As the United States marks its 250th birthday this weekend, a wave of patriotism sweeps the nation—from flag-draped streets to new TV series revisiting history with a comedic twist. But behind the celebrations lies a deeper story: the gritty, clandestine efforts that truly secured independence. Enter Liberty, a new graphic novel from Jordan Mechner, the visionary behind the original Prince of Persia video games, and French artistic duo Étienne Le Roux and Loïc Chevallier. Published by Oni Press and Magnetic Press, this Kickstarter-funded project shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the Revolutionary War.
At the heart of Liberty is a real-life “black op” that changed the course of history in 1776. The story follows two unlikely figures: Silas Deane, a daring Connecticut merchant, and Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, a dangerously charming playwright best known for classics like The Barber of Seville. While Beaumarchais wasn't penning comedies, he navigated a treacherous world of political intrigue in Europe's salons and counting houses, secretly funneling weapons to the woefully under-armed American colonies. Collider is thrilled to share an exclusive extended preview of five pages that capture the desperation of the Continental Army as they fight to keep New York out of British hands.
The preview opens in London, where plans are set to redirect the British navy from Boston to New York, striking at the heart of the rebellion. Soon, enemy vessels swarm the waters around the city, and General William Howe's encampments line the Staten Island shores. Through a letter from a revolutionary's wife, we feel the harrowing tension: colonists are divided, spies lurk everywhere, and even her own family ridicules the Continental Army. The situation grows so dire that the prospect of burning New York to the ground to thwart the British doesn't faze her—as long as freedom is won. Each page is filled with gorgeous, highly detailed artwork that evokes classic artistic depictions of the era, with masterful shading and composition.
Mechner, who also created the classic game Karateka, has increasingly built a following with his graphic novel work. His previous projects include Monte Cristo, an adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, and the award-winning graphic memoir Replay. Le Roux and Chevallier bring their own expertise in historical storytelling, having collaborated on 14-18, which documented soldiers' experiences in World War I. This combination of cinematic drama and grounded humanity makes them the perfect team for Liberty, which plays out like a Revolutionary spy thriller with deeply personal stakes.
“From the moment I learned about this 18th-century ‘black op’ to ship illicit arms from France across the ocean to a desperately outgunned and outnumbered American rebel army, I knew I had to write it,” Mechner said. “The unlikely odd-couple partnership of two men who changed history, yet have few statues in their honor, grabbed my imagination. Their fight for freedom resonates in so many ways with current world events.”
Mike Kennedy, Director of Publishing at Magnetic Press, describes Liberty as a stripped-back depiction of the American Revolution, born of deep research and reverence. “This is the American Revolution in stark relief—no mythmaking heroics, just a global chess match of empires, merchants, smugglers, and idealists,” he said. “It’s a story of the struggle for freedom and political subterfuge, told with sweeping historical scope and intimate human drama. The 250th anniversary of American Independence is the perfect moment to bring this acclaimed graphic novel home to America.”
For fans of historical spy thrillers, Liberty offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden era. If you're looking for more edge-of-your-seat storytelling, check out our list of the most subversive thriller movies ever made, or dive into The Day of the Jackal, a spy thriller that inspired Reacher and is now a Peacock hit. And for a classic political Western that captures America's spirit, don't miss The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, streaming free on Pluto TV this July.
Liberty is more than a history lesson—it's a reminder that the fight for freedom often happens in the shadows, driven by unlikely heroes. With its stunning art and gripping narrative, this graphic novel is poised to become a must-read for anyone fascinated by the untold stories behind America's birth.
