Johnny Canuck

Description

Johnny Canuck is the first Canadian national hero, Canada’s Captain America if you will. Way back in 1942, a very young Leo Bachle and his active imagination created Johnny Canuck! Johnny’s character was kind of a Jack of all trades, a flying ace and fighter, secret agent, and officer in the Canadian military. Most of the time, Johnny was saving “foreign beauties” and fought the axis on almost every war front. He met up with Hitler no fewer than three times and was trained in trapeze and boxing! Throughout his comics he travelled to Yugoslavia, Russia, Germany, Libya, Tibet, and China. It wasn’t until the final issue that Johnny’s story took place in Canada, and just off the coast of Halifax! Johnny’s adventures are unforgettable, and although it’s been 70 years, I promise when you read this book you won’t be able to put it down!

The History:
Canada had its share of American comics in the 40s. In December of 1940, the Canadian government imposed the War Exchange Conservation Act, banning American made luxury items which included comics. This created a comic book market for Canadian publishers, and for a short time, Johnny Canuck was one of Canada’s favourite comic book heroes. When the war ended and the ban was lifted in 1946, what is now known as Canada’s golden age ended.

Wondering why the name Johnny Canuck sounds familiar? Johnny Canuck is a character that has been around for over a century, originally appearing in political cartoons as a personification of Canada. A version of him is also the mascot for the NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks! In 1942, the young artist and writer Leo Bachle recreated the character to fit with modern comics and the country’s desire for a Canadian hero during WWII. The series ran for 28 issues but ended when the ban lifted.

Johnny Canuck is a staple of Canada’s popular culture and in all variations. This character is seen as the true Canadian or the spirit of Canada. Now you’ll be able to read all 272 pages of  Johnny Canuck’s adventures which have been out of print for 70 years!

WARNING

Johnny Canuck reprints content that was written and illustrated over 75 years ago and is a product of its time. The story has social norms, prejudices, stereotypes, and attitudes of the era that do not represent today’s society or values.

LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION

Title: Johnny Canuck/ by Leo Bachle ; edited by Rachel Richey.
Names: Bachle, Leo, 1923-2003, author, artist. | Kulbach, André, 1909-?, author | Dak, Paul ?-?, author | Richey, Rachel 1987- editor.
Description: First edition.
Identifiers: Canadiana 20159010187 | ISBN 9780994054708 (hardcover)
Subjects: 1. Comic books, strips, etc.–Canada.Throughout 1941, Canadian comic book readers experienced a boom in Canadian produced comics. It wasn’t until late in that year that Johnny Canuck was slated to appear.Throughout 1941, Canadian comic book readers experienced a boom in Canadian produced comics. It wasn’t until late in that year that Johnny Canuck was slated to appear.
Classification: LCC PN6732.j64 2015 | DDC 741.5/971