300 (A graphic novel - ancient Sparta)

Review:Skarr

This is an abstract of a graphic novel published by Frank Miller , of Sin City fame. For those unfamiliar with this title, the '300' in the title refers to those brave Spartan warriors who held tens of thousands of Persian warriors at a narrow pass near Thermopylae, known as the "Hot Gates" in 480 BC, preventing the early demise of Greek civilization as we know it. According to many scholars, this was the single most important battle and the modern world would be much different today, if it were not for this all important sacrifice, as each of the 300 died to the very last man, while the rest of the Greek city states still debated and discussed on how to combat this threat. What drew me the most was the element of sacrifice, as each man knew that this battle would be his last and there would be no question of survival - none. The most awe inspiring thing about this battle was not only the sacrifice element of this small band of Spartans, led by their great King Leonidas but also the implications if they hadn't volunteered their lives to hold off Xerxes and his Persian horde. Outnumbered a 100 to 1, they fought on bravely to the last man and there is almost unanimous consent from various scholars that if the Spartans had not held them off until the rest of the Greeks regrouped, buying them precious time, much of today's western civilization as we know it would not exist. All in all, this is a fantastic graphic novel and meant for adults, due to the scenes of violence which are very explicit in the last part, as the Spartans meet the charge of the Persian warriors in one final, death defying charge, very reminiscent of the charge of the Light Brigade which resulted in the death of six hundred men. The art in the novel is historically accurate and I especially liked the first part, which is simple and presents some scenes of everyday life in a Spartan city. The visual feel is almost cinematic in parts and it is no wonder that his books have adapted so well to film, particularly with regard to the 'Sin City' series. I understand that there are ongoing talks to adapt '300' into a movie and if they manage to introduce a female element with a possible love element and sub plot, this would translate very well into a great historical epic, a must see for any fans of Greece, Sparta or the ancient world.

There is also the added attraction that the events depicted are all real and did happen, which lends to the overall allure of the project, if it comes to fruitition. What I would really like to see in the film project is more time being devoted to the training of the Spartan youth and how they were groomed into the greatest warriors that this earth has ever produced. The Spartans left behind very little in terms of art, buildings or other tangible evidence of their greatness. What they did manage to leave behind though was their legendary courage, their strength of character and their extraordinary fighting abilities as they were groomed as warriors to become the perfect fighting machines. A Spartan was always a soldier, through and through. I think the graphic novel captures this very well and portrays the harsh reality behind it, as the young boys were literally robbed of their childhood and put through a relentless physical regimen of hard training. Ultimately, I think this is what led to their downfall as they were overpowered later in history by the smarter Athenians who relied more on tactics and strategy than brute strength. History ultimately teaches us all a lesson and for that reason alone, everyone should attempt to learn a little history and read about times past and the birth and death of great civilizations. I think Miller's book is great for that reason alone as it not only teaches us history but also presents it in a stark visual format that brings the full impact of those times to the average reader.
300 (A graphic novel - ancient Sparta) Originally published in Shvoong: http://www.shvoong.com/f/books/humor/6784-300-graphic-novel-ancient-sparta/