Three Comic Review: Alright, listen up, warriors. Let me tell you about Three, a comic series that delivers the raw, brutal truth of ancient Sparta — plus a twist that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. This isn’t your typical glorified retelling like Frank Miller’s 300. Nope, Three takes a hard look at the dark side of Spartan society, focusing on the oppressed Helots and their desperate fight for freedom. It’s gritty, emotional, and packs a punch that will stay with you.
Created by Kieron Gillen, Ryan Kelly, and Jordie Bellaire, this five-issue miniseries from Image Comics was released between 2013 and 2014. It’s a raw, gripping tale of survival — three Helots fleeing a brutal Spartan regime. Imagine a relentless pursuit filled with trickery and treachery, forcing you to question just how oppressive Spartan rule must have been in ancient Greece. This story digs deep, evoking sympathy for the Helots, anger at the injustice, and a grudging respect for their fight to break free and stay safe.
So, how does Three stack up against the legendary 300? Well, it’s different — deeper, more thought-provoking, and emotionally charged. It’s not just about heroic speeches or epic battles. Instead, it explores the darker side of human nature and the true cost of war and oppression. If you’re looking for a comic that challenges your view of the Spartans and makes you think twice about their legacy, Three is exactly what you need.
Here, I’ll reveal the essence of the five issues of Three, offering you a tantalizing glimpse of what awaits if you choose to read this compelling story.
Three Comic Issue 1: Review
In 364 BC, seven years after Thebes shattered Sparta’s myth of invincibility at the Battle of Leuctra, tensions are high.
The first issue of the Three comic offers a sneak peek into the Krypteia, a secret and brutal tradition where young Spartans hunt down the strongest Helots to instill fear and suppress rebellion. This dark aspect of Spartan life sets the tone for the epic story that unfolds in Three.
In the next part of Three issue #1, Eurytos — one of the five Ephors chosen each year — and his guards get caught in a storm and take shelter at a farm worked by Helots. For fun, they make the Helots drink unwatered wine and watch them get drunk. Klaros, a weak-looking cripple, refuses at first, but Eurytos’ son, Arimnestos, forces him. Klaros immediately vomits after swallowing. Arimnestos then orders the other Helots to eat the vomit and talks about how strong the Spartans are, like the 300 at Thermopylae. But Terpander, the Helots’ overseer, gets drunk and suddenly mocks Arimnestos and the Spartans for losing to the Thebans and Messenia. Furious, Eurytos orders his men to kill the Helots.
I won’t go into too much detail about the Three story from here, except to give you a quick look at all the covers and a glimpse of one scene from each comic. Issue #1 did a great job of kicking things off, but trust me, it gets even better from there.
Three Comic Issue 2: Review
Three issue #2 dives into the political side of the Spartan empire.
This is where you’ll see the Ephors of Sparta and learn how they operate.
Three Comic Issue 3: Review
Three issue #3 follows three Helots as they attempt to escape their Spartan nightmare, while furious Spartans hunt them down.
What makes the Three comic story more interesting is that it offers two perspectives: the Helot side and the Spartan side.
Three Comic Issue 4: Review
Three issue #4 is where things really heat up. This is the point where the story steps up a notch, reaching a movie-worthy level.
The three runaway Helots are seemingly trapped, and to make matters worse, a Spartan warrior is rapidly approaching them.
Three Comic Issue 5: Review
Three #5 is the final installment of the mini-series, and it delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion to the story.
It’s where things shift into 300 territory, but with a twist. Most readers of Three will likely sympathize with the Helots rather than the Spartans, especially after witnessing the brutality and ruthlessness the Spartans display throughout the comic. It’s quite the opposite of how things played out in 300, where the Spartans were portrayed as heroes. So, yeah, Three really makes you stop and think about what life was actually like in ancient Sparta.
THREE Comic Review: A Unique Sparta Story
I’m giving the Three comic mini-series a 7.5 out of 10. It’s pretty unique and really well done. It opens your eyes to the brutal reality of the Spartans, instead of romanticizing their lifestyle. Kind of like Alexander the Great — you know, probably a ruthless thug. The artwork in Three is good, and there are parts of the story that totally grab your imagination. Overall, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Check Price & Availability: Three Volume 1
The Three comic even evokes some Greek mythology vibes, with references to Athena, the wise goddess, and hints of Hades. So, yeah, the entire Three storyline takes place during Zeus’s reign!
For more Greek mythology comics and graphic novels, don’t forget to check these out as well.
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