Haunted Canada series to adapt 4 'terrifying tales' in a new graphic novel format

For kids growing up in Canada during the early 2000s, it was almost impossible to not come across a Haunted Canada book in a school library or local bookstore.

In the 20 years since the first collection of spooky stories by Toronto writer Pat Hancock — the series is currently written by Joel A. Sutherland — the books have sold more than 500,000 print copies.

It was recently announced by the series publisher Scholastic Canada that four Canadian illustrators were tasked to reimagine Haunted Canada in a new and colourful format.

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Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol 1 is an illustrated collection of four "terrifying tales" from the original series. In Rotting In a Cage a dead body looms, in Mandy Lives a doll is scarily alive, Isle of Demons focuses on an eerie part of the Maritimes and in Don't Get Caught there's a neighbour everyone avoids.

Adapted in four different art styles, the new graphic novel for young readers combines horror and Canadian history.

Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol 1 is for ages 9 to 12.

"It was love at first sight," said Sutherland in a statement about first seeing the illustrated versions of his stories.

"Each of the four exceptionally talented artists brought a unique visual style that perfectly matched each of the stories, which pays homage to the classic anthology-style horror comics I grew up on, such as Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt."

The illustrators of Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol 1 are comprised of Canadian artists Hannah Barrett, David Bishop, Matt Salisbury and Jenn Woodall.

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Sutherland is an Ontario author of thriller, horror and fantasy short stories and novels, anthologies and children's books. Alongside other titles in the Haunted Canada series, he is also the author of Summer's End, which received a Red Maple Award Honour, and House of Ash and Bone. 

"Canada has no shortage of ghosts! I'm always researching and digging up dirt on haunted locations from coast to coast to coast, and I currently have more than enough material for several new volumes of Haunted Canada,"  said Sutherland.

"I like to joke that I'll be able to keep this series going until the day I die ... and return as a ghost writer."

Haunted Canada: The Graphic Novel, Vol 1 will be available on Sept. 3, 2024.