300

Frank Miller’s 300 (2005–present, Taurus Media) reimagines the Battle of Thermopylae with his signature stark, cinematic visuals and spare, muscular storytelling. Though only a single issue, this series—written by Miller with Maciek Drewnowski and illustrated by Miller—distills the legendary stand of the Spartans into a brutal, iconic graphic novel that would go on to define modern historical epic comics. Its impact on the medium lies in its bold, painterly style and its uncompromising vision of honor and sacrifice.