Cartoonist Chester Brown drawn to Louis Riel's story

Like a lot of Canadians outside of Manitoba, Chester Brown knew little about Louis Riel.

On a trip to Winnipeg in the mid-'90s, the acclaimed cartoonist and some of his American friends were discussing historywhen the topic turned to Riel.

Being the only Canadian in the bunch, Brown was asked to explain why Rielwas such a significant figure.

I drew a blank. I knew almost nothing, laughedBrown.

Acknowledging his ignorance, the cartoonist decided to research the Mtis leader and soon realized just how fascinating and complicated a character he was.

I thought: this is a great story, saidBrown. I think this would make a really good graphic novel.

Thats how Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography was born.

And in the 10years since the publication of the book, Browns illustrated take on Riels life has gone from a comic-strip curiosity to a bona fide bestseller.

Initially released as a series of individual strips, it has since been collected into a thick graphic novel you can find at nearly any Canadian book seller.

When the first issue was published, I walked into a store in Toronto and the comic shop owner said to me, What are you thinking, Chester? said Brown.

Since then, the novel has been heralded as a game-changer for Canadian cartoonists. The first edition of the book sold out in under two monthsand is often credited with helping literary graphic novels find a place in mainstream book shops.

Asked why graphic novels have found broader acceptance, Brown saidpeople have realized that comics can be a potent storytelling medium.

Its a marriage of both literature and visual art."

In honour of Riels 169th birthday and the 10th anniversary of the books publication, Brown has released an expanded version thatincludesrare, never-before-seen panels.

In one of only two Canadian appearances to celebrate its release, Brown will appear at McNally Robinson on Oct.22at 7p.m. The evening is presented in collaborationwith Le Muse de St. Boniface and will be hosted by University of Winnipeg professor Candida Rifkind.

Curious to check out the novel? Check out a sneak preview: