300

Rating:
Summary: Terrific effort by Miller and Varley, as usual.
Review: It's a graphic novel, folks, so if you aren't willing to
suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy a first-rate
re-telling of a legend, then by all means use your money
to buy a historical survey of the same material. Frank
Miller delivers good stories. Leave history to the Schlesingers.

Let's say you're willing to take a shot on this book,
though. You're in for a treat: Miller's artwork has never
been more expressive, and Lynn Varley hasn't lost a shade
of intensity or a single gradation in her palette. And
one thing I tell anyone about a Miller project: you will be
surprised at how well Miller can write, considering how well
he illustrates. It's a truly rare combination of talents,
and I've never been dissatisfied with his work.

Should you own this? I'd say so. And if you get any
criticism for owning a historically inaccurate account,
show them the bibliography at the back and let them see
that it was a conscious decision to tell a good story first.

Rating:
Summary: A little dissent
Review: Let me began with a disclaimer: this is a beautiful work and I am glad I bought it.

HOWEVER: it is not a comic book. It is not really a story that is being told, either. It is a collection of art in a sequence, to keep on your nighttable and think about when you have a moment. I study history, and while I recognize that Miller has done his homework and he captures the "essence" of the moment, I would have preferred a little less ad-libbing (here I am referring to the hunchback spiel, in case you are in the know). I think the story of this fateful battle stands alone, and I would have preferred even fewer attempts to gloss up this already stark story, and more of a focus on bringing us into what this meant in its human and spiritual dimensions.

That said, don't let me dissuade you from purchasing it. Just be aware that it is not what you might expect.

Rating:
Summary: Bold
Review: Miller and Varley take on a historic topic and tell a tale with gusto. Concerned with a battle of Spartans defending the Grecian homeland against invaders, we are treated to a tale of honor, betrayal and sacrifice. In the style many enjoyed through their other collaborations, this book tells its tale visually as much as narratively. The format of the book, landscape rather than portait, lends itself well to the cinematic feel fo this story. Lovers of the works of this pair as well as those of historic fiction owe themselves a look at this bold venture.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but totally inaccurate...
Review: Miller seems to think the Persians were sub-Saharian and the Spartans Neanderthal. That would be okay if it weren't so dangerous in that this graphic novel will be read by lots of empty-headed youngsters who may think Miller's anachronisms historically accurate. Actually, both Spartans and Persians were Aryan, and probably (if the ancient sources can be trusted) looked a lot fairer than their respective modern ancestors do. As far as story goes however, it's hard to go wrong with the 300 Spartans. And Miller certainly knows how to draw violence. Many of the frames are truly gripping.

Rating:
Summary: Dramatic and entertaining
Review: Miller's interpretation of the epic battle of Thermopylae is dramatic and entertaining. Great art and a great story.

Rating:
Summary: More diverse stories from Miller
Review: Normally when people think of Frank Miller, they think of his groundbreaking work on characters like Batman and Daredevil in dark tales that broke these characters down and left only the vital core of each's meaning behind. Miller has a penchant for exploring the grim and gritty aspects of a character and the world that character inhabits, and in fact he is equally well known and respected for creating such a world himself in his Sin City.

Miller applied these same skills a mere five years ago to a type of fiction that seemed ill-suited for such a marriage of genres when he fused his noir style to historical drama in his momentous work 300. Published originally in the summer months of 1998 by Dark Horse as a five-issue miniseries, this story is set in ancient Greece and dramatizes the Battle of Thermopylae, a monumental conflict in which King Leonidas of Sparta led 300 of his personal guards into a mountain pass to defend his country from the invading Persian empire led by Xerxes. Leonidas knew this skirmish would be certain death for himself and his men, yet still he fought on, in the end inspiring the divided nation of Greece with his sacrifice to unite against this common foe and march on to victory.

Pacifists reading this review might have tuned out already, but anyone thinking of reading this book should be reassured that it is not pro-war. Nor is 300 anti-war really. The case Miller seems to make here is that sometimes, in defense of everything a person holds dear, that person must make difficult choices. Despite my personal feelings against war, I still could see that Leonidas had no other choice but defend his country from invaders, entering into a war that even the staunchest of peaceniks must see as just.

I also couldn't help but admire his noble sacrifice in the end, and really that's what this story is about, these brave men who were willing to die to save their country. It is a story tinged with tragedy because along the way you learn a great deal about these characters, from Leonidas the king down to Delios the storyteller. Delios is ordered by the king to leave the army before their final stand, so that he might spread word of this event to everyone and inspire them to fight back. As he leaves, the sadness he feels is evident in his beautifully crafted posture and expession, but it is a sadness we feel along with him because of the skill with which Miller has presented this character to us.

Leonidas too is brilliantly fleshed out. He is a character as hard and tough as Marv or the Dark Knight ever dreamed of being. Yet he also has within him an emotional center we see more than we did in those other aforementioned Miller protagonists. In part we reach out to Leonidas because his personal narration guides us through the story but also we feel for him because we see the emotions that he normally keeps close to his chest in his every word. We learn after some time to read those feelings he keeps hidden behind his Spartan façade, and thereafter every glance he sends out to his men seems tinged with tragic loss.

The art on 300 is what stands out above all else, however. Even if you disapprove of the themes or find historical inaccuracy in the tale, you cannot help but admire the craftsmanship that went into producing this work of art. Originally the book was published as five monthly issues in which every paired grouping of pages was a two-page spread. Now the book is available only as an oversized hardcover that lays these pages out end to end so that you can fully bask in the glory of the art as you read. The book might seem thin for its price tag, a mere 88 pages for [$$], but its sheer beauty is worth every penny, even if there had been no words in the book at all.

These splash pages would be nothing without the vibrant colors of Lynn Varley, and it is clear to see why Miller uses her as colorist on every one of his projects. Beyond being his wife and keeping the work in the family, her hues and tones just happen to be radiant in the truest sense of the word. It transcends beyond simple favoritism. Miller appears to have gotten the best colorist around to paint the shades of this world and thus breathe life into it; it just so happens he didn't have to look very far to find her.

As for the historical accuracy of the work, no it's no Age of Bronze, meticulously researched and documented. But it doesn't have to be; it never claims to be anything beyond a work of historical drama. Sometimes for the sake of that drama, changes must be made. However, it is also evident that Miller feels strongly about this story and took great pains to make it as true as it can be while still being a piece of fiction.

Many might approach the genre of historical fiction a bit warily, but 300 is a far cry from the stuffy and boring world history texts you tried to avoid reading in high school. It is high art and high drama all rolled into one package which, despite having a high price, is high in magnitude as well.

Rating:
Summary: Who looks for accuracy in a comic? This is a beautifull lie!
Review: The only possible criticism of this book is it's inaccuracy. But if you are looking for historical accuracy then you don't buy a comic book. What you do look for is great art and coloring, of which this book has an abundance, and an exciting story, which this certainly is. Miller never claimed that this book was non-fiction, he knows that it is a story with which he has taken many artistic liberties, and so he should. If this was an attempt to be as acurate as possible I would have been very angry. I already have history books, and a famous battle like this is covered in great detail. Frank and Lynn draw and color this book exactly the way they want to, and it works. I have never seen skies look this beautifull before, the coloring may be the best work that Lynn Varley has ever done. I was pleased in every way and now think of this as the best Miller comic ever. More faux history comics please!

Rating:
Summary: Into the valley of Death, rode the 300
Review: The story of the battle at the Hot Gates of Thermopylae was always a favorite of mine growing up. King Leonidas and his personal guard of 300 Spartans personified courage and individual strength, as they held off the more than 100,000 strong Persian army, lead by Xerxes the Great King. Think about those numbers. 300 against more than 100,000.

For three days, the Spartans stood against Xerxes until a betrayal lead to their downfall. This is manly, hot-blooded stuff here. I cannot think of any other artist who could do it justice.

Frank Miller was made for manly, hot-blooded stuff. His art style, used to perfection in "300," is all about strength and weight. The Spartans are carved from the rocky terrain of Greece. Heavy outlines and squared corners add to the effect. The costume designs are symbolic rather than historic, and each heavy cape and bronze sword is used to full effect. Lynn Varley's colors are at the top of her game.

This is a work of art, but it isn't pretty.

Story wise, Miller has done a clever job of adapting this historical event into a reasonably short comic. Along with the necessary bravado and familiar Spartan quotations ("Return with your shields, or on them!"), he has breathed life and an certain sensitivity into Leonidas and Xerxes. This mix of story and art is all that is good about comics.

This edition, in particular, showcases Miller's art and story. The oversized hardcover with high print quality puts the pages in your face. Varley's colors are vibrant. A very worthy purchase.

Rating:
Summary: FRANK MILLER & LYNN VARNEY GO TO WAR: 300 *****
Review: There once were heady days when a kid could step up to a comics rack, twirl it, and find a thrilling Frank Miller DAREDEVIL cover. Ninjas! Kingpin! Elektra! The stories flowed like rivers. And they evolved, as did the author who crafted them. Frank Miller was new and all the fans were buzzing. The art was absolutely phenomenal! It was like Neal Adams crossed w/ Bruce Lee and Hitchcock! The stories were even MORE compelling. They were not unlike a great Shakespearean drama. A saga for the ages. Comics came under a glorious new light in those days--the early 1980's.

Mr. Miller and his incredibly talented wife, colorist Lynn Varley, team again on "300" with spectacular results. "The Dark Knight Returns" was a career (and Comics) milestone, but Frank & Lynn really pour it on this time around. The pages are stunning. The story flows in the endearing Miller style, i.e. radical, flowing panels, super dramatic contrast flashes and brooding character moments. And, of course, furious violence.

"300" is a bravura story, boldly told by one of the great graphic masterminds. These are Comics as they should be. And Miller is further blessed to have as a wife one of the most deeply talented comics colorists of all-time. Excellence in storytelling. A timeless work.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational!
Review: This book is one of the most inspirational that has ever been written in two ways: the story itself of King Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae, and the desire it generates to read more about it. An epic tale of heroism and valor in today's time is hard to come by but in this book it is understandable and accessable to anyone. It's art is brilliant, lush, and gives a feeling of being in ancient Greece. I would highly recommend this book.