERN LIGHT

Northern Light began as a comical story written by T. Casey Brennan and illustrated by John Allison, but transformed into a superhero serial in the hands of writers James Waley and George Henderson with James Craig doing the visual portion. This was the first feature in Orb Magazine to be coloured.

Northern Light began as a comical story written by T. Casey Brennan and illustrated by John Allison, but transformed into a superhero serial in the hands of writers James Waley and George Henderson. James Craig did the visual portion. This was the first feature Ns Orb Magazine to be coloured.

This character came about when John Allison a graduate of the Ontario College of Art, suggested to T. Casey Brennan a U.S. comic book writer that they collaborate on a story for Orb Magazine. The idea was to rework a script that Brennan had written for the U.S. comic book character “E-Man” but which had never been used. The team named the new character the “Phantom Canadian” but Waley, editor and owner of Orb didn’t like it. Brennan then proposed “White Light”. Waley’s wife countered with “Northern Light” and this is the name that stuck. Northern Light first appeared in Orb Magazine vol. 1, no. 2, July 1974 and continued to vol. 1, no 5, January/February 1976 at which time Orb ceased publication. The final chapter “Conquermind” appeared in the U.S. magazine Power Comics vol.1, no. 4, November 1977.

Over the course of its career “Northern Light” varied drastically as different writers and illustrators applied their visions of him. “The Guardian of Mars” story part 1 written by Brennan and illustrated by Allison did not live up to the impressive introduction provided by Richard Robertson’s cover illustration. In the story “Northern Light” plays a decidedly peripheral role. . Indeed his role is so minor it could easily have been dispensed with. The story actually revolves around “Dervius” “The Lone Guardian” and his internal conflicts between his love for his girl friend “Lana” and the Council’s demand he abandon her that plus  the conflict between his observation that earthlings don’t deserve to die and the orders of the Council that he must destroy them. The illustrations in Part 1 although competent are tentative. The lines are fine and the colours pastel. They become more forceful, bold lines and strong colours in Part 2, when Jim Craig and Matt Rust take over the visual duties, but really nothing can save this confused story. The Orb vol. 1, no. 3 cover introducing us to Part 2 was drawn by Bill Payne an experienced Toronto cartoonist who had previously worked on then took over “The Giants” a historical cartoon strip. Like Craig’s work it is forceful but there is a kind of flippant tone which it must be said does reflect the story.

What saves the concept is a major renovation in the presentation of “Northern Light”. This overhaul of the character begins in Orb vol. 1, no. 4, November/December 1975 with “The Origin of Northern Light, Part 1: Today You … Deja-Vu written by Jim Waley and George Henderson. Jim Craig remains the illustrator for this and  the rest of “Northern Light’s existence. The story continues in Orb vol. 1, no. 5, with Part 2, “Dénouement” where the writing team changes to Waley and Matt Rust and is completed in Power Comics where Waley becomes the sole writer.

In this new version, “Northern Light” becomes the central and sole focus of the story. His powers, only implied in “The Guardian of Mars” are now clearly defined, expanded, explained and used. The story follows the revenge motif, that is the hero ultimately destroys the being that destroyed the hero’s family and his peace of mind. The story contains irony. Through the “Conquermind’s” efforts to make him powerful enough to achieve “Conquermind’s” objectives “Northern Light” becomes powerful enough to destroy “Conquermind”. The character is made more complex. Although “Northern Light” destroys his tormentor, that achievement brings no relief to “Northern Light’s inner turmoil. There are inconsistencies in the story. What happened to “Kizmar”? These can be attributed to the changing roster of writers and do not interfere too much with the story line.

Visually the “Northern Light” story changes from colour to black and white. One could say that Craig’s dynamic drawing skills were perhaps better showcased without colour. The illustrations for the last chapter which appeared in Power Comics had been originally designed for an Orb mini comic book in colour and so were drawn in less detail.  Furthermore, zip-tones had to be used when it was published in black and white. None of this detracts much from the last chapter.

Under basically the team of Waley and Craig “Northern Light” became a compelling story that had the potential to be an enduring addition to the adventure cartoon genre. Unfortunately, its creative strength was not matched by the financial and business strength needed to support it.

MEDIUM:

PERIODICAL GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGY:

Content serial:

Orb …: “The Guardian of Mars…” Writ., T. Casey Brennan. ….

1-2, July 1974: “Part 1”: Illus. & Col., John Allison: 33 – 39 1-3, Dec.1974: “ Part 2”:Illus., Jim Craig. Col., Matt Rust & Waylee: 30 – 39.

Orb, …: “The Origin of Northern Light …” Writ., J. Whaley & G. Henderson. Illus., Jim Craig. Let., M. Cherkas: …. Black & white.

1-4, Nov./Dec.1975: “…Part 1: To You …Déjà vu.”…: 46 – 55. 1-5, Jan./Feb.1976: “…Part 2: Dénouement.”…: 35 – 44.

Cover front:

Orb,1-2, July 1974: Illus., Richard Robertson.

Orb,1-3, Dec.1974: Illus., Bill Payne. Col., John Allison..

PERIODICAL GRAPHIC:

Content serial:

Power Comics, 1-4, Nov.1977: “Conquermind” Writ., Jim Waley. Illus., James Craig. Let., Bill Payne: 3-30.

Cover front:

Power Comics, 1-4, Nov.1977: Illus., Jim Craig.

SOURCE:

Article book:

“Northern Light”, Guardians of the North: The National Superhero in Canadian Comic  -Book Art, Ottawa, Writ., John Bell. National Archives of Canada, 1992: 20 – 24. A catalogue for the exhibit of the same name.

Article newspaper:

“The Great Canadian Superhero.” Writ., Henry Mietkiewicz. Toronto Star, 1 Feb.1992: J1.

GALLERY:

Orb,1-2, July 1974. Front cover. Illustrator, Richard Robertson.                                      This cover was in sharp contrast to the humourous story inside.

Orb,1-3, Dec.1974. Front cover. Illus., Bill Payne. Colo., John Allison.

Power Comics, 1-4, Nov.1977. Front cover. Illus., Jim Craig.