Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Ray-Anthony Height and Chris Robinson Will Craft the Graphic Novel Inspired by the Remarkable True Story of Captain Robert Smalls' from Screenwriter Rob Edwards

Los Angeles, CA - July 11, 2023 - Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company, announced today that comic book artists Nikolas Draper-Ivey (Static: Shadows Of Dakota, Black Panther soundtrack cover) and Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel Comics’ Star Wars: Doctor Aphra) with editor Chris Robinson (Marvel Comics' Black Panther) have joined forces with screenwriter Rob Edwards (Academy Award-nominated films The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet) for the upcoming Defiant graphic novel. Pre-sales of the novel open today HERE.

Defiant tells the incredible true story of enslaved harbor pilot Robert Smalls, who in the midst of the Civil War, pulled off the most audacious heist in history by stealing a Confederate warship, disguising himself as the Captain, filling it with family and friends and sailing to freedom. He later went on to become a U.S. Representative and authored state legislation providing for South Carolina to have the first free and compulsory public school system.

In their roles, Draper-Ivey will be responsible for designing the overall look of the book cover while Ray-Anthony Height will be responsible for providing artwork that brings the story within the graphic novel to life. Robinson will oversee all aspects in editing the novel together. The team will be together on a panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con to discuss the project.

"I’m truly thrilled to welcome Nikolas, Ray-Anthony and Chris to our team,” said Edwards. “Each brings a unique talent, vision and passion for storytelling that will elevate our project to new heights. Nikolas's dynamic artistry, Ray's captivating visuals and Chris' meticulous editing skills are just what we need to bring the graphic novel to life. Their collective experience and creative genius will undoubtedly enrich the narrative of Captain Robert Smalls, a figure that should be a household name, but his accomplishments are often overlooked. This graphic novel will serve as the first touchpoint for audiences to learn about his story.”

"We are beyond excited to have Nikolas, Ray-Anthony and Chris join the Defiant team,” said Legion M Advisor and Producer, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III. “Their passion for telling the Robert Smalls story is palpable, and their combined creative vision will bring this graphic novel to vibrant life. We can’t wait to share it with readers around the world."

The story of Defiant coming to life was inspired by a popular meme that made its way to Legion M’s Members Only Facebook Group, with thousands of fans saying “I Want To See This Movie!”. Fortuitously, one of Legion M’s investors and award-winning best-selling author, Robert Blake Whitehill, had written a script about Smalls and sent it to Legion M, where the company fast tracked it into development. Since then the team has expanded to include Rob Edwards, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III (Black Lightning, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse), Bill Duke (“Mandy,” “Predator,” "Black Lightning") and Michael Boulware Moore (Direct descendent of Robert Smalls and Founding President/CEO of the International African American Museum).

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ABOUT LEGION M

Since 2016, Legion M has cultivated a collection of fans and creators banding together to shape the future of entertainment. Founded and led by two Emmy award-winners, Legion M is a film production company based in Los Angeles that partners with creators - from independent filmmakers to big Hollywood studios - to produce movies, TV shows, documentaries, VR experiences and more.

Legion M’s roster includes acclaimed releases such as Mandy, Archenemy, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot and Colossal, with upcoming projects The Man in the White Van, You Can Call Me Bill, Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose, and many more. For more information on recent projects and credits, visit www.legionm.com.