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Sonya Ballantyne (she, they) is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker, and speaker based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her work explores contemporary and futuristic portrayals of Indigenous women and girls. Her award-winning projects include the documentary Nosisim (2024 Barry Lank Award) and the graphic novel Little by Little (In The Margins, 2025 Top Ten Title). Sonya is also the author of the children's book Kerri Berry Lynn, contributor to anthologies such as Pros and (Comic) Cons and Women Love Wrestling, and co-director of The Death Tour, which was screened at Cannes in 2023 with a world premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2024. Rhael McGregor (they/them/theirs) is a Winnipeg-based, Metis & Queer comic artist. They've been in the indie comics scene since 2018 with their debut comic Tinder and have recently stepped into the publishing world with their work on the books Mortified from Harper Collins and Little by Little from HighWater Press. Rhael's work mainly revolves around Indigenous and Queer literature in Fantasy or Sci-Fi settings, focusing on representation, the connections between people, character growth, and spreading joy. Azby Whitecalf (they/them/theirs) is a Plains Cree character designer and illustrator based out of North Battleford, Saskatchewan in Treaty 6 Territory. A graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts, they hold a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication (Character Design). Their artistic practice focuses on fun and exciting stories with memorable and unique characters, and they enjoy working with bright colours, strong contrast, and fun shapes. Azby is passionate about creating accurate and positive representation of Indigenous Peoples and cultures, as well as exploring how to portray Indigenous Peoples in a way that celebrates multidimensional identities. Kielamel Sibal (she, her) is a Filipino Canadian letterer, graphic designer, cartoonist, writer, and illustrator. She is passionately curious about the craft of different storytelling methods, from comics and video games to film and illustration. Born in Pampanga, Philippines, Kiela currently conducts her sparkling antics of wizardry in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne will appeal to younger teens, especially those who rarely see themselves in graphic novels. The story manages to be both specific and broadly relatable for those who feel isolated or invisible. The darker themes in the book are something to be aware of, but do not overwhelm what is ultimately a story of triumph over obstacles as Sonya proves her detractors wrong. -- Allison Mills * Quill & Quire * This story provides a collection of reflections that span the course of [Sonya’s] childhood, and dispenses various nuggets of wisdom [Sonya’s] picked up along the way for the benefit of younger readers. The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne has bold line work and vivid color throughout. Despite some heavy subject matter, the art carries a lot of energy. -- Andrew Irvin * The Comic Book Yeti * The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne follows a young girl determined to overcome racism, bullying, and self-doubt on her way to finding her strength. -- Shari Narine * Windspeaker.com * [Sonya Ballantyne] finds a way to make her anger her superpower, becoming an activist, finishing high school, going to university, and never limiting herself as others might. Because The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is a graphic novel, the art gives much of the story, supporting it with visuals of Sonya's real life and that of her superhero alter ego. These graphic elements enhance the storytelling...while making us want to know more. -- Helen K * CanLit for LittleCanadians *
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