Marathon

Gr 9 Up—As a young boy, Eucles wins a foot race and is granted Athenian citizenship, but because he did this at the cost of the pride of King Hippias, his parents are executed. Years later, the king, now exiled, is using the might of the Persian army to try and conquer Athens. Eucles must swallow his desire for personal vengeance and race to deliver communications between Athens, Sparta, and the battlefield of Marathon. Historical accounts of the run between Sparta and Marathon vary significantly, and Yakin has been free with interpretation. He establishes motivation for Eucles, making him singularly inspirational and instrumental in not just delivery of information, but in turning the tide of the Battle of Marathon itself. This has the effect of making the events very personal, and therefore imbued with dramatic tension. Also, it helps provide a lens to focus the action, which is necessary as the cast is sprawling and the narrative is nonlinear. The characters are given nicely varied names, helping somewhat with sorely needed identification, as armor and intensity help make a morass of who is whom. The artwork is drawn in a sketchy, energetic style, a kinetic messiness that helps underscore the blood, dirt, and movement. Spot color gives the main action a parchment glow, and a cool gray helps indicate flashbacks. Interestingly complex for a story about a series of runs, and aesthetically compelling, this story will grip readers, who will fight through its occasional muddles along with its protagonist.—Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH