New Exhibit Showcases the ‘Golden Age’ of Canadian Comics
Canadians have a secret: a deep, dark, maple syrup coated secret. That sticks to us. For the rest of our universal healthcare prolonged lives. The secret is this: Canadians are obsessed with our trying to define identity.
We are known for our modesty – hardly a self-obsessed quality. Plus, Canada has an identity. Poutine, beer, apologizing, the maple leaf, and hockey define us.
However, that really just makes our national identity ‘a big country in a hockey jersey’. Take that off and what are we? A Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist?
Seriously though. This Canuck hang up is real. In a proud part of our Canadian heritage, Cranky and chilly actor Donald Sutherland’s joke about how he’s tired of Canada’s preoccupation with identity resulted in a huge media storm that, ironically, only added fuel to the fire. We burn, you burn with us Donald.
It’s especially brave, in light of Sutherland’s media crucifixion, of anyone to broach the murky ambiguity and oft politically-charged subject. Except a new exhibition that does exactly that.
Alter Ego: Comics and Canadian Identity, presented by Library and Archives Canada, explores the ‘Canadian Identity Question’ through the unique lens of comic books, graphic novels, World War II propaganda, and Canadian superheroes. Insightful and informative, the exhibition features reproductions of art by Canadian comic book artists, favorite superheroes from the Marvel and DC universes drawn by Canadians, along with some of Canada’s own finest superheroes, and more!
The all-important deets
Alter Ego: Comics and Canadian Identity runs all summer up to September 14th at 395 Wellington Street, in Ottawa, Ontario. The exhibit is open from 8AM–11PM on Monday to Friday and from 10AM–6PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Note: There is no entry fee – it’s 100% free to visit! The venue is wheelchair accessible. De plus, l’exposition est également présentée en français.
Why you should go see Alter Ego
You enjoy comic books: There. Are. So. Many. Comics. Plus you’ll discover superheroes that you didn’t know existed – Nelvana, for example, is an Inuit superheroine who predates Wonder Woman. This is a must see exhibit!
You like history and storytelling: A huge portion of the exhibit is dedicated to Canadian history from the wartime propaganda origins of Johnny Canuck to depictions of important events (Halifax Explosion, Yukon Gold Rush, etc) to biographical comics to satirical historical graphic novels.
You like art: There is a section dedicated to artistic development and the whole exhibit is (for the most part) displayed chronologically, so you can see the evolution of art styles all the way from the 1940s to present day. There is seriously stunning artwork to be seen.
You are a child or young at heart: There are free ‘comic cover’ card packs, a superhero costume box, and the chance to check out some cool comics.
You are a Canadian or are interested in Canadian culture: Indulge yourself and engage wholeheartedly in an entire exhibition with the sole purpose of exploring Canadian identity. No judgment. The exhibit poses insightful questions that will definitely make you more confused about Canadian identity than ever and you are guaranteed to learn something new.
Why you should NOT go see this exhibition?
You are Donald Sutherland.
How long can I expect to spend at the exhibition?
At first glance, the exhibit seems small. Not the case – the cleverly comic-book shaped displays are double-sided. You can speed through in as little as 15-20 minutes or, for those that like to read everything, you can easily spend an hour.
Can I take photos?
You are allowed to take photos! There’s even a ‘photo booth-esque’ prop box and costumes – perfect for a memorable group selfie.
When is the best time to go?
My suggestion is to go on the weekend or a Friday evening – I went on a Saturday afternoon and crowds were a non issue. Make a day (or date) of it – there’s plenty to see and do after you check out the exhibit as the building is so well situated (steps away from Parliament, situated directly across the beautiful Garden of the Provinces and Territories and just a block over from trendy Sparks Street).
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