‘I love Canada’: Saskatoon author creates Canadian superhero Skybreaker

A Saskatoon comic creator is introducing a new Canadian superhero. Laura Woodward has the story.

A Saskatoon-based author has created a new Canadian superhero.

Steve Boyd wrote Skybreaker, a comic centred on a boy raised on the prairies who slowly realizes he’s not like everyone else.

“It’s kind of like Smallville meets Ted Lasso," Boyd told CTV News, while flipping through the pages of the comic.

For Boyd, Skybreaker is more than superpowers — it’s his love letter to Canada.

“I love being here. I love Canada, and I want to share that love with everybody,” he said.

• Get the latest news from Saskatoon, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Boyd moved from Tennessee to Saskatoon in 2017, and said living in Canada helped shape the setting and tone of the story.

“I want it to be a window into living in Canada,” Boyd said.

“I feel like Canadians know a ton about the U.S, but Americans know criminally little about Canada ... I want the book to act as kind of a bridge.”

The comic includes subtle nods — from Skybreaker wearing a Tragically Hip shirt, to references of Métis culture.

Boyd said he intentionally avoided the obvious Canadian stereotypes — no moose, no maple syrup.

“I feel like a lot of Canadian stuff is parodied from the U.S., I wanted Skybreaker to stand on his own,” Boyd said, noting the decision to move away from the original name, Saskman.

Boyd is already working on a second edition of Skybreaker.

“It would be my dream to have a publisher, particularly a Canadian publisher, pick up the book,” Boyd said.

The comic is available for purchase online.