AN ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL

The Story

Three Views of a New Future for One America

1776, America. The fragile colonies challenge the greatest empire in history. Tensions, built for years, spin into conflict as colonists spill British blood at Lexington and Concord, then at Bunker and Breed’s Hill. The British isolate Boston. Civil war appears inevitable.

Up the coast from Boston sits Marblehead, Massachusetts, a diverse fishing community of white British subjects, free Blacks, and Native tribes. The cruel ocean demands discipline and teamwork in order to survive. It hardens Marblehead’s men and forges in them a fighting spirit that inadvertently prepares them for war.

We know the stories of George Washington and the Continental Army, and John Adams and the Continental Congress. Few know the lives of the young soldiers who fought for their own future and that of a nation.

Centered on three Marblehead soldiers - white, Black and Native - we see the hope and heartache of the new generation, the ones who fought for and forged a new America. We look back and learn from them, as the past illuminates a path for our own future.

Context

July 4, 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It will be an opportunity for the entire nation to unify around the gift of ordered liberty that was ultimately secured by the Constitution, while recognizing that equality before the law was a long time coming for some Americans.

The Marblehead regiment was the first - and for a long time only - racially integrated unit in the American military. Their story is organically diverse and will be told in a way that authentically integrates different perspectives and experiences without taking a political position that could alienate certain members of the audience.

Schools and libraries are presently looking for exactly this kind of content - books that are historically accurate, unique, educational and engaging yet do not stray into potentially divisive territory.

The graphic novel will be best suited for middle grade readers - boys and girls age 10 - 14 - and their teachers, parents and siblings.

Characters

John Rhodes Russell

White private from a prominent family that promises quick promotion. His trust in his fellow soldiers grows as combat quickly teaches that all men bleed red under enemy fire.
KEY THEME: What is legacy?
Isaac Morgan

Private, son of a deceased white father and Natick mother. Like his mother, Isaac is Christian and assimilated, which his tribe challenges. Isaac’s journey opens his world to his full heritage.
KEY THEME: What is identity?
Boston Black

Enslaved valet to Colonel John Glover. Seen by some as soft, with a cushy job, he aspires to do and be more and looks to prove himself by fighting – something Glover does not want.
KEY THEME: What is freedom?

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

George Washington John Adams John Glover Henry Knox Margaret Corbin John Hancock

Distribution & Promotion

America250

MORE Productions is well connected to the America250 Commission and the organizations working nationwide to plan events, exhibits and other initiatives around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Libraries

There are 17,000 individual libraries in the United States, part of 9,000 library systems. Many libraries make purchasing decisions throughout the year, with a handful of specific annual events where librarians gather to learn about forthcoming titles and meet publishers, writers and artists.
Schools & Universities

The graphic novel will be promoted to public and private schools as well as colleges and universities across the country. Digital versions can be licensed to school libraries via Library Pass from Comics Plus, with whom MORE already has a relationship.
Museums

The graphic novel can also be sold at museums and historic sites, including through private museums such as the Museum of the American Revolution and Gilder-Lehrman Institute.

Potential Co-Production

MORE will pursue co-publication opportunities with an established publishing house like Scholastic, MacMillan and Penguin RandomHouse. We may also explore a crowdfunding campaign to pre-sell copies of the graphic novel, perhaps with a celebrity endorsement or other influencer involvement.