The Pull List – Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #2
Following a brutal battle at Marathon, the Athenian army returns to the city of Athens to treat their wounded and replenish their supplies. The Persian King Darius and his army rapidly approach Athens by sea to destroy the city and end the war. The battle of Marathon had dealt a major blows to both sides of the war, leaving behind heaps of dead and injured. Confident in their superiority, King Darius personality oversees the march of his army as they sail towards the city. With limited time and support, Athenian captain Themistocles organizes a desperate plan to halt the advancing Persian army and turn the tides of the war for the Athenians.
Issue #2 has great tension building as Athens prepares for the invading Persian army. King Darius moves to strike fast and heavy, taking the the city after it’s protectors have been weaken from battle. Despite the Athenian army lacking the Spartan mentality, they are capable soldiers and clever tacticians. Themistocles steps into a greater role as he prepares all citizens of Athenians to be part of his plan. A grizzle veteran in the Athenian army, Themistocles is calm and commanding, issuing orders and inspiring the Athenians to face the Persians. For those familiar with the move 300: Rise of An Empire, Themistocles was portrayed by Sullivan Stapleton as lean and agile warrior. In the comic version, Themistocles is shown to be a older and stockier, and prefers to use his brain over his brawn. Both versions of Themistocles shows his dominate presences and carries his leadership onto his troops.
While this issue lacks some of the ultra violence from the previous issue, it lays out a great pivotal moment for Themistocles and Xerxes, the heir of of the Persian empire. As one ruler falls, another will take his place and continue the ferocious clash of the Greeks and the Persians. The next issue indicated the rebirth of Xerxes from a mere royal heir to a God King.