300

300 is a graphic novel first published in 1998 and written and illustrated by Frank Miller, who is one of the most influential and popular creators in comics today. You may have heard about Sin City, a film noir-style comic book and one of the best creation of the author, which was made into a film by Robert Rodriguez in 2005.

300 depicts the Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 BC, and the events leading up to it from the perspective of Leonidas I, king of Sparta. He and his 300 Spartans fought to the last man against the Persian Emperor Xerxes I and his massive army. Facing insurmountable odds, the Spartans' heroism and sacrifice inspires all of Greece to unite against the Persian invaders. The serie won three Eisner Awards in 1999: 'Best Limited Series', 'Best Writer/Artist' for Frank Miller and 'Best Colorist' for Lynn Varley.

300 is going to be made into a film which will be released on the 9th of March 2007. The director is Zack Snyder, who is known for his remake of Zombie: Dawn of the Dead, the cult horror-movie directed by George A. Romero. The cast includes Gerard Butler as King Leonidas I, Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo and also David Wenham, who you certainly know as Faramir in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

If you are interested, you can have a look on the official website of the 300 movie, which contains some trailers, some very interesting video diaries and a production blog.