Book: Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography
Written and drawn by Chester Brown (Drawn & Quarterly)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

Tackling one of Canada's most infamous historical figures is one thing, but doing it in a comic strip biography format is really quite an undertaking. Not that Chester Brown isn't up to it. Fans of his unique, old timey anecdotal style will slip right into this book, but for the uninitiated it may take a couple of pages. Brown's drawings are bare, concise, clear and a perfect companion to his documentary style writing. Together they manage to cobble together a story which has many versions, in a plausible whole, one that not only begs historical reconciliation, but is also damn entertaining. It is the dawn of Canada, where land is being claimed, divided, fought for, and sometimes dispersed on whim. Riel is thrown into a dispute at first out of circumstance (he is one of he few Metis who can speak English), but quickly gets embroiled in the politics and rises as a fiery leader. His fight takes several twists, and Brown focuses on Riel's inner turmoil as much as what's happening to the country. The overall effect is a stunning achievement, striking a memorable balance of ink drawings and ink writings.

© 2004 - John Sekerka