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A review by thecolourblue
300 by Frank Miller
3.25
The artwork of 300 is stunning and iconic. The story is kind of beside the book - the retelling of an ancient battle really just serves as a vehicle for the artwork and set-pieces.
Miller is obsessed with muscular male bodies to the point of homo-eroticism, and honestly I'm here for it. But the book absolutely contains a thread of masculine power fantasy, and problematic portrayal of non-Europeans and disability. Miller takes a sick delight in the brutality of the Spartan regime - and while there is something captivating about watching that brutality play out in viciously beautiful illustrations - the skill of the art can't totally excuse the dodgy politics for me.
Definitely plays fast and loose with historical fact, but that's not really the point of the book.
Miller is obsessed with muscular male bodies to the point of homo-eroticism, and honestly I'm here for it. But the book absolutely contains a thread of masculine power fantasy, and problematic portrayal of non-Europeans and disability. Miller takes a sick delight in the brutality of the Spartan regime - and while there is something captivating about watching that brutality play out in viciously beautiful illustrations - the skill of the art can't totally excuse the dodgy politics for me.
Definitely plays fast and loose with historical fact, but that's not really the point of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism