Winners of the 27th Bédélys Awards and Opening of the 15th Montreal Comic Arts Festival
The Montreal Comic Arts Festival (MCAF) has launched its 15th edition. Taking place from May 15 to 17 in collaboration with the SDC rue Saint-Denis and Télé-Québec, the city’s largest celebration of comic books in all its forms is once again taking over Saint-Denis Street, which is closed to traffic between Gilford and Roy. A record number of more than 350 artists and 190 exhibitors are expected under the tents throughout the weekend.
The opening night, hosted by researcher and screenwriter Catherine-Emmanuel Brunet at Ausgang Plaza, marked the end of a day of programming for professionals of the comic arts industry. It was also an opportunity to announce the 27th Bédélys Awards, presented in collaboration with SODEC, which recognize the most notable comics published or distributed in Quebec in 2025. Six works were honored, and a total of $5,000 in grants was awarded to the winners.
The Winners
- Bédélys Québec Award: Cannon, Lee Lai (Drawn & Quarterly)
- Bédélys Youth Québec Award: La maison cachette, Erika Soucy, Geneviève Bigué (Éditions de La Pastèque)
- Bédélys Independent Francophone Award: Les pieds d’Isadora, Karima Lacroix
- Bédélys Independent Anglophone Award: Take That, Nina Drew
- Bédélys Youth Award: La Nuit aux loups, VAN (Casterman)
- Bédélys International Award: Drome, Jesse Lonergan (404 Graphic)
Jury’s Favorites
The winning comic books were selected by six volunteer juries composed of 93 comic book enthusiasts: librarians, booksellers, publishers, and other book industry professionals. One unique feature is that the Bédélys Youth Award is presented by groups of young readers from five participating Montreal libraries.
In total, more than 917 comic books were read (and sometimes reread)!
Here are more details about this prestigious selection and what won over the judges:
Bédélys Québec Award: Cannon, Lee Lai (Drawn & Quarterly)
The Bédélys Québec Award honors the best comic book by a Quebec artist published by a Quebec-based publisher. The award was presented by Librairie Planète BD, which also awarded a $1,500 grant. It was accompanied by a trophy designed and donated by Karl Dupéré-Richer.
A word from the jury:
Comics are the perfect medium for exploring the world around us; here, they offer a glimpse into the lives of young second-generation Chinese women in today’s Quebec.
Lee Lai offers a Sino-Quebecois perspective on Montreal through Cannon, a character whose emotions are running high but who, in everyone’s eyes, appears to be in perfect control. This young woman tries to control her environment—a daunting task when she’s caring for her grandfather, struggles to communicate with her mother, and works in the chaos of the restaurant industry. She must also navigate a suffocating friendship and a romantic relationship that’s complex, to say the least.
The author, thanks to her remarkable mastery of transitions between scenes, brilliantly keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters’ expressions and the detailed backgrounds make the artwork particularly immersive, and we are transported into every panel of the comic. The interactions between the deeply drawn characters and the theatricality of the situations round out Cannon as a remarkable work.
Bédélys Youth Québec Award: La maison cachette, Erika Soucy, Geneviève Bigué (Éditions de La Pastèque)
The Bédélys Youth Quebec Award recognizes the best comic book for readers aged 14 and under by a Quebec artist, published by a Quebec publisher. The award was presented by Télé-Québec, along with a $1,500 grant, and was accompanied by a trophy designed and donated by La Planque cooperative. In addition, FAB will produce a video with the winners.
A word from the jury:
How do you explain to children the reality of a temporary move to a shelter for victims of domestic violence? With tact, gentleness, and a touch of imagination, if we are to believe this comic book by Érika Soucy and Geneviève Bigué.
La maison cachette brilliantly succeeds in bringing the drama down to a child’s level by alternating difficult moments with gentler ones, and by reminding us that joy remains within reach for those who know how to embrace it. The text is poignant and poetic, set against a backdrop that avoids heaviness through an abundance of tenderness—whether it’s the stuffed animals coming to life or the bond between the young protagonist, her mother, and her brother.
The images, for their part, envelop us and guide us through a range of emotions by subtly playing on cool and warm tones according to the narrative’s needs.
The subject could not have asked for two better ambassadors.
→ Geneviève Bigué will be signing books on Saturday, May 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and on Sunday, May 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Éditions de la Pastèque booth (A07)
Bédélys Independent Francophone: Les pieds d’Isadora, Karima Lacroix
The Bédélys Independent Francophone Award recognizes the best self-published Francophone comic book in Quebec. The award was presented by MCAF and included a $1,000 grant, an exhibitor space at the next Festival, and a trophy designed and donated by Gianni’s Angels studio.
A word from the jury:
It’s rare to come across such a masterful debut. Karima Lacroix tells the heartfelt story of a young girl’s journey toward self-empowerment as she pursues her dream. A true enthusiast, the protagonist, Laleh, dreams of dancing ballet professionally. To what extent do passion and ambition blur as she strives to keep her dream alive? This is, in fact, one of the story’s greatest strengths, as the author skillfully navigates complex themes while keeping them accessible. She masterfully employs the conventions of the comic book medium, crafting a well-structured narrative with impeccable storytelling. A classic coming-of-age tale that transports us to a Montreal of a bygone era.
The felt-tip brushstrokes give the impression that the illustrations are taken from fashion magazines. The desaturated color palette with its retro charm evokes a certain nostalgia—a particularly effective touch to remind us that the story takes place in the 1990s. The composition of the panels brings a lot of dynamism and lends itself perfectly to the dance sequences.
The jury was impressed by Karima Lacroix’s talent, highlighting the maturity of this debut graphic novel. It is a work of exceptional quality that is sure to leave its mark among must-read titles.
→ Meet Karima Lacroix during the Festival at her booth in B15
Bédélys Independent Anglophone Award: Take That, Nina Drew
The Bédélys Independent Anglophone Award recognizes the best self-published Anglophone comic book in Quebec. The award was presented by MCAF and included a $1,000 grant, an exhibitor space at the next Festival, and a trophy designed and donated by En Masse.
A word from the jury:
Take That was chosen as this year’s winner in part because it is so very of Montreal. A memoir of sneaking out as a child and discovering the League of Lady Wrestlers, the comic is charming, funny, engaging, and everything that is best about this city. In many ways, Take That (the original events and the comic chronicling them) could only have happened in Montreal. A self-contained coming of age story that nevertheless hints at a much larger, vibrant world, the comic’s comforting, pocket-sized format combines emotionally compelling illustration and character design with expertly choreographed (and thrilling!) action scenes to create a dynamic synthesis that is the best of what comics can be.
This hyper-specific portrait of a subculture thoroughly fits the Bédélys independent’s mandate of rewarding risk-taking, spirited local talent. Wild and energetic, the bold use of colour nonetheless remains painterly, thoughtful, impressionistic, and deeply beautiful in how it’s deployed. For all the rough and tumble subject matter of this comic, it’s also a joy to look at, a confection of pastels and jewel tones that delights the senses while never sacrificing the fun.
→ Meet Nina Drew during the Festival at their booth in E41
Bédélys Youth Award: La Nuit aux loups, VAN (Casterman)
The Bédélys Youth Award recognizes the best Francophone comic book for children aged 7 to 14 and is selected by a jury of young readers. The award included a trophy designed and donated by La Planque cooperative.
A word from the jury:
VAN’s original story masterfully unveils a chapter of our history. La Nuit aux loups transports us to a world rarely depicted in children’s comics: daily life in early 19th-century Quebec City, in the depths of winter. Bringing one of our oldest legends to life, it introduces us to a big-hearted teenage werewolf, growing up in a dysfunctional but loving family, and surrounded by an amazing circle of friends. Young readers immediately identify with this poor soul from another era! Locked away every night since his unfortunate transformation, he causes quite a stir in the city when he escapes one night just as his friend disappears. Solidarity and mutual aid are thus at the heart of this engaging investigation with a well-crafted plot.
The illustrations succeed in creating a sense of intimacy amidst the freezing winter. The fluid lines, warm colors and expressive faces enhance this story where friendship is put to the test. The dynamic layout of the panels sets the pace of the investigation as time runs out, immersing readers in a sense of urgency. The twist leaves us completely stunned, and we eagerly await the sequel!
→ VAN will be signing books on Friday, May 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., as well as on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Librairie Gallimard booth (A01)
Bédélys International Award: Drome, Jesse Lonergan (404 Graphic)
The Bédélys International Award recognizes the best Francophone comic book published outside Quebec. It was accompanied by a trophy designed and donated by Le Mange Papier studio in Gatineau.
A word from the jury:
With Drome, Jesse Lonergan offers readers a work that is striking for its artwork and its use of the grid layout. The author presents a modern cosmogony tracing the birth of a world and a civilization. Set in a primordial universe marked by the primal violence between the first human beings, a deity emerging from the oceans attempts to impose a new order and teach the foundations of civilization. The narrative thus unfolds as a vast mythological epic blending war, spirituality, and the evolution of human societies. Lonergan succeeds, without words, in conveying his message and immersing readers in his colorful universe.
Through his innovative graphic storytelling, his universal thematic ambition, and his unique artistic vision, Jesse Lonergan returns to the fundamentals of the comic book—storytelling through images—which deeply moved the jury members.
→ Jesse Lonergan will be signing books on Friday, May 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., as well as on Saturday, May 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Interforum Canada booth (B13)
→ Jesse Lonergan will participate at the Drawing Conversation: Drawing Out of this World Friday, May 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at La Fab à dessin – C21
MCAF’s team would like to thank the finalists of the 27th Bédélys Awards and congratulate the winners!
About MCAF
The Montreal Comic Arts Festival (MCAF) is an organisation dedicated to promoting comic books. Every year, it organises the Festival of the same name, where artists, publishers, curious minds and comic books enthusiasts gather to celebrate the 9th art. This unmissable comic book event attracted over 90,000 people in 2025, with more than 22,000 books sold.
The 15ᵗʰ edition of MCAF, presented in collaboration with SDC Rue Saint-Denis and Télé-Québec, will take place from May 15 to 17, 2026, on a pedestrianised section of Saint-Denis Street, between Gilford and Roy. A record number of over 190 exhibitors and 350 comic book creators from here and abroad are expected to attend, and the event will feature a completely free program.
For more information, visit fbdm-mcaf.ca/en | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Partners
The Montreal Comic Arts Festival is presented in collaboration with the SDC Rue Saint-Denis and Télé-Québec. It would like to thank its major partners for their valuable collaboration: SODEC, Ministère du Tourisme, Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, Service de la culture de la Ville de Montréal, Conseil des arts de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, Plateau–Mont-Royal borough, Caisse Desjardins du Plateau-Mont-Royal, La Presse, Librairie Planète BD and Copibec.
The 27th Bédélys Awards are presented in collaboration with SODEC. MCAF would also like to thank its Bédélys partners: Télé-Québec, Librairie Planète BD, Crossover Comics, Librairie l’Euguélionne, N’était-ce pas l’été and Librairie Drawn & Quarterly.
Finally, MCAF would like to thank the 93 volunteer jury members, without whom the Bédélys Awards would not be possible.
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MCAF Contact:
Mélanie La Roche, Executive Director – melanie.laroche@fbdm-mcaf.ca
Press relation:
Stéphanie Culakowa – stephanie.culakowa@rugicomm.ca
