Celebrating 25 Years of The Dragon: Guelph Comics Jam Marks a Milestone
Entrepreneur and Single Mom Jenn Haines Celebrates Over Two Decades as Community Hub for Comics and Games
Guelph, ON, September 6, 2023 — The anticipation is palpable as Guelph prepares to host the momentous 25th anniversary celebration of The Dragon, the iconic female-owned comic book and gaming store. The anniversary celebration, known as Guelph Comics Jam, will take place on September 16th from 10am to 6pm at Old Quebec Street in the heart of Downtown Guelph. The event is open to the public and free of charge and will include signings by such Canadian comic luminaries as Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Emily Carroll (A Guest in the House), Ryan North (Fantastic Four), and more.
The Dragon’s Remarkable Journey
Founded a quarter-century ago by visionary entrepreneur Jenn Haines, The Dragon has grown from humble beginnings to become internationally acclaimed as a family friendly community hub. For 25 years, The Dragon has set the standard for promoting comic books, graphic novels, manga and games for all ages. The store has enriched the lives of families and inspired similar stores worldwide to serve as nexuses for community and culture within their respective locales. The Dragon’s dedication to excellence has earned it prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Eisner and Shuster Awards for retail.
From its inception, The Dragon has fostered a multi-generational customer base, uniting comic and game enthusiasts of all ages through the power of storytelling and creativity; The Dragon not only offers a highly curated selection of books and games that engage children as well as adults, but has also offered a continuous calendar of author signings and gaming events that have been an integral part of Guelph’s cultural scene. As a proudly female-owned establishment, The Dragon has created a warm and welcoming space for all, consistently championing diversity and inclusion.
Jenn Haines: A Trailblazing Visionary
The driving force behind The Dragon’s success, Jenn Haines, has passionately dedicated her life to creating a sanctuary for comic and game enthusiasts. A single mother of two children, Haines has shattered glass ceilings while raising her family and evolving her business. She also holds the esteemed position of President of the Board of ComicsPRO, the international organization of comic book shops, further solidifying her status as a true industry leader.
(Jenn Haines pictured with her children, Darwin (L) and Junia (R) promoting a local game.)
Guelph Comics Jam: A Creative Extravaganza
The Guelph Comics Jam, now in its fifth year, coincides with The Dragon’s 25th anniversary celebration. This vibrant event is the pinnacle of Guelph’s comic art scene, bringing together a constellation of renowned artists, writers, and illustrators who have made indelible contributions to the world of comics.
“It’s such a privilege to be invited to Guelph Comics Jam,” said rising star comic book writer Tate Brombal. “As a Guelph native, I shopped at The Dragon as a kid and the store was such an integral part of my journey to becoming a comic book writer, I love coming back and being part of The Dragon community.”
Stellar Guests Include:
- Emily Carroll: Writer and artist celebrated for works like “Through the Woods” and “When I Arrived at the Castle.”
- Jeff Lemire: Renowned writer and artist behind graphic novels such as “Sweet Tooth” (now a show on Netflix) and “Essex County” (now a miniseries on CBC).
- Ryan North: Bestselling writer known for “How To Invent Everything” and “Fantastic Four.”
- Scott Chantler: Eisner Award-nominated cartoonist of “Bix” and “Two Generals.”
- Matthew Rosenberg: Award-winning writer of “What’s The Furthest Place From Here?” and “4 Kids Walk Into a Bank.”
- Tate Brombal: Award nominated writer of “Behemoth” and “The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos.”
- Tyler Boss: Eisner-nominated artist and cartoonist with titles like “What’s The Furthest Place From Here?” and “Dead Dog’s Bite.”
- And many more!
Join the Celebration
The Guelph Comics Jam on September 16th is not just a celebration of The Dragon’s remarkable 25 years, but a celebration of the entire comic book and gaming community’s unwavering passion and creativity. During the event, proprietor Haines will unveil a 25th anniversary logo by Guelph’s own Jay Stephens, an Emmy Award winning cartoonist. All are invited to join this 25th anniversary milestone event at Old Quebec Street from 10am to 6pm to commemorate The Dragon’s legacy and the enduring magic of comics and games.
Marcus To — Comic artist and illustrator with decades of work in comics including some lauded titles as Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, Joyride, and The Flash.
Casey Parsons – illustrator, fine artist and comic book artist, He specializes in mixed media traditional techniques and is best known for his work for Marvel Comics, Upper Deck, & Image Comics.
Sam Noir – Writer, cartoonist, and toymaker known for his covers for Chapterhouse Comics Summer Special, Captain Canuck, and co-creating Sunny & Owl Girl, Victorian Four, and Major North.
The Guelph Comics Jam 