Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography

Tami Oliphant is a Ph.D. candidate in Library and Information Studies at the University of Western Ontario.

Was Louis Riel a madman or a messiah? The story of this charismatic
Metis leader continues to vex Canadians more than 120 years after his
death. His struggle with the fledgling and ambitious Canadian government
inspired a Metis nation—the part Native, part white, mostly
French-speaking Catholics who were held in contempt, if not outright
hostility, by English Canadians. While hundreds of books have been
written about Louis Riel, only a handful of comic strips have attempted
to tell his story in a graphic form. Chester Brown’s exquisite and
compelling version fills that gap.

Brown points out that for the sake of brevity he skipped long periods
of time and ignored some aspects of Riel’s life. However, these
judicious omissions only add to the superb narrative. Although it is
evident where Brown’s sympathies lie, he doesn’t create
one-dimensional portraits of any of the characters. His depiction of Sir
John A. Macdonald shows a flawed politician who was willing to do almost
anything to unite the country and who justified his actions with the
belief that he was acting for the greater glory of Canada and the
country’s future. Riel is portrayed as someone who was charismatic,
passionate, conflicted, and obstinate. Both players acted in accordance
with their inner values and vision.

Brown’s storytelling and exquisite drawing make Louis Riel a
jam-packed action adventure story that both teens and adults will enjoy.
An added bonus is the unusual inclusion of a short index, extensive
notes, and a list of recommended reading.