Book Review: Three vol #1

Book: Three volume #1 (issues #1-5) by Kieron Gillen with illustration by Ryan Kelly and color by Jordie Bellaire

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

In ancient Sparta, three Helot slaves run for their lives! Pursuing them are three hundred of their Spartan masters! Kieron Gillen, Ryan Kelly, and Jordie Bellaire join forces to tell a legend for our times. Includes cover gallery, making of material, and annotations. This story takes place during the events of 300.




Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I thought this was pretty good and I like that the author worked with a Professor for more research. The story follows three runaway Helot slaves who were being pursued by 300 Sparta soldiers.

The three (Damar, Klaros and Terpander) go on the run after trying to fight off the slaughter of their  village but as they flee they soon have to figure out a way to reach Messene where they will be free.

This was an interesting take on the time back then. The story showed how awful the people were treated as the slaves for the mighty Spartan empire who no longer seem to care about honor. They rule with fear and violence especially as the empire starts to decline. They choose to waste time, soldiers and resources to go after the three Helots so as not to be seen as weak. They kill innocent people for no reason other than being Helots who have crossed their path.

I found both the writing and the artwork to be rather good. This was bittersweet because the Spartans have lost the whole purpose of trying to stand up against being invaded by the Persians, they have now become the oppressors.

I've always been fascinated by ancient Greece and what information scholars were able to find. So, I found this story to be quite interesting because it asked the question of how can three stand up against so many for freedom. Granted this is fiction but it was an interesting story to read.