POLIS: The Trial of Socrates, Part II

POLIS: The Trial of Socrates is a three-part historical graphic novel that tells the story of how one of the greatest free thinkers in the ancient world was executed by the era's most democratic city. It also tells how his student Plato transformed from an aristocratic politician into the founder of Western philosophy.

Chapter 2, The Gadfly: Four years have passed since the democratic exiles took the city back from the Thirty Tyrants, and Athens is at peace for the first time in a generation. Aristocles (Plato) has made a name for himself in the city and is set to run for political office. Socrates continues to question his fellow citizens in the agora about their ideas and assumptions. But anger about the past and ambition for the future will soon overturn the lives of both men.

Demetrius, the young man Socrates rescued in the battle at Piraeus, has become a homeless wastrel. His father Anytus has never forgiven him for being part of the Thirty's army. When Socrates tries to mend the relationship between father and son, this further angers Anytus - a man of considerable power in the city. At the same time, a young upstart - Meletus - is running against Aristocles for strategos. When he finds no way to embarrass Aristocles with a frontal assault, he sets his sights on Socrates. Because of their relationship, he knows a fall for one will be a fall for the other.

Though Anytus despises Meletus, their common ends lead them to join forces and bring suit against Socrates for impiety and corruption of the city's youth.