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Defiant Hardcover edition written by Rob Edwards, tells the story of Robert Smalls in graphic novel format

DEFIANT - The Story of Robert Smalls - Graphic Novel (HARDCOVER)

$40

At 23 years old, Robert Smalls stole a Confederate warship and sailed 16 people to freedom. Then he became a U.S. Congressman.

This is his story.

DEFIANT: THE STORY OF ROBERT SMALLS

Written by Academy Award-Nominated Screenwriter Rob Edwards

✓ NPR BOOKS WE LOVE 2025
✓ NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE
✓ AMAZON BEST SELLER
✓ SOLD OUT FIRST PRINT RUN

THE STORY

From enslaved to war hero to five-term congressman — Robert Smalls' true story reads like the most incredible fiction, but every word happened.

On May 13, 1862, Smalls commandeered the CSS Planter under cover of darkness, navigated past five Confederate checkpoints using hand signals and whistle codes, and delivered his family and 15 others to freedom. He then served in the Union Navy, helped convince President Lincoln to allow Black soldiers in the military, and went on to serve in Congress during Reconstruction — where he created America's first free public school system.

This 128-page, full-color graphic novel brings his complete story to life with stunning artwork from the artists behind Marvel's X-Men, DC's Black Panther, and Kendrick Lamar's iconic album cover.

CREATIVE TEAM

Writer: Rob Edwards (Academy Award-nominated for The Princess and the Frog, Captain America: Brave New World)
Cover Artist: Nikolas Draper-Ivey (Kendrick Lamar's Black Panther album cover)
Interior Artists: Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel's X-Men), Sean Damien Hill, Alex Paterson
Historical Advisor: Michael Boulware Moore (Robert Smalls' great-great-grandson)

PERFECT FOR:

History enthusiasts and graphic novel readers
Educators (Free Teacher's Guide available)
Black History Month curriculum
Anyone who believes one person can change the world
Fans of March trilogy, Hidden Figures, and inspiring true stories

WHAT'S INSIDE:

128 pages, full-color
All four comic book issues in one premium volume
Exclusive creator commentary
Behind-the-scenes artwork
Hardcover and Paperback editions available

RECOGNITION:

"A story of courage that shifts the tides of history" — NPR

"This book deserves to be on every shelf" — Educators nationwide

⚡ FEATURE FILM IN DEVELOPMENT
A major motion picture adaptation is currently in production with the same creative team. Get the book that started it all.

Already sold out once. Second printing available now. Order before we sell out again.

BOOK SPECIFICATIONS

ISBN: 978-1939834379
Writer: Rob Edwards
Publisher: Stranger Comics / Legion M
Format: Hardcover & Paperback
Pages: 128 pages, full-color
Language: English
Release Date: June 19, 2025 (Juneteenth)