[Comic Book Review] XERXES: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF DARIUS AND THE RISE OF ALEXANDER #2 from Dark Horse Comics

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[Comic Book Review] XERXES: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF DARIUS AND THE RISE OF ALEXANDER #2 from Dark Horse Comics

Joshua Winchester

May 2, 2018

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PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of XERXES: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF DARIUS AND THE RISE OF ALEXANDER #2 from Dark Horse Comics. Available May 2nd, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing and art from Frank Miller and colors by Alex Sinclair.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

XERXES: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF DARIUS AND THE RISE OF ALEXANDER #2

Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Cover Artist: Frank Miller

Publication Date: May 02, 2018
Format: FC, 40 pages; Miniseries
SRP: $4.99

Persian King Darius is out for blood after the battle of Marathon, deploying an army to vanquish the city of Athens. The citizen soldiers of Athens are prepared with a ruse to stave off invasion, but should their gamble fail, it will be a slaughter.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
XERXES: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF DARIUS
AND THE RISE OF ALEXANDER #2

Writing:

In every Frank Miller comic, there always seems to be a point that is the calm before the storm. A moment of “peace” that is the prelude to a bigger threat or a major plot point. Within issue #2, 300 fans will see first-hand the cleverness of the people of Athens. And also witness the beginning of the scales tipping towards the future conflict between Leonidas and Xerxes.

Art:

Miller’s art brought a whole new meaning the phrase ‘cityscape’. Page 6 is an amazing layout of the city of Athens that is both mesmerizing and beautifully laid out. The remaining pages which are devoted to the brief battle at the port of Athens against Persian vessels are also noteworthy because of the use of both vertical and horizontal panels that seem to stretch and compress the art.

Like with Frank, Alex has very standout moments in the book. His mixture of blue with a yellow/white texture on page 5 gives the amazing effect of a clear, sunny sky. Throughout the remainder of the book, all of the pages that feature the battle have the sky texture given a dark gray/black, as if to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the conflict itself. All of the color choices for characters’ skin hues, clothes/armor, weapons, etc. also showcase in various ways Alex’s skill and keen decision-making as colorist.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

War comes to Athens. Darius and his fleet threaten the very safety of the great city-state herself. Her army is weary from the battle of Marathon. Can the troops and citizens stand against the might of Persia? Issue #2 presents all these answers and more in the next exciting and thrilling chapter of the series.