DEFIANT - The Story of Robert Smalls - Graphic Novel (HARDCOVER)
At 23 years old, Robert Smalls commandeered a Civil War steamship and sailed 16 people to freedom. Then he became a five-term public servant and changed American history.
Written by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog)
From bondage to war hero to five-term public servant — Robert Smalls' true story reads like the most incredible fiction. But every word happened.
On May 13, 1862, Smalls commandeered the steamship Planter under cover of darkness, navigated past five checkpoints using hand signals and whistle codes, and delivered his family and 15 others to freedom. His daring act convinced Abraham Lincoln to allow Black soldiers in the Union Army — changing the course of the Civil War.
After the war, he purchased the very house where he had been held in bondage, started a newspaper, founded a railroad company, helped write South Carolina's Reconstruction-era constitution, and served five terms in office — the longest-serving Black officeholder during Reconstruction.
This 128-page, full-color graphic novel is the definitive Robert Smalls book — written by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Rob Edwards with art from Marvel and DC Comics veterans. Cover art by Nikolas Draper-Ivey, known for his work on Kendrick Lamar's Black Panther: The Album.
This comprehensive hardcover edition compiles all four original comic book issues into one premium volume, plus exclusive bonus content including creator statements, behind-the-scenes artwork, and historical notes.
- NPR Books We Love 2025
- NAACP Image Award Nominee — Outstanding Graphic Novel
- Amazon Best Seller in three categories
- Featured in Christian Science Monitor and Publishers Weekly
- Kickstarter: $154,293 raised from 1,812 backers — funded in under 30 minutes