Born in 1660 in London, England, DANIEL DEFOE led an interesting and complicated life. He once owned a haberdashery (or hat shop), served as an advisor to King William, became quite wealthy, lost his fortune, served several months in prison for religious and political dissent for his writings, and spent much of his later life avoiding debt collectors. However, in 1716, he published Robinson Crusoe, a literary masterpiece that proved immediately popular for its adventurous and creative storytelling. While he died penniless in 1731, Defoe's books are still read by people all over the world. Since 1986, Martin Powell has been a freelance writer. He has written hundreds of stories, many of which have been published by Disney, Marvel, Tekno comix, Moonstone Books, and others. In 1989, Powell received an Eisner Award nomination for his graphic novel Scarlet in Gaslight. This award is one of the highest comic book honors.