The Gladstone Hotel hosts the second annual Doug Wright Awards this evening, honouring achievement in Canadian cartooning. The nominees for Best Book are: Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea by Guy Delisle (Drawn & Quarterly Books) Wimbledon Green by Seth (Drawn & Quarterly Books) Dragonslippers: This Is What an Abusive Relationship Looks Like by Rosalind B. Penfold (Penguin Canada) Paul Moves Out by Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly Books) Scott Pilgrim Volume 2 by Bryan......

This week Torontoist presents extended literary event listings – you get till Sunday the 27th at no additional cost – as I’m out of town until the end of August. Tonight, Jerry Schaefer presents The Flash Fiction Comedy Jam, which is apparently flash fiction read by a bunch of Toronto comics. Intriguing. Additionally, there’ll be a “live writing contest” and an appearance by storyteller Mark Jenkins. It takes place at Bad Dog Theatre – 138......

-the latest issue of Spacing has artist Marc Ngui's designs for 8 new neighbourhood-appropriate 'wayfinding' signs available for you to download and turn into buttons. And you know how we feel about buttons. -evidently not enough drivers making like Big Bird, as 59 Torontonians were killed in traffic accidents last year. -a key sign we're well into January... -don't bang your head on this sign warning you to not bang your head. Now my head......

The Toronto Comic Arts Fest is finally upon us, and the ensuing days will be chock full of readings, gatherings and Koalas of the Kid variety. Tonight is no exception. Local illustrator and multitasker Marc Ngui sees his book, Lordie Jones, shot into the stratosphere by way of a book launch and storytelling session. And local illustrator Gari Taxali sees the first character in his Chump Toy line get its unveiling at Magic Pony......