An iconic Canadian comic book legend is harnessing his superpowers to turn everyday riders into transit heroes.

Captain Canuck, a superhero created by Richard Comely and Ron Leishman in the 1970s, appears in new comic strips on digital displays and posters across the transit system, reminding riders to be courteous while riding the bus or SkyTrain.

Origin story

Our partnership with the Captain started earlier this year as a popular limited-edition Compass Card release celebrating one of the country’s most recognizable superheroes.

As our new etiquette ambassador, Captain Canuck’s mission is to remind riders that they can make a positive impact on everyone’s daily travels. Whether it’s offering priority seating, using headphones, or simply standing clear of exiting passengers, this new campaign encourages mindfulness toward fellow riders to help create a more welcoming transit experience.

Who is Captain Canuck?

Behind the mask, Captain Canuck is a Mountie named Tom Evans who acquired superpower strength, speed, agility, intelligence and durability after a chance encounter with alien technology. His passion for consideration and politeness are the superpowers he’s using for his latest mission.

After making his comic book debut on July 1, 1975, Captain Canuck quickly became one of Canada’s most iconic homegrown comic book characters, with four comic runs over the course of 50 years.

Captain Canuck may be the hero featured in the comics, but the campaign’s real heroes are the customers who practice these small acts of courtesy every day. Together, they’re helping make transit better for everyone.

Want a piece of transit (and Canadian comic book) history? Captain Canuck Compass Cards are still available for purchase here.

The following are excerpts from a Q&A with Fadi Hakim, founder of Captain Canuck publisher Lev Gleason Publications, and Dan Parent, acclaimed Archie Comics artist and illustrator of the Captain Canuck etiquette campaign.

Q: What inspired the campaign’s comic-strip format?

A: Fadi Hakim: As a kid, I loved the Hostess ads in comic books. A problem would come up, a superhero would step in, and the story would end with a resolution. This campaign has a similar tone: an etiquette issue comes up, and Captain Canuck explains what riders can do. Each strip ends with a teaching moment.

Q: How did you come up with the approachable, colourful art style?

A: Fadi Hakim: I went to Dan immediately. His art style is very approachable, and even if someone didn’t know Captain Canuck, the background characters feel straight out of Riverdale. That familiarity is important, especially when you’re trying to get a message across quickly.
A: Dan Parent: We sketched it out, and the idea flowed easily. People saw [the campaign] and, even though my name wasn’t on the art, people familiar with Archie knew I did it.

Q: What’s your biggest transit etiquette pet peeve?

A: Fadi Hakim: Waiting for others to get off before boarding. That’s a big one for me. It’s a lose-lose situation when people don’t make room for passengers exiting.
A: Dan Parent: The odour one. I’ve come across it a lot on New York City subways, so that was easy to relate to.

Q: How familiar were you with Captain Canuck before joining the project?

A: Dan Parent: I grew up in northern Vermont, on the Canadian border. Because of the proximity to Canada, I was exposed to Captain Canuck and I’ve always been a fan. Even when I started at Archie, I had my issues of Captain Canuck with me. He was part of my childhood.