MEET A MONTREALER: MICHEL RABAGLIATI

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Michel Rabagliati is a graphic novelist born and based in Montreal.

He has written several semi-autobiographical comic books featuring the life and times of a fellow named Paul. In 1999, his first publication, Paul in the Country, earned him a Harvey Award for Best New Talent.

We feel this is pretty darn neat. And we think you should meet Michel.

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BACKGROUND

Who are you?

A 49-year-old guy who has lived all his life in Montreal, and who has not traveled much beyond. I like to walk, ride my bicycle and sing in choirs.

What do you do?

I’m an author and graphic novelist.

Why do you choose Montreal?

It’s a city I know in depth.  I love its people, and I appreciate the sweet life that we are able to live here.

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MONTREAL FAVORITES

Restaurant: Laloux – French Bistro corner of Avenue des Pins and Laval Street

Book Store: Planète BD on rue Saint-Denis (they specialize in graphic novels)

Bar/Lounge: Les Bobards on rue St-Laurent (world beat music)

Festival: Festiblues – a small August music festival in the Ahuntsic neighborhood

Museum: Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal

Place to spot an attractive local: Parc Lafontaine in the Plateau neighborhood

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QUICKIES

Your stories revolve around a fellow named Paul – who is this “Paul” character?

Paul could be your average Quebecer. He’s a fairly neutral fellow, with whom even women can identify. Paul’s not the strongest of personalities, but he’s fascinated by life and the events that are presented to him. He is a pleasant and positive person.

If I were walking around the city, where might I bump into Paul?

Probably on Saint-Denis Street between Sherbrooke and Saint-Joseph, or in Parc Lafontaine on a bicycle, or simply curled up on the grass, reading a novel.

Any thoughts of putting the “graphic” back in graphic novels by having Paul visit a famous Montreal strip-joint for a drug-fused orgy?

A porno-graphic novel of Paul? No, I honestly don’t think that will happen for Paul.  But with another fictional character… I’m not saying no!

How important is Montreal as a setting or character in your work?

Montreal is almost a secondary character in my stories. You witness the city in the streets, the buildings and the public spaces, all of which I have used to establish an intimate relationship with the reader. I need to know what I’m speaking about, and Paul is exactly this: stories drawn from real events, and from places I’ve experienced.

Thanks Michel!

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You can find Michel Rabaliati’s work wherever fine graphic novels are sold, including one of our favorite local bookshops, Drawn and Quarterly in the Mile End neighborhood.

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