Canadian comics historian Ivan Kocmarek (author of “Heroes of the Home Front” and host of the podcast “Cataclysmic Comics Backpack”) has put together a show of original artwork by four Hamilton-based cartoonists active during WWII – a time when Canada briefly enjoyed a domestic comic book industry due to wartime export restrictions from the States. The exhibit highlights the following 4 war time creators with comics, original art and information on display.
Aram Alexanian (1928-1988) – carpet and flooring magnate who began drawing comics at 15; had a life-long love of cartooning and comics.
Harry Brunt (1918-1987) – father of sports journalist Stephen Brunt, drew comics and later editorial and sports cartoons for the Spectator; huge Ti-Cat fan.
Edmond Good (1910-1991) – grew up in Westdale; first Art Director of Bell Features comics; moved to US in 1943 to establish a successful comics career there.
Win Mortimer (1919-1998) – grew up on Burris St.; drew propaganda posters at the Otis Elevator Plant during military production; moved to the US after the war and became a main Superman and Batman artist.

The exhibit runs from March 4 – 27 2022 at the Carnegie Gallery at 10 King Street West, Dundas Ontario, L9H 1T7. Their hours are
Mon closed
Tues, Wed & Sat 10am-5:00pm
Thurs & Fri 10am-7:00pm
Sun 12pm-4:00pm
There will also be a talk by curator Ivan Kockmarek on Thursday March 24, 7-8 pm in the exhibit. Advanced registration is required as there is a (presumably COVID-19) limit to the space for this event. So contact the gallery to reserve (905-627-4265). Copies of his book Heroes of the Homefront and his new comic book Trailblazers are available at the gallery.
Here is their description of the exhibit:
The Carnegie is pleased to showcase this important exhibition of comic book illustration by four Hamilton artists working during the years of World War II. For the brief period between 1941-1946, wartime restrictions prevented the importing of comic books and pulp magazines from the U.S. A handful of Canadian publishers subsequently stepped up and began publishing our very own Canadian comics reflecting the political and societal views in Canada at the time. When the war ended, American comics were allowed back into Canada taking over the market again, and by the end of 1946 the production of new, original Canadian comics stopped and didn’t begin again until a generation later. Artists with work in the exhibition include Aram Alexanian, Harry Brunt, Edmond Good, and James ‘Win’ Mortimer. The exhibition is accompanied by a hardcover book as well as a limited-edition comic book, both available for purchase.
Hamilton-based Cartoonists of WWII – Steel City Supermen – Carnegie Gallery
