The Pull List – Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #1
Frank Miller returns to the world of 300 with a exciting prequel series Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander. Taking place years before the events of the 300, the new series will follow a young Xerxes as he ascends to become the God King, and the opposing armies that challenge his rule. The series will cover the events of the Battle of Artemisium, the death of Persian King Darius, the Battle of Salamis, and Greece’s conquer, Alexander the Great. In the first issue King Darius has sent a small army as a show of force to Greeks, but are greeted at the shore line by the Athenian soldier. The Athenian army is a mix of volunteers and veteran warriors fighting to protect their homes, they do not seek glory with their kills, but a ended to the violence. A ferocious battle unfolds as the Athenians pushes back the invading army, making a bloody start to the upcoming clashes between the Greeks and the Persians.
Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander retains all the features that made fans loved the original series. The first issue does an excellent job of setting the story and an aggressive introduction to the Athenians. While the Athenians are no Spartans, they will cut, stab and bite their way as any Spartan would in battle. Frank Miller keeps the story feeling intense and makes sure the artwork matches that tone. Miller and Alex Sinclair continue the same art style as 300. Miller’s signature style is complimented well with Sinclair’s choice of colors and shading. Every dramatic shot is ominous shadow and every wound spurs out just enough blood. The action is so brutal and bloodstained, even the comic sound effects can’t stay clean. For fans of the original comic and the movies, this is a must read. Frank Miller reintroduction to the Persian invasion of Greece is a fun read for anyone that loves the sword-and-sandal genre. Xerxes path to becoming a God King has only just begun in this series, and there awaits even more battles in the upcoming issues.