This is a great comic for a new reader to pick up, especially if they're looking for something outside the normal fare of comics. Historical fiction comics are not the most common things in the world, so it's nice to not only see one, but see one that's obviously done extremely well. Read Full Review

Anyone who likes historical fiction needs to pick up Three. In one issue, Gillen has already reminded us why western civilization took most of its philosophical cues from the Athenians rather than the Spartans. In the remaining four, I expect to see a sharp picture of a great society reliant on a permanent underclass, contrasted against the real suffering and desires of individual people. Ancient civilizations are more than their great battles and surviving monuments, and its worth digging into the ugly parts to find a more complete story. Read Full Review

Three #1 by Gillen, Kelly and Bellaire is a fantastic read and a nice alternative to the glorified machismo of the Frank Miller graphic novel. This is 300 for those with a history-oriented academic background, defined not by its embrace of the epic battle of war but rather its depiction of the brutal savagery coming from the hands of the warrior class. Three is an excellent read for anybody looking for something new and exciting. Read Full Review

Kieron Gillen brings to us the other side of the coin. The flip side of the Spartan society is brought to us in an epic every bit as engrossing as 300 was. It is only issue #1 and I can safely say I am in love with this comic book already. The dialogues are tight, and hit the right spots. The narration is tense, fitting the story like a glove. The artwork is excellent. The inking and the colouring complimenting each other in unique perfection. Three is the number of creators this book has, Kieron Gillen, Ryan Kelly and Jordie Bellaire. An important number for this comic book, considering the title. Three is a pattern Im hoping to see many times over before this ride is done. I have many aspirations for this series and even if it does not live up to any of them. This first issue would still have been every bit worth the read. The spartan lover will love it as much as the history buff. Fans of 300 and haters alike, this comic is for you. Read Full Review

"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. Read Full Review

Most of the problems with the book can be due to it being the first issue and I will continue with the series to see where it goes. Some may say this is reminiscent of the graphic novel 300, but if it goes on the path of giving more life to the characters then this will be a completely different beast of its own. I would love to see your comments below on how you felt about issue #1 of Three. Read Full Review

I’m a sucker for a historical tale. I’m in for the remainder of this arc. There’s great cinematic pacing and brutal art that really make this tale shine. Also, there’s a historical consult on this book. How many comics can add that credit? Read Full Review

The brutal and cruel world of Sparta comes to life thanks to amazing visuals from Ryan Kelly in this new series that sets its tone-and opinion of the Spartans-early and often. Read Full Review

Judging by the first installment this series is going to be unique and full of depth; and while issue #1 was truly amazing, the real excitement comes from the potential this story has. Gillen is clearly very passionate about the story he is telling and this translates well in the book itself. It remains to be seen where the story will really begin next month now that the initial introductions are apparently complete. Wherever this story is taken, however the plot proceeds, it looks as though Image Comics have done it again. Gillen's writing is a breath of fresh air, full of sincerity and depth, while the art of Kelly and Bellaire is perfectly suited to not only the subject matter at hand but the overall tone of the story. Three is a series to look out for and readers can surely expect great things from this excellent creative team. Read Full Review

With an awesomely interesting premise, I'm just going to go ahead and say I'm on board for the rest of Three. A letter by Kieron Gillen after the issue really helped me out with the context, and the series has gained my trust. I highly recommend this series to anyone who thinks they know a thing about the Spartans. Kieron Gillen has brought the challenge. Read Full Review

In "Three" #1, history is not written by the victor; rather, it is returned to the Helots with dire consequences. In Gillen and Kelly's hands, "Three" is a spectacular new series that defies expectation with its astounding depth and rigor. This is definitely a book to keep an eye on. Read Full Review

Very enlightening comic, who says you can't get some historical learning mixed in with your entertainment? This series is highly recommended. Read Full Review

So yes, the first issue of THREE isn't perfect and is a little light on character development, but by the time you've reached the conclusion, you'd be hard pressed not to want to come back for a second issue. Even if the three slaves that will prove to the book's focus going forward aren't enough for you, the questions that the book's plot raises provide a lot of compelling reasons to keep reading, and for me, that's more than enough. Count me in, Helots. Read Full Review

I wasn't sold on what the comic will really be about, which is partly due to the pacing of this issue and its decision to end on a cliffhanger that doesn't tell us much. Still, the characters are vivid and the world is completely believable. Read Full Review

Three's first issue shows some great promise, but it's hard to recommend as a single issue purchase. It's a book that will leave you wanting more, for certain, but with this particular book it cuts both ways. Will you want to see what happens in the next issue? Most definitely. Will you wish that there were a little more meat on these bones? Also, most definitely. As a narrative, I have no doubt that this will be a fine companion to 300, and possibly serve to elevate it, but I will be very pleased if Three grows more into its own with subsequent issues. Read Full Review

Artist Ryan Kelly uses a plain and unadorned style to detail the rocky landscape and stormy nights where this story takes place. His characters fit the times perfectly, although his use of motion lines feels overdone and often unnecessary. Where he does excel, however, is when things get violent. The epilogue ends on a horrific image full of maddened faces and messy bloody splatters to the point where it might give you nightmares. I'll wager that's just what he was going for. Read Full Review

I hate to say it, but this book's only redeeming qualities are Ryan Kelly's artwork and the historical aspect it has. Both of those are stellar, but very little else about this book makes it all that enjoyable. The plot is paper thin, and I get the feeling that without the world building provided by the historical context, it would completely fall apart. This book is one of those books that sounds great on paper, but falls apart in the actual execution. I mean, it's far from the worst comic being published, but at the same time, it's far from the best. Read Full Review

I may come across harsh on this series, but it's only because it's brought together so many talented people in the comic industry. When that happens, most readers expect something magical to happen, but it misses the mark here. It's still a good issue that presents an interesting story, but as I said it's a very incomplete story in this issue. I feel that I have to read the next issue to figure out the rest of the story, rather than wanting to read it to see what happens next. If you dig Spartans and just that era of time in the world, then definitely check the book out. Read Full Review

This was a tough first issue. I had high expectations and really wanted to love this book but it just didn't happen. The characters don't really show any interesting promise and the painting of the Spartans as villains feels too forced. When you read a comic and find yourself hoping that they all die then you probably aren't the reader this book is trying to reach. Read Full Review