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The life of famous Irish rebel Sir Roger Casement is being immortalised in comic book form with the release of a graphic novel as the centenary of his death is marked.

Lurgan-born artist Fionnuala Doran has written and drawn the panels of the new book, set to be launched this month at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, 100 years after the British knight-turned traitor was executed for his role in smuggling arms into Ireland to assist the footsoldiers and leaders of the Easter Rising.

Printed by publishing firm SelfMadeHero, 'The Trial of Roger Casement' tells the tale of the final days of the Dublin-born former British Consul, who spent parts of his childhood in the Glens of Antrim, and for whom the West Belfast home of county Antrim's GAA squads is named.

Fionnuala, 32, a graduate of London's prestigious Royal College of Art, cut her teeth at the University of Ulster School of Art in Belfast, completing her studies there in 2007 before becoming director of Belfast's Catalyst Arts centre. From there she headed to the UK capital to continue her passion.

Now based in Glasgow, she spoke with Belfast Live about bringing the tragic tale of one of Ireland's most controversial historical figures to the printed page in sketched comic panels.

"Casement was one of the most iconic humanitarian figures of his time, championing human rights causes in the Congo and South America, and I'm surprised there has not been more documentation on his fascinating life," she said.

"Although opinion may be divided on his role in Irish history 100 years on, there's no denying that in many aspects of his life, he was incredibly brave, and was a 21st Century man living in the 19th Century, when you consider his progressive attitudes to women and his homosexuality.

"This book charts his time in Germany, his three-day interrogation at Scotland Yard, his incarceration in the Tower of London, and his trial at the Old Bailey, where he delivered one of the most celebrated courtroom speeches of all time."

A fan of comics and graphic storytelling from an early age, Fionnuala cited her influences in the medium as European titles including Tintin and Asterix the Gaul.

"I've been working as an artist for 10 years, with fine art inspired by graphic novels a main feature of my career. I love how the medium allows an artist to portray emotion and story in a subtle manner," she added.

"I'd love to use the graphic novel form to tell the story of another fascinating Irish historical figure, Constance - or Countess - Markievicz.

"The more I learn about her, such as how she became the first woman elected to the British House of Commons, and her role in the Suffragete movement, the more I want to write and draw her tale. Although there is so much to her amazing life, that it would be a much longer story."

The Trial of Roger Casement is available to buy from September 1.