Kieron Gillen and Ryan Kelly’s “Three” is a interesting rejection of 300, but is it an entertaining comic in its own right? Read below to find out!
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Ryan KellyWhen a member of the Spartan ruling class visits an isolated homestead of Helot workers, a brutal massacre is only the beginning. KIERON GILLEN (PHONOGRAM, Über, Iron Man), RYAN KELLY (Saucer County, Local) and JORDIE BELLAIRE (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, NOWHERE MEN) unite to tell the heroic story of three slaves and their desperate attempt to escape 300 of the finest warriors who’ve ever lived.
If you ever get the chance, do not unironically send Kieron Gillen “THIS IS SPARTA!” memes. He is really not a fan of 300. He is such a not-fan that his new book with Ryan Kelly, “Three,” is a deconstruction of what Sparta was and a rejection of the glorification that dead empire got after Frank Miller and Zach Snyder renewed interest in it. The idea of Sparta as a glorious city state full of fearless warriors who were remnants of a world much more hardcore (arguably better) world than the world we have now is completely false. Here, Gillen and Kelly shatter the notions you might have about Sparta, as well as a couple of skulls.
Gillen’s vision of Greece, one he researched thoroughly, shows the Spartans as the violent oppressors they truly were. The Helots, a slave race that seem to have been practically expunged from history, live under the rule of the now-crumbling Spartan regime, over a century after the events of 300 and after Thebes began the downfall of the warrior city state. Here, Gillen acts equal parts teacher and storyteller when it comes to illuminating readers on the ways the ancient Greeks lived. Gillen does employ some of his usual tropes, the trickster storyteller with an in-depth knowledge of whatever subject is relevant to this story (Greek history in this case) makes an appearance, but they never intrude on the story and the Loki-Kohl-Archetype character is much more necessary than self-indulgent. The biggest problem with this issue stems from the abrupt ending, but there is still a solid enough plot to want to see the story continue.
What’s an even bigger draw to pick up this series is Ryan Kelly’s art. The characters posture as well as the use of light and shadow subtly give this story the feeling of being distinctly ancient Greek. I would say it’s fit to be painted onto a vase, but the dynamic viewpoints and motion present throughout puts the art here far above those relics, as does Jordie Bellaire’s colors. Bellaire’s coloring gives the art a depth that places the story, not in the idealized white marble Greece we commonly think of, but in the actual ancient Lakonia. Gillen did a ton of research for the script, but Kelly must have done at least the same amount of work into drawing the incredibly authentic scenery and wardrobe. The Greece here is not the glorious one seen in nearly all other media, nor is the violence glorious and revered like in Frank Miller’s work. Instead, Greece, or more accurately Lakonia, is a simple farmland with simple slaves in simple clothing. The Spartans who arrive are fitted with contrasting armor, but are real men and not otherworldly heroes. The violence, likewise, is not something to be celebrated. It is fast, and brutal, and meaningless; the byproduct of an anachronistic civilization that could not fall fast enough.
“Three” #1 is definitely not your typical comic book. It’s purpose is much more focused towards teaching the reader than it is towards entertaining. Not to a fault, however; “Three” is still a very well written and well-drawn comic. The real reason you should pick up this book, aside from Gillen’s writing and Kelly’s art, is because it is a tribute to a long-forgotten people. “Three” is a rebellion against the swallowing void of history by way of enlightenment. When bros strike up a conversation about how righteous the Spartans were (maybe at a party where people talk about 300; you may have to live in 2008 for this to work) refuse to agree with them. Refuse to accept the simplified story of a group of warriors who stood against another bigger group of warriors and became heroes. All they did was support another century or so of oppressing a race who were practically erased from history. So, yes, while any money from this book’s sales will still go to Gillen, Kelly, and Image (all of whom who deserve it) and not the Herlot Foundation, “Three” is still a great way to enlighten yourself about the true atmosphere of ancient Greece.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Buy, especially if you love history; Greek or in general!
