AUTHOR: Brown, Chester

ARTIST: Chester Brown (illustrator)

PUBLISHER: Drawn and Quarterly

FIRST SERIAL PUBLICATION: 1999-2003

FIRST BOOK PUBLICATION: 2003

Overview

"Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography," crafted by Chester Brown, is a graphic novel that delves into the life of the Canadian historical figure Louis Riel. Through meticulous illustrations and a narrative focused on significant events, Brown brings to life the tumultuous period of Riel's rebellions against Canadian colonial authority. This work is marked by its unique artistic style and thematic exploration of identity, mental health, and colonial conflict.

Publication Journey

Chester Brown's "Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography" first emerged in the form of ten serialized issues from 1999 to 2003, published by the Canadian publisher Drawn and Quarterly. The following year, these comics were compiled into a single volume. Prior to this project, Brown, a Montreal native, had established a foothold in the world of alternative comics with works like "The Playboy" and "Ed the Happy Clown." "Louis Riel" marked a significant shift in Brown's oeuvre, both in thematic substance and stylistic execution.

Brown's dedication to authenticity is evident as he handled every facet of the creation, from research to hand-lettering. Against his publishers' advice, Brown opted for newsprint and sepia-toned covers for the original issues, striving for both cost-effectiveness and a particular tonal quality. The smaller-than-average format of these issues added to their distinct, austere style.

Narrative Arc

The graphic novel focuses on key episodes in Louis Riel's life, notably the Red River Rebellion of 1869 and the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Rather than a comprehensive biography, Brown hones in on these uprisings and Riel's eventual capture and trial. The narrative commences with Canadian Prime Minister John Macdonald's attempts to assimilate the Metis of the Red River area.

Riel, a Metis leader, resists this annexation by forming a provisional government, leading to violent conflicts with local English-speaking settlers. The execution of Thomas Scott by Riel's forces provides Macdonald with a pretext to deploy military forces, quelling the uprising. Fleeing to the United States, Riel faces pursuit from Doc Schultz and experiences a mental breakdown, culminating in visions of divine purpose.

The story picks up in 1881 as Riel returns to lead the Metis in Saskatchewan against further encroachment. His leadership is complicated by his mental state and religious visions, which ultimately lead to strategic blunders against the Canadian forces. The Metis' eventual defeat and Riel's capture lead to his trial and execution for treason.

Main Characters

• Louis Riel: A charismatic Metis leader torn between his people’s struggles and his personal battles with sanity, Riel emerges as a complex protagonist.
• John A. Macdonald: The Canadian Prime Minister and Riel’s political nemesis, Macdonald is portrayed as a force against Metis sovereignty.
• Doc Schultz: This settler and antagonist is a fervent supporter of Macdonald’s policies and relentlessly pursues Riel.
• Thomas Scott: A staunch pro-Canadian whose execution escalates tensions, Scott embodies the violent conflict between settlers and Metis.
• Gabriel Dumont: A skilled Metis tactician, Dumont serves as Riel’s right-hand man during the 1885 rebellion, yet grows disillusioned with Riel’s leadership.

Visual Approach

Brown’s artwork in "Louis Riel" is characterized by stark lines and minimalism, a style that captures the starkness of the Canadian landscape and the emotional distance of historical events. The use of black and white simplifies the visuals to their essence, while the sparse panels evoke a sense of silence and isolation.

The characters are depicted with exaggerated, cartoon-like features rather than realistic portrayals, reinforcing the narrative’s distance from actual historical events. Brown’s panels, uniform in size, impose a narrative consistency that underscores the impartiality of the storytelling. This technique shifts...