Three #3
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Clayton Cowles
Cover by Ryan Kelly and Jordie Bellaire
Image Comics
Release Date: December 11, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99
In Three #3, events quickly begin to take shape. Three slaves are on the run; 300 from a failing nation are on the hunt; and an outcast seeks revenge. Writer Kieron Gillen, illustrator Ryan Kelly, and colorist Jordie Bellaire return with a new installment of this action-induced, ancient political thriller.
Helot slaves Klaros, Damar, and Terpander are on the run after their fatal encounter with a Spartan Ephor and his military envoy. Wondering whom Klaros really is – considering his excellent fighting skills and tracking knowledge – Damar and Terpander see it in their best interest to continue following his lead. On their trail is Spartan King Kleomenes II who begrudgingly leads an expedition of 300 Spartan soldiers. Meanwhile, sent back to Sparta for his cowardly act of running from the slaughter, Arimnestos is furious with his new-found title of “Trembler” and acts quickly and alone to restore his good name.
Three just keeps getting better and better. In issue #3, Gillen adds in new layers of mystery and drama that allow for an engrossing story. His characters, even the unlikable ones, are multi-faceted and engaging. He does a superb job at showing with only indirect hints of telling.
Kelly does an incredible job of bringing Sparta to life. His character representations are all unique with visible emotion portrayed through each individual. The viciousness and intensity of many of the scenes are enhanced through Bellaire’s subtle, realistically dark and gloomy color palette.
Three has been a great series thus far, with issue #3 only further developing the plot and characters. This is Sparta! Well, at least a somewhat historically accurate take on Spartan life and politics. Don’t be fooled, Spartan soldiers actually wore armor!
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