Luke Healy - Dogs on Dates
WithLuke Healy
In conversation withSteven Ingram
On:24th August 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Attendance options:
The Portobello Bookshop is excited to announce a very special August event for Luke Healy's graphic novel Dogs on Dates! Luke is a comedian, cartoonist, and screenwriter from Dublin. We're lucky that he'll be in town doing his Fringe Festival show, and will be coming to the bookshop for a celebration of his latest release.
Dogs on Dates is the charming, whimsical, touching tale of Bernie and Brad, two dogs who... go on dates, and run into a few obstacles along the way. It's the gay rom-com we've all been waiting for!
Healy will be in conversation with fellow award-winning graphic novelist Steven Ingram, author of Holly, Burn With Me and the ongoing series MurMur. It'll be a real joy to have two artists together on stage!
Join us in the bookshop from 7-8pm, doors will open at 6:45pm. They'll have a discussion, we'll have time for audience questions, and Luke will be signing and personalising books after the event.
About Dogs on Dates:
It’s dogs. And they are on dates.
Bernie—a confident, chill, and world-wise gay, trans, short Seth Rogen type—is fresh from telling his college advisor that he’s dropping out of art school. Absentmindedly, he walks into a plate glass window, bashing his face. Before he can even formulate gratitude for the window not breaking …
Brad—a sweet-natured, kindhearted romantic, who is not cool, but nice, which is actually better—arrives at the school for a gig to teach students about the merits of caring for the environment. Dressed as an earth mascot, he walks into the glass from the other side. But this time, it smashes. In totality.
With Bernie and Brad off to the hospital together, is this the gay dog meet-cute we’ve all been searching for? Of course, dating is never so simple. Hilariousness and awkwardness ensue as our two love dogs face misadventures, mishaps, and missteps…but also flowers, pasta, sandwiches, and maybe even love.
Dogs on Dates will quickly become your favourite comics rom-com.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Luke Healy Author
Luke Healy was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He received a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University, and an MFA in Cartooning from The Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont, USA. This is his second book with Nobrow, and his first memoir. Americana tells the story of his yearning to settle in the United States, from his studies in Vermont, to his repeated attempts to gain a long-term visa, to his trek through the Pacific Crest Trail.
Steven Ingram Chair
Steven Ingram is a comics artist and illustrator from Scotland.
He is the author and artist of the graphic novels Holly and Burn With Me, as well as the on-going series MurMur. He is also the artist on the on-going webcomic The Wilder Shore.
He also runs the indie comics publisher ThirdBear Press and edits the anthology BOXES Comic Magazine.
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.