Rep. John Lewis draws large crowd at Comic-Con for ‘March’ segregation graphic novel

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Democratic Rep. John Lewis drew a large crowd in one of his more unusual appearances.

The congressman — who, according to his site, is often called “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced” — attended this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego as many awaited the arrival of the real-life hero.

Lewis, who represents Georgia’s fifth district, attended this year’s comic fan convention to promote his book March, a graphic novel that describes his life growing up in the segregated South and his fight for civil and human rights.

More than 100 people waited for over an hour for Lewis’ appearance and swarmed the conference center once doors opened, Roll Call reports.

Every hardcover edition of the book available at the event was sold out and fans interacted with Lewis to share their support and well-wishes.

March is part one of a series of three books Lewis is rolling out. The following two editions will be released in 2014 and 2015.

As a leader in the civil rights movement, Lewis has a long history of fighting to end segregation. He spoke at the historic 1963 March on Washington at the age of 23 and his activism over the years has led many to dub him an American hero.

Lewis, who was appreciative of the support, told Roll Call: “It’s almost like being in church. The people, through their actions, just the way they look at you, the way they greet you, they don’t even have to verbalize it. But in a sense they’re saying ‘Amen.'”

Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works