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 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 bondage 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 military 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 and changed the course of the Civil War.
After the war, he purchased the 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 Congress — the longest-serving Black congressman during Reconstruction.
THE BOOK
This 128-page, full-color graphic novel brings Smalls' story to life through stunning artwork and powerful storytelling. Written by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog, Captain America: Brave New World) with art from Marvel and DC Comics artists, including cover art by Nikolas Draper-Ivey (Kendrick Lamar's Black Panther: The Album).
PERFECT FOR
- Fans of true American hero stories like Hidden Figures and Harriet
- Educators teaching Civil War and Reconstruction history
- Comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts
- Black History Month curriculum and discussions
- Anyone seeking inspirational stories of courage and resilience
- Readers who loved March (John Lewis trilogy)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
This comprehensive hardcover edition compiles all four groundbreaking comic book issues into one premium volume, plus exclusive bonus content including creator statements, behind-the-scenes artwork, and historical notes.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Rob Edwards (Academy Award-nominated, The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet)
Cover Artist: Nikolas Draper-Ivey (Marvel's Black Panther: The Album, Static: Shadows of Dakota)
Interior Artists: Ray-Anthony Height (X-Men, Star Wars), Sean Damien Hill, Alex Paterson
Historical Advisor: Michael Boulware Moore (Robert Smalls' great-great-grandson, CEO of International African American Museum)
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
Pages: 128 pages, full-color
Language: English
Release Date: June 19, 2025 (Juneteenth)
AWARDS & MEDIA
- NPR Books We Love 2025
- NAACP Image Award Nominee (Outstanding Graphic Novel)
- Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories
- Featured: Christian Science Monitor, Publishers Weekly, Military.com
- Kickstarter: $154,293 raised from 1,812 backers (funded in under 30 minutes)
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