The depictions of the Spartans in their attire, that of Xerxes, the lack of depiction of the hypocrisy of the Spartans in their slander towards the Athenians are all historical inaccuracies that stand out for those familiar with the actual history of the war. However, there is one thing that needs to be pointed out to new audiences of the book. His treatment of the Spartans within their city is also striking and his knowledge of the city shows. However, we also get to see much of the history of Leonidas depicted in the story as flashbacks as they march towards the Hot Gates. Needless to say, there’s an unrestricted depiction of violence. It is essentially Miller’s theatrical portrayal of one of the most celebrated last stands in history depicted in a manner in which the intensity of a battlefield drips from the pages. While I will refrain from spoiling the relatively simple plot for the few who aren’t familiar with the narrative, the story is not what is special about 300. He is a charismatic and yet laconic character who’s sarcasm stands out, particularly in his interaction with Xerxes.

The idea is to defend a stronghold which prevents them being overwhelmed by the sheer number of the Great Persian army led by Xerxes. Inspired by The 300 Spartans, a movie which Miller encountered as a young boy, depicts the King Leonidas of Sparta take a group of 300 soldiers to make their last stand in a suicidal battle at “The Hot Gates”, the narrow coastal passage of Thermopylae. It’s comparisons to Sin City would be unwarranted, given lack of diversity of colour and the stark difference in setting. Written and illustrated by Frank Miller and painted by Lynn Varley, the artwork is dark, firm lines, washed out colours with a prominence of a dull yellow and the characteristic Spartan red which fits the warm and difficult summers of the warring Greece perfectly. While there is much to criticize in 300, what stands out most in this book are the double-paged spreads in striking artwork. 300, the graphic novel based on the Battle of Thermopylae (480 B.C.) in Greece, is a heroic tale of 300 Spartan soldiers making their last stand against the colossal Persian army. The creator of legendary titles like Batman: Year One, The Dark Knight Returns and Sin City, Frank Miller, in 1998 wrote a historically inspired graphic novel, which, while not in the same league as the aforementioned titles, is an indispensable part of his career as a writer and illustrator.

Frank miller 300 graphic novel