The end binding pages in the graphic novel obviously portray the blood-soaked Hot Gates after the final Spartan defeat. What do you think the front binding pages are meant to portray?

As a young boy, Leonidas leads a wolf into a narrow fissure in a rock to gain an advantage. As a King, Leonidas leads the Persian army into the Hot Gates to gain an advantage. Compare and contrast these two events.

On page 11, the Spartan soldiers sleep in a random pile of naked or nearly-naked men. Do you think this image is intended to sexualize or homo-sexualize the Spartan soldiers?

Examine the depiction of the Spartan city in the first chapter—particularly the large pane on page 13. What aspects of Spartan life are illustrated? What aspects of Spartan life are missing? How do you think a similar scene from an Arcadian city...