Ontario comic creators U.S. travel concerns are growing as more artists from Ontario are choosing to stay in Canada due to increasing safety risks when traveling to the United States. For many comic creators in Ontario, including well-known names from Brampton, Pickering, Scarborough, and Burlington, the idea of attending U.S. conventions or conducting business across the border no longer feels safe. Rising political instability, increased threats to Canadian sovereignty, and concerns over racial safety are driving these creators to focus their efforts within Canada.
The sentiment among Ontario comic creators started shifting after 2023, following Donald Trump’s presidency, when U.S. sovereignty threats and travel restrictions raised alarms. One of the creators affected by these changes, Mike Rooth, who has worked on titles like Red Sonja and Hellboy, made the decision last year to cancel his plans to travel to the U.S. for conventions. Rooth, who is based in Oakville, explained, “When the threats to Canadian sovereignty came into play, I decided to stay home. There are plenty of conventions up here in Canada, and I’m happy to be doing work for Dynamite Comics and Titan Comics.”
Despite his work in Canada, Rooth admits that he misses his American audiences, saying, “The American crowds are awesome, and I hope to return someday, but for now, my line in the sand was the political situation.”
Similarly, Anthony Ruttgaizer, an independent creator based in Toronto, expressed his growing concern about traveling to the U.S. as a person of color. Ruttgaizer, who has worked on titles like Heroes of Homeroom C, said, “I don’t think there’s a safe way for a middle-aged Black man to go to the states. I don’t want to win that lottery, and I ain’t buying a ticket.” For Ruttgaizer, his decision to avoid the U.S. stems not only from the political situation but also from personal experiences and concerns over his safety.
As the situation in the U.S. has worsened, more comic creators in Ontario have followed suit. Ken Lashley, a Burlington-based comic artist with a career spanning over three decades in the industry, has also decided to stay in Canada. Having worked with both Marvel and DC Comics, Lashley initially adopted a “wait-and-see” approach to U.S. travel but is now resolute in his decision to avoid traveling to U.S. conventions. Lashley noted, “American conventions won’t be happening soon, especially with everything going on in the Middle East. The situation is too volatile.”
Meanwhile, Mike Del Mundo from Scarborough, who has worked on DC’s K.O. storyline, is sticking to Canadian conventions this summer, including events in Edmonton, Calgary, and Niagara Falls. He added, “There’s too much happening in the world, and the U.S. is just not a place I feel safe traveling to right now. I’m thinking of England, but not the U.S.”
Fred Kennedy, a Toronto-based comic creator, also noted that while his decision to stay close to home was initially due to personal reasons, he now finds himself staying in Canada because of the growing instability in the U.S.. His latest comic, Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre, was launched in February and was influenced by the dark times and political climate that creators are currently navigating.
Finally, Ramon Perez, a Scarborough-raised artist and RAID Press founder, emphasized the importance of supporting local artists and building opportunities within Canada. Perez said, “I’ve been focusing on breaking down barriers for local artists. It’s great to be able to foster such a vibrant comic community right here in Toronto and across Ontario.”
The growing trend of Ontario comic creators U.S. travel cancellations
With many Ontario comic creators U.S. travel plans put on hold, the trend is increasingly becoming a part of a larger movement toward supporting Canadian artists and creators. While U.S. conventions have historically been a major part of the comic industry, Ontario-based creators are now focusing on domestic events and opportunities, contributing to a stronger local industry.
As political situations continue to evolve and tensions rise, more Ontario comic creators are choosing to stay closer to home. By focusing on Canadian markets, these artists are reshaping the industry and creating a safe and thriving community for comic creators in Ontario and beyond.
