The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne

Written by Sonya Ballantyne

Illustrated by Rhael McGregor

Coloured by Azby Whitecalf

Lettering by Kielamel Sibal 

HighWater Press

978-1-77492-137-1

64 pp.

Ages 12–14

Releases March 10, 2026 

 

Sonya Ballantyne, a Swampy Cree filmmaker based in Winnipeg, did not just spring onto the scene with her first movie Crash Site or as a writer for The Walking Dead: Last Mile or Acting Good. Her origin story helped make her who she is. But what is that story?

From The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne, written by Sonya Ballantyne, illustrated by Rhael McGregor, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Kielamel Sibal

As a child, Sonya Ballantyne had a lot of dreams of what she would be when she was older. She considered being Bret Hart or a marine biologist or a musician, but becoming a writer was a special dream. Problem was that Sonya knew that girls like her—Indigenous—didn't often finish high school or get to fulfill their dreams. And though she had incredible support from her parents and much family love, there were others who reminded her that her options were limited by being an Indigenous girl. Sonya was determined to find a way.

 

Sonya imagined herself as a superhero who'd arrived on Earth as an alien whom her parents found and protected, along with her grandparents. After all, the origin stories of all superheroes were clouded with tragedy, and they still went on to do good.

From The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne, written by Sonya Ballantyne, illustrated by Rhael McGregor, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Kielamel Sibal

From her connection with her mother through a shared love of movies—"The trouble with seeing your life as a movie is that nothing can ever live up to your expectations" (pg. 33)—to her love of hockey, Sonya started to see her life in terms of what she could get, not what she wanted. Her journal writings speak of her questioning her sexuality, her anger, depression, and suicidal ideation. But she 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. 

From The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne, written by Sonya Ballantyne, illustrated by Rhael McGregor, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Kielamel Sibal

Sonya Ballantyne's story is laid out in The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne, though it is not presented as a linear one. I suspect that, as with the challenges of racism and bullying she faced, it wasn't straightforward. There were those who set her back time and time again and then circumstances that propelled her forward in her self-discovery. She works to explain her own origins and understand them as they might have been and how they were. It's obvious that there is still much story to be told of Sonya Ballantyne, but this is a good start, particularly for older middle grade and young teen readers who might better understand some of her challenges and the grittiness of a world in which bullying, racism, abuse, and crass language exist.

 

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. Rhael McGregor shows us both a child and then teen who enjoys the warmth of those who care for her but also has struggles against those who bully, anger, insult, or wrong her. And they give us very real depictions of Sonya from a young child to middle grader to teen so that she is recognizable and still changing as she grows up. But it is the context of that development, from Sonya imagining herself as a superhero rescued as a baby, to a child enjoying play—versus an overprotective grandmother—and a teen journalling her angst that Rhael McGregor makes us see Sonya through all her phases and faces. With the art coloured by Azby Whitecalf and lettered by Kielamel Sibal, these graphic elements enhance the storytelling of the life of Sonya Ballantyne, while making us want to know more.

The Rez Doctor

Written by Gitz Crazyboy

Illustrated by Veronika Barinova

Coloured by Azby Whitecalf

Lettered by Toben Racicot

HighWater Press

978-1-55379-924-5

64 pp.

Ages 12+

September 2024

Though this is Ryan Fox's story, it is also the story of any Indigenous person who has been disregarded in their health care, undervalued in their education, and an heir to a history of social injustice. It's also the story of those who endure, persevere, challenge, and succeed.

From The Rez Doctor, written by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Toben Racicot

Ryan recalls what it was like going to the walk-in clinic as a child with his mom. From his experiences and those of the other patients seeking medical help, the non-Indigenous doctor finds it easier to condemn their lifestyles and push painkillers on them rather than really try to help. At school, his classmates dream of careers like lawyers and doctors but with teachers who criticize his work, either telling him he isn't working hard enough or not to become conceited because he'd done well, Ryan couldn't imagine himself achieving much.

From The Rez Doctor, written by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Toben Racicot

Thankfully, Ryan finds much comfort in his family and their traditions. Even with an uncle who struggles with alcoholism, Ryan values the support and encouragement he receives. Still, it's a school visit from Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, a former student, who recalled the words of her grandfather that "You always have to prove yourself to your community" that helps Ryan focus on medicine.

Through hard work, Ryan graduates from high school and is admitted to the University of Lethbridge. With new responsibilities come new challenges. He's living away from family, he wants to fit in with his peers, and he's responsible for motivating himself. And while there's good that happens to him, like meeting Charm, Ryan is convinced he's messing everything up. Only his uncle, now at a remand centre, reminds him to not let his chance at a good life slip away. Ryan heeds his sage advice.

The Rez Doctor is an inspiring story of self-empowerment. For Indigenous youth who are faced with prejudice at school and outside of their community, The Rez Doctor reminds them that regardless of their circumstances, like having family with addictions, studying far from home, struggling with finances, and clashing with those who diminish their capabilities–Ryan is encouraged to switch from medicine to geology so he can get a job in the oil fields–they can work hard and try their best to reach their goals. As with all of us, they may not get what they want but they may, as does Ryan, who is able to return to his community and work in a Tribal Clinic making things better for the health of his Indigenous community.

From The Rez Doctor, written by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Toben Racicot

Gitz Crazyboy is a Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) and Dene writer who works as a youth facilitator in Calgary. The story he tells in The Rez Doctor is a literary exemplar to Indigenous youth about what can be. Though Ryan's family shows him wonderful support, encouraging his culture and traditions and his aspirations, he still is responsible for his choices. He has big ones to make, but Gitz Crazyboy has Ryan demonstrate that, even when distracted by good and bad, he steps up.

From The Rez Doctor, written by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova, coloured by Azby Whitecalf, lettered by Toben Racicot

The realism of Ryan's story is unmistakable, though I don't know if Gitz Crazyboy is telling someone's story. It reads like a creative biography, and the artwork by Veronika Barinova, now also of Calgary, reflects that. Her artwork, coloured by Azby Whitecalf and lettered by Toben Racicot, manifests that realism in the stark clinic examination room, the austere classroom, and the grimness of the remand centre. She also brings joy through Charm and Ryan's relationship, the connections Ryan experiences with family, and the heart that he demonstrates when he returns to serve his community.

It's not necessarily easy or possible to break away from a legacy of prejudice and discrimination. However, Ryan of The Rez Doctor was able to do so, and in doing so he did good for more than himself. He brought compassion and understanding and true service to his community that could only bring more goodness and success for all.