Happy Birthday, Robert Smalls — born April 5, 1839

April 5, 1839. Robert Smalls was born in Beaufort, South Carolina.

He would go on to commandeer a Confederate warship under cover of darkness, and execute one of the most daring escapes of the Civil War. With his crew and their families hidden below deck, he navigated past five enemy checkpoints. All while knowing that one mistake meant certain death.

What happened next… is even more extraordinary.
 
His incredible true story is told in DEFIANT: The Story of Robert Smalls. Nominated for the 2026 NAACP Image Award, ranked by NPR as one of their "Books We Love” 2025 list, and an Amazon Bestseller: the world is taking notice of this remarkable story.

To celebrate his birthday, we are giving away a free limited edition Shaft Homage collector's pin with every paperback purchase. (April 1-8 only. While supplies last.)

Paperback Graphic Novel: $19.99

Pin FREE with purchase.

How to claim your free pin:

1. Add the DEFIANT Paperback to your cart
2. Add the Shaft Homage Pin to your cart
3. Check out as normal, the pin will be automatically discounted as FREE.

One use per customer. While supplies last. 

Offer valid April 1-8, 2026. While supplies last. Valid on DEFIANT Paperback purchase only.

 NPR Books We Love 2025  ·  NAACP Image Award Nominee  ·  Amazon Best Seller

Written by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Rob Edwards. Published by Stranger Comics and Legion M Entertainment.

defiantproject.com