Britannia: We Who Are About to Die Vol 1 1

Solicitation[]

Valiant’s critically acclaimed, 10-time sold-out magnum opus returns with a brand-new journey into myth and mystery, from comics master Peter Milligan (Shade, The Changing Man) and incendiary artist Juan José Ryp (Britannia)!

Fifty thousand Romans stand on their feet, watching from the stands of the coliseum with captured breath as Achillia, a gladiator unlike any seen before, faces incredible odds as one lone warrior against five of the empire’s greatest. Such is the tradition, when a female combatant enters the fray. When the carnage is complete, the crowd roars its approval as Achillia stands victorious. Now only one match away from winning her freedom, she has begun to gain renown. The women of Rome, suppressed by their husbands and fathers, have noticed. The men, husbands and fathers to a growing horde of women entertaining ideas of independence, have noticed as well.

On the other side of the city, a strange mystery swirls through the Palatine Hill. In the dead of night, down winding alleys, the elite swear that they see visions of a blood-soaked Apollo walking the city…visions that are driving them mad. Even more are becoming sick with weird fever god-dreams. Panic spreads. The Chief Vestal, Rubria, is found guilty in the eyes of Emperor Nero and threatened with crucifixion unless the deadly curse is lifted. She asks Antonius Axia, hero of Britannia and Rome’s only detective, for help. She offers only one clue…the gladiator Achillia.

Book I[]

Appearances[]

Featured Characters:

Antonius Axia / The Detectioner

Supporting Characters:

Achillia (First appearance)
Avitus (Axia's son)
Bran (Axia's slave)
Rubria (Chief Vestal / Vestalis Maxima)

Villains:

Emperor Nero

Other Characters:

Doctor
Gaius Oppius (First appearance) (Dies)
Marcellus (First appearance)
Roman guards
Senator Craxus (First appearance)
- Senator Craxus' wife (First appearance)
- Senator Craxus' daughter (First appearance)
- Senator Craxus' son (Mentioned only)
Vestal Virgins

Locations:

61 – 66 A.D.
- Roman Empire
  - Italy
    - Rome
      - The Colosseum (Coliseum)
      - Emperor Nero's palace
      - House of the Vestals (House of the Vestal Virgins)
      - Senator Craxus' villa
      - The Temple of Apollo

Items:

Achillia's helmet
Gladiator plaque
Shields
Swords

Vehicles:

Credits[]

Writers: Peter Milligan
Pencilers: Juan Jose Ryp
Colorists: Frankie D'Armata
Letterers: Dave Sharpe
Cover Artists: Cary Nord (A), David Mack (B/1:10), Adam Gorham & Gabe Eltaeb (1:20), Dave Johnson (1:50), Blank Cover, David Lafuente (MGH)
Editors: Danny Khazem, Lauren Hitzhusen (Assistant)
Editor-in-Chief: Warren Simons

Synopsis[]

This article does not have a synopsis recorded yet.

Notes[]

Backstory/Essay
- "Those Who Are About to Die - Gladiators in Myth and Reality" written by Dr. Jon Coulston, Lecturer in Ancient History and Archaeology, School of Classics, at University of St. Andrews, Scotland.