Graphic novel honoring SC freedom fighter Robert Smalls launches on Juneteenth. What to know
For South Carolina readers, especially here in the Lowcountry, the story of Robert Smalls is an integral piece of the region’s (and nation’s) history.
Now, Smalls’ story as one of the most legendary freedom fighters is being honored through a graphic novel releasing this Juneteenth.
Titled “DEFIANT: The Story of Robert Smalls,” the illustrated book chronicles the story of Beaufort’s own Robert Smalls, telling his story as a true superhero in classic superhero style.
The book begins with Smalls as an elder man sharing the story of his life with his grandson.
From being born into slavery in Beaufort, becoming a Civil War hero, serving as a five-term congressman, advocating for public education, to buying the mansion of the man who first enslaved him, this graphic novel is intended to encourage sharing and storytelling across generations.
The history
Smalls’ pivotal act of defiance took place on May 12, 1862, in the Charleston Harbor.
At just 23 years old and still enslaved, Smalls disguised himself as a Confederate ship captain, navigated the heavily guarded harbor and sailed The Planter with its enslaved crew and their families past Confederate defenses.
With his knowledge as a pilot, the ship was then handed over to the United States Navy, setting Smalls and his family free.
The move influenced President Lincoln’s decision to enlist Black soldiers in the Union Army and the trajectory of the Civil War, forever changing Smalls’ life.
About the author
“DEFIANT” was created by screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards. As a Black writer, Edwards has always enjoyed and strives to share stories that highlight Black voices and people.
Some of Edwards’ previous works include “The Princess and the Frog,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Full House,” and “Captain America: Brave New World.”
This illustrated book is the first installment of a planned trilogy geared to share important stories from the Reconstruction Era of the United States.
Despite Smalls’ pivotal role in American history, his story is often left out of textbooks.
Even Edwards had not heard of Smalls’ story. But once this project came to light, he started collaborating with Smalls’ great-great-grandson, Michael B. Moore, to learn as much as he could about the family’s history.
Edwards strayed from writing a traditional book and instead took the creative route with a 112-page, full-color journey through Smalls’ life, covering everything from rags to riches.
The illustrated book is intentionally geared toward young readers and students, especially teens who may connect more readily with visual storytelling.
About the illustrators
A graphic novel wouldn’t be complete without its color-filled pages. While Edwards took on much of the storytelling side, comic book artists Nikolas Draper-Ivey and Ray-Anthony Height took on the pages.
Draper-Ivey is an American illustrator based outside of New York City. One of his most recognizable works is the album artwork for Marvel’s “Black Panther: The Album,” produced by Kendrick Lamar.
Height has almost 20 years of experience in the comic book industry. Some of his projects include “X-Men: Blue,” “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” “Spider-Man,” and storyboards for the “Guardians of the Galaxy” animated series.
Where to find “DEFIANT”
The graphic novel officially launches Thursday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth.
It will be available through the official website, online and other comic book and outlet locations. There is also an upcoming feature movie in development based on this graphic novel, spearheaded by Legion M, an independent production company.
To learn more about this graphic novel, you can visit their website or Facebook.
