Editing Halo: Escalation

{{Title|''Halo: Escalation''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Novel infobox
|image=[[File:Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg|280px]]
|author=*[[Christopher Schlerf]]
*[[Brian Reed]]
*[[Duffy Boudreau]]
|cover artist=*Anthony Palumbo
*[[Kenneth Scott]]
*[[Nicolas Bouvier]]
*Daniel Chavez
*Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
*[[Isaac Hannaford]]
|illustrator=*Sergio Ariño, Ricardo Sanchez Arreola, Douglas Franchin & Ian Richardson (pencillers)
*Juan Castro, Rob Lean & Denis Freitas (inkers)
*Michael Atiyeh (colorist)
|publisher=Dark Horse Comics
|publication=
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]: December 11, [[2013]]
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue 2]]: January 8, [[2014]]
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue 3]]: February 26, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|Issue 4]]: March 26, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue 5]]: April 23, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|Issue 6]]: May 28, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 7|Issue 7]]: June 25, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|Issue 8]]: July 23, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 9|Issue 9]]: August 27, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|Issue 10]]: September 24, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|Issue 11]]: October 22, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|Issue 12]]: November 26, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 13|Issue 13]]: December 24, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]: January 28, [[2015]]
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 15|Issue 15]]: February 25, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue 16]]: March 25, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 17|Issue 17]]: April 22, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 18|Issue 18]]: May 27, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|Issue 19]]: June 24, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 20|Issue 20]]: July 29, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 21|Issue 21]]: August 26, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 22|Issue 22]]: September 23, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 23|Issue 23]]: October 28, 2015
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|Issue 24]]: November 25, 2015
*Volume #1: October 8, 2014
*Volume #2: April 21, 2015
*Volume #3: September 9, 2015
*Volume #4: March 22, [[2016]]
*Library Volume #1: May 11, 2016
*Library Volume #2: June 27, [[2017]]
*Omnibus Volume #1: November 28, [[2018]]
*Omnibus Volume #2: May 14, [[2019]]
|pagelabel=Comic series
}}

'''''Halo: Escalation''''' is a comic book series produced by [[Dark Horse Comics]].<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1442/dark-horse-announces-all-new-halo-ongoing-series-e '''Dark Horse''': ''Dark Horse Announces All-New Halo Ongoing Series: Escalation!'']</ref> It focuses on "how the events of ''[[Halo 4]]'' have helped define the destiny not only of the [[John-117|Chief]] but of the [[Milky Way|galaxy]] as a whole".<ref>[http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/07/halo-escalation-comic/ '''Wired''': ''Dark Horse Will Turn World of Halo 4 Into Ongoing Comic Series'']</ref> The series is told in multiple arcs set between ''Halo 4'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. The majority of issues focus on the crew of the flagship {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} shortly after the events of ''[[Spartan Ops]]'', particularly during their encounters with [[Covenant remnants|remnants of the Covenant]] and the [[New Colonial Alliance|resurgent Insurrection]]. However, the third story arc ("The Next 72 Hours") instead acts as an epilogue to ''Halo 4'' and takes place [[2557#July|six months]] before the greater part of the series.

''Halo: Escalation'' was originally marketed as a limited-run series consisting of 12 issues;<ref>[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbYyXWhCAAANIhl.jpg:large '''pbs.twimg.com''' - ''Halo: Escalation Giveaway'']</ref> however, it was later continued with another twelve issues. A paperback edition of ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 1'' (collecting Issues #1-6) was released on October 8, 2014.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/22-713/Halo-Escalation-Volume-1-TPB/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation Volume 1'']</ref> ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 2'' (collecting Issues #7-12) was released on April 21, 2015,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-2-Escalation-Brian-Reed/dp/1616556285/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409010431&sr=1-1&keywords=halo+escalation+volume+2/ '''Amazon''': ''Halo: Escalation Volume 2'']</ref> ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 3'' (collecting Issues #13-18) was released on September 22, 2015,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Escalation-Volume-Brian-Reed/dp/1616557591 '''Amazon''': ''Halo: Escalation Volume 3'']</ref> and ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 4'' (collecting Issues #19-24) was released on March 22, 2016.<ref>[http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/532378/halo-escalation-volume-4-by-duffy-boudreau-writer-ian-richardson-penciler-parts-1-3-douglas-franchin-penciler-parts-4-6-michael-atiyeh-colorist/ '''Penguin Random House''' ''Halo: Escalation Volume 4'']</ref>

The series was later released in two hardcover "Library Editions" featuring extra content such as developer commentaries. Library Edition Volume #1 (collecting ''Escalation'' Volumes 1 and 2, and the entirety of ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'') was released on May 11, 2016.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/buffy-25-predator-life-and-death-and-more-in-dark-horses-march-2016-solicitations '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comics March 2016 Solicitations'']</ref> The second and last Library Edition (collecting Volumes 3 and 4), was released on [[2017|June 27, 2017]].<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Library-2-Duffy-Boudreau/dp/1506702341'''Amazon.com''' - ''Halo Library Edition Volume 2'']</ref>

==Plot synopsis==
Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|1]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|3]] focus on UNSC ''Infinity'''s mission to provide security for the [[Sangheili]]-[[Jiralhanae]] peace delegation on [[Ealen IV]] and their struggle for survival after [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant forces]] under the command of [[Vata 'Gajat]] attack the conference. In Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|4]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|6]], the ''Infinity'' crew track down the spy in the UNSC's ranks who leaked the location of the negotiations to the Covenant and face down the [[New Colonial Alliance]] and [[Daniel Clayton|Captain Daniel Clayton]], the true mastermind behind the attack. [[Halo: Escalation Issue 7|Issue 7]] focuses on [[Gabriel Thorne|Spartan Gabriel Thorne]]'s trip to the reopened [[New Phoenix]] to receive closure for his grandmother's death in the [[New Phoenix Incident|Didact's attack on the city]]. 

Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|8]], [[Halo: Escalation Issue 9|9]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|10]] form a story arc called ''"The Next 72 Hours"'' which details Spartan [[John-117]]'s fate immediately after the events of ''[[Halo 4]]''. Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|11]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|12]] comprise a story arc called ''"Exposure"'' in which Spartans [[Naiya Ray|Ray]] and Thorne are deployed on a mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious [[Bioweapon|biological weapon]]. The next four issues form another story arc, ''"Spartan Ops: The Janus Key"'',<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 12''</ref> that returns to the principal plot threads of ''Spartan Ops'', continuing the ongoing conflict between ''Infinity'' and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|forces]] and their struggle for control of the [[Janus Key]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}} Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 17|17]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 18|18]] comprise a story arc called ''"The Glass Horizon"'', which tells the mysterious origin of Spartan [[Holly Tanaka]].<ref name="HE17">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 17''</ref> 

Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|19]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|24]] comprise the last story arc called ''"Absolute Record"'', continuing the conflict between the UNSC and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant after the end of [[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue 16]], and gives an end to the story started in ''Spartan Ops''.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 19''</ref>

==Issues==
===Issue 1===
[[File:HaloEscalation1.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 1}}
'''Official summary:'''
{{Article quote|Halo®, the most celebrated video game series of all time, joins forces with Dark Horse for a thrilling new ongoing series! The UNSC flagship Infinity is assigned escort duty for a diplomatic mission between the Arbiter and a powerful chieftain of the Brute tribes—but when a rogue Covenant group attacks, it’s going to take all the firepower the Spartans have to keep the delegates alive!
* First issue of an all-new ongoing Halo series from Dark Horse!
* An essential addition to the Halo canon!
* The Halo franchise has sales eclipsing $3 billion over its lifetime!
* From Christopher Schlerf, lead writer of Halo 4!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-701/Halo-Escalation-1-Anthony-Palumbo-cover/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #1'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 2===
[[File:HaloEscalation2.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 2}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|As Sarah Palmer fights to get the Arbiter and the Brute Ambassador to safety, Captain Lasky sneaks behind enemy lines to reestablish communications with the UNSC Infinity. Their plans for escape are jeopardized, however, by a turncoat in their midst!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-702/Halo-Escalation-2/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #2'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 3===
[[File:HaloEscalation3.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 3}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|Commander Palmer confronts the [[Treason|traitor]] who has betrayed her team, as the Covenant closes in on their position. With time running out, Lasky is forced to make a costly sacrifice to save the peace delegation from the impending attack.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-703/Halo-Escalation-3/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #3'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}

===Issue 4===
[[File:HaloEscalation4.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 4}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|The UNSC Infinity is ambushed by an unexpected enemy while on a mission to rescue a damaged civilian freighter. Across the galaxy, an undercover Lasky enlists the help of an [[Petra Janecek|old friend]] in rooting out a spy inside the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-704/Halo-Escalation-4/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #4'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 5===
[[File:HaloEscalation5.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 5}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|Missing for thirty years, a legendary UNSC warship is discovered deep behind enemy lines. As Infinity plans a rescue mission, however, Admiral Hood’s past with the [[James Cutter|ship’s captain]] threatens to jeopardize the mission. The investigation into the UNSC saboteur continues as the journalist infiltrates an Elite holy land in search of answers.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-705/Halo-Escalation-5/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #5'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 6===
[[File:HaloEscalation6.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 6}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|The saga of [[Halo Wars]] enters the modern age as Infinity struggles to liberate the long-lost Spirit of Fire from the deadly Vata 'Gajat. Meanwhile, Petra's search for the identity of Infinity's spy could result in her death. The Halo universe is on the brink of a new galactic war!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-706/Halo-Escalation-6/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #6'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 7===
[[File:HaloEscalation7.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 7}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|“The Fall of [[New Phoenix]]” — eight months ago, an attack on [[Earth]] left seven million dead, including the family of Spartan Gabriel Thorne. Today the city has been opened from quarantine, and Thorne is going home to see what’s left... and what it has to do with the Master Chief.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-707/Halo-Escalation-7/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #7'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 8 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 1"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation8.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 8}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|The Master Chief returns in “The Next 72 Hours: Part 1”! After defeating the Didact, John-117 joined the crew of Infinity... but why did he leave? The mystery begins here. Halo® lead writer Brian Reed (Amazing Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel) reveals the secret events that immediately follow the end of Halo 4.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-708/Halo-Escalation-8/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #8'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 9 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 2"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation9.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 9}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|In the days following the events of Halo 4, the Master Chief faced one of his greatest challenges. Halo® lead writer Brian Reed (Amazing Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel) takes the Master Chief from the fires of Halo 4 to the pages of Escalation in “The Next 72 Hours” Part 2!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-709/Halo-Escalation-9/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #9'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 10 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 3"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation10.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 10}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|The Master Chief returns in "The Next 72 Hours" Part 3! What happened to the Master Chief immediately following the events of Halo 4, and what do those events mean for the future of the crew on the UNSC Infinity? Halo lead writer Brian Reed (Amazing Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel) and Ricardo Sánchez reveal all in the thrilling conclusion to this Halo event!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-710/Halo-Escalation-10/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #10'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 11 - ''"Exposure, Part 1"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation11.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 11}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|Spartans Ray and Thorne set out on a secret mission to uncover the origin of a monstrous new bioweapon... but is it too late to prevent total catastrophe? Halo lead writer Brian Reed (Amazing Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel), Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre), and Ricardo Sánchez (Green Arrow) team up to present one of the most dangerous Spartan ops yet!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-711/Halo-Escalation-11 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #11'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 12 - ''"Exposure, Part 2"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation12.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 12}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|“Exposure” part 2—Disaster looms as Spartans Ray and Thorne race against time to track down a mysterious new weapon of mass destruction. Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre, Bloodshot) and Ricardo Sánchez (Green Arrow) bring you the stunning conclusion of another action-packed chapter of the Halo saga!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-712/Halo-Escalation-12 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #12'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 13 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 1"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation13.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 13}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|Requiem has been destroyed, but the real war between Commander Sarah Palmer’s Spartans and Jul 'Mdama's New Covenant is just beginning... and everything hinges on control of one all-powerful artifact. Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre, Bloodshot) and Sergio Ariño (Ms. Marvel) team up for an all-new chapter of the Halo saga and a great jumping-on point for new readers!<ref name="HE13">[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-626/Halo-Escalation-13  '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #13'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 14 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 2"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation14.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 14}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|The brilliant but obsessed Dr. Catherine Halsey has allied herself with fanatical Covenant commander Jul 'Mdama... and now a deadly reckoning awaits the UNSC Infinity. The thrilling sequel to Halo 4's Spartan Ops continues in this four-part story by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre, Bloodshot), and Sergio Ariño (Ms. Marvel)!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-627/Halo-Escalation-14 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #14'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 15 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 3"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation15.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 15}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|On a treacherous planet, the UNSC Infinity battles the bloodthirsty Covenant for control of the [[Janus Key]] — and the Forerunner [[Ecumene|empire]]'s secrets... The action-packed sequel to Halo 4's Spartan Ops continues! Story by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre, Bloodshot), art by Sergio Ariño (Ms. Marvel)!<ref>[https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-628/Halo-Escalation-15 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #15'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 16 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 4"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation16.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 16}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|It's total war as Dr. Catherine Halsey and Covenant Commander Jul 'Mdama launch their final assault to regain control of the all-powerful Forerunner Janus Key. The thrilling Halo saga continues in this ongoing Halo 4 story by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Douglas Franchin (Person of Interest).<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-629/Halo-Escalation-16 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #16'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 17 - ''"The Glass Horizon, Part 1"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation17.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 17}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|“The Glass Horizon” part 1: An action-packed survival tale on the treacherous and barren glasslands of a Covenant-ravaged colony world... and a Spartan-IV's mysterious origin revealed in this two-part thriller by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Douglas Franchin (Person of Interest).<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-630/Halo-Escalation-17 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #17'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 18 - ''"The Glass Horizon, Part 2"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation18.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 18}}
'''Official summary'''
{{Article quote|“The Glass Horizon” part 2: On a Covenant-ravaged colony world, past and present converge for a tenacious young soldier on a high-risk search-and-rescue mission—the gritty conclusion to another chapter of the Halo saga by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Douglas Franchin (Person of Interest).<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-631/Halo-Escalation-18 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #18'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 19 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 1"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation19.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 19}}
{{Article quote|An unexpected ally joins a team of Spartans for a dangerous operation—a secret mission into a hidden Forerunner world where the mysterious site known as the Absolute Record awaits! The thrilling sequel to Halo® 4's Spartan Ops continues from Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Ian Richardson (Noble Causes).<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-632/Halo-Escalation-19 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #19'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 20 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 2"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation20.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 20}}
{{Article quote|“The Absolute Record” part 2 — Operation: ATHENA is underway and there is no turning back. Will Commander Palmer's team survive the treacherous journey into an ancient vault of Forerunner secrets? The thrilling sequel to Halo® 4's Spartan Ops continues from Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Ian Richardson (Noble Causes).<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-633/Halo-Escalation-20 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #20'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}

===Issue 21 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 3"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation21.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 21}}
{{Article quote|“The Absolute Record” part 3 — As Commander Palmer's Spartan team battles toward the core of the Absolute Record, a powerful new combatant enters the fray! The next chapter of the Halo saga continues here in this epic six-part sequel to Spartan Ops and The Janus Key.<ref name="HE21">[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-634/Halo-Escalation-21 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #21'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}

===Issue 22 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 4"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation22.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 22}}
{{Article quote|“The Absolute Record” part 4 — On a hidden world, Spartan Commander Palmer and the fugitive Dr. Catherine Halsey go head to head for control over the ultimate trove of Forerunner secrets. The six-part sequel to Spartan Ops ratchets up to its explosive conclusion in this thrilling issue by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Douglas Franchin (Person of Interest).<ref name="HE22">[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-635/Halo-Escalation-22 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #22'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}

===Issue 23 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 5"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation23.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 23}}
{{Article quote|“The Absolute Record” part 5 — The penultimate chapter of the battle for the Absolute Record... and the future of mankind! The epic six-part sequel to Spartan Ops continues here in this must-read issue by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Douglas Franchin (Person of Interest).<ref name="HE23">[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/26-636/Halo-Escalation-23 '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #23'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}
===Issue 24 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 6"''===
[[File:HaloEscalation24.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 24}}
{{Article quote|"The Absolute Record: Part 6" — The fugitive Dr. Catherine Halsey makes her final, defiant stand against Spartan Commander Palmer in the explosive conclusion of this epic six-part chapter of the Halo® saga by Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) and Douglas Franchin (Person of Interest).<ref name="HE24">[http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/call-of-duty-debuts-usagi-yojimbo-hits-150-in-dark-horses-november-2015-solicitations '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Dark Horse Comics November 2015 Solicitations'']</ref>}}
{{Clear}}

==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
;Major Characters
*[[Ayit 'Sevi]] {{1st}}
*[[Catherine Halsey]]
*[[Daniel Clayton]] {{1st}}
*[[Gabriel Thorne]]
*[[Holly Tanaka]]
*[[John-117]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama]]
*[[Naiya Ray]] {{1st}}
*[[Sarah Palmer]]
*[[Terrence Hood]]
*[[Thomas Lasky]]
*[[Ur-Didact]]
;Minor Characters
*[[049 Abject Testament]] {{Mo}}
*[[859 Static Carillon]] {{1st}}
*[[Andrew Del Rio]] {{Mo}}
*[[Anthony Madsen]]
*[[Bradley]] {{1st}}
*[[Carlo Hoya]]
*[[Cortana]]
*[[Dellert]] {{1st}}
*[[Dunn (Spartan-IV)|Dunn]] {{1st}}
*[[Frederic-104]]
*[[French (Captain)|French]] {{1st}}
*[[Gomez]] {{1st}}
*[[Henry Glassman]]
*[[Thorne family|Grandma Ayres]] {{1st}}
*[[Thorne family|Grandpa Ayres]] {{1st}}
*[[Hogan]] {{1st}}
*[[Hong]] {{1st}}
*[[Horatio Temkin]] {{Fm}}
*[[Jacob Keyes]]
*[[James (lieutenant)|James]]
*[[James Cutter]]
*[[Jared Miller]]
*[[Jespersen]] {{1st}}
*[[Joel Thomas]]
*[[Jones (Spartan-IV)|Jones]] {{1st}}
*[[Jun-A266]] {{Mo}}
*[[Kelly-087]]
*[[Kig-Yar Pirate Queen]] {{1st}}
*[['Lordan]] {{1st}}
*[[Librarian]]
*[[Linda-058]]
*[[Lydus]] {{1st}}
*[[Margaret-053]]
*[[Mary Cutter]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mattius Drake]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mendicant Bias]] {{Im}}
*[[Newman]] {{1st}}
*[[Nicolas Strauss]]
*[[Otto-031]]
*[[Paul DeMarco]]
*[[Petra Janecek]]
*[[Roland]]
*[[Roma-143]]
*[[Ruth Charet]] {{1st}}
*[[Ryder]]
*[[Sali 'Nyon]] {{1st}}
*[[Serin Osman]]
*[[Tedra Grant]]
*[[TJ Murphy]]
*[[Tek]] {{1st}}
*[[Thel 'Vadam]]
*[[To]] {{1st}}
*[[Vata 'Gajat]] {{1st}}
*[[Victor-101]]
*[[Vladimir Scruggs]]
*[[Zef 'Trahl]] {{1st}}
|title-2=Species|
*[[Forerunner]]
*[[Flood]]
*[[Human]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
*[[Kig-Yar]]
**[[T'vaoan]]
**[[Ruuhtian]]
**[[Ibie'shan]]
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[San'Shyuum]] {{Mo}}
*[[Sangheili]]
*[[Unggoy]]
*[[Yonhet]] {{1st}}
|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Covenant]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]] {{1st}}
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]] {{1st}}
*[[Ecumene]]
**[[Warrior-Servant]]
***[[Promethean]]
*[[Insurrectionist]]
**[[New Colonial Alliance]]
*[[Master-pack|Jiralhanae master-pack]]
**[[Lydus' clan]]
*[[Sanghelios|Sanghelios government]]
**[[Ascetics]]
*[[United Nations Space Command]]
**[[UNSC High Command]]
***[[UNSC Security Council]]
****[[UNSC Defense Force]]
*****[[Spartan Operations|Spartan]]
******[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
*******[[Fireteam Bailey]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Colossus]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Domino]] {{Mo}}
*******[[Fireteam Fenrir]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Jackknife]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Majestic]]
*****[[UNSC Air Force]]
*****[[UNSC Army]]
******[[UNSC Army Corps of Engineers]] {{1st}}
*****[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
******[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
*****[[UNSC Navy]]
******[[UNSC Fleet Command]]
*******[[Orbital Defense Command]]
******[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]]
*******[[SPARTAN-II program]]
********[[Blue Team]]
******[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
*******[[Team Black]]
|title-4=Locations|
*[[Absolute Record]] {{1st}}
*[[Aktis system]] {{1st}}
**[[Aktis IV]] {{1st}}
*[[Artesia-702 system]] {{1st}}
*[[Bhaakto system]] {{1st}}
**[[Alluvion]] {{1st}}
***[[Fallow]] {{1st}}
*[[Cleyell]] {{1st}}
*[[Ur-Didact|Didact]]'s world {{1st}}
**[[Composer's Forge]] {{1st}}
*[[Ealen system]] {{1st}}
**[[Ealen IV]] {{1st}}
*[[Epoloch system]]
**[[Requiem]]
***[[Galileo Base]] {{Mo}}
***[[Librarian's Rest]]
*[[Epsilon Eridani system]]
**[[Tribute]] {{Mo}}
*[[Eridanus system]]
**[[Eridanus II]]
***[[Elysium City]]
****[[Elysium City Primary Education Facility Number 119]]
*[[Escala system]] {{1st}}
**[[Escala III]] {{1st}}
***[[Castiglione]] {{1st}}
*[[Karava]] {{1st}}
**[[Kor Delban]] {{1st}}
*[[Khaphrae system]]
**[[Installation 03]]
***[[Control Room (Installation 03)|Control room]]
***[[Composer's Abyss]] {{1st}}
**[[Ivanoff Station]]
*[[Midnight Facility]] {{Mo}}
*[[Minab]] {{1st}}
**[[Kynur]] {{1st}}
*[[Oban]]
**[[Saviron]]
*[[Oth Lodon]] {{1st}}
**[[Oth Lodon station]] {{1st}}
*[[Oth Sonin system]]
**[[Doisac]] {{Mo}}
*[[Procyon system]]
**[[Arcadia]]
***[[Pishon]] {{1st}}
***[[Gihon]] {{1st}}
*[[Soell system]]
**[[Threshold]]
***[[Basis]]
***[[Installation 04]]
*[[Sol system]] 
**[[Earth]]
***[[Australia]]
****[[Sydney]]
*****[[HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6]]
***[[United Republic of North America]]
****[[Chicago]] {{Mo}}
****[[Los Angeles]] {{Fm}}
****[[New Phoenix]]
*****Flagstaff {{Fm}}
*****Phoenix {{Fm}}
****[[New York City]] {{Mo}}
**[[Luna]]
***[[Mare Imbrium]]
****[[Ankara]] {{Mo}}
**[[Mars]] {{Mo}}
*[[Urs system]]
*[[Ven system]] {{1st}}
**[[Ven III]] {{1st}}
|title-5=Events|
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
**[[Battle for Arcadia]]
**[[Battle for Alluvion]] {{1st}}
**[[Fall of Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
*[[Human-Forerunner wars]] {{Mo}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Raid on UNSC Infinity|Raid on UNSC ''Infinity'']] {{Mo}}
**[[Mission to Cleyell]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Requiem]]
**[[Raid on Ivanoff Station]]
**[[New Phoenix Incident]]
**[[Skirmish on Installation 03]] {{1st}}
**[[Requiem Campaign]]
**[[Battle of Ealen IV]] {{1st}}
**[[Ambush at Oth Lodon]] {{1st}}
**[[Operation: WHISTLE STOP]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Oban]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Aktis IV]] {{1st}}
**[[Operation: ATHENA]] {{1st}}
|title-6=Vehicles|
*[[AC-220 Vulture]]
*[[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]
*{{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
**''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Song of Retribution]]''
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
*{{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}
**''[[Radiant Perception]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}
*{{Class|Charon|light frigate}}
**{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}
*[[Covenant cargo tug]] {{1st}}
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]
*[[D79-TC Pelican]]
*[[D82-EST Darter|Darter variant]]
*[[Diplomatic shuttle]]
**''[[DS-004]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Mjern|agricultural support ship}}
*[[F-41 Broadsword]]
*[[Freighter]]
**''[[Pilgrims Pride]]'' {{1st}}
*[[GA-TL1 Longsword]]
*{{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}
**{{UNSCShip|Roman Blue}} {{1st}}
*[[M12 Warthog]]
**[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]
*[[M808 Scorpion]]
*''[[Mantle's Approach]]''
*{{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}
*[[Mark IX Mantis ADS]]
*[[OF92 Booster Frame]]
*[[Orbital defense platform]]
**''[[Oaxaca Station]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Varric|heavy cruiser}} {{Mo}}
*{{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}
**{{UNSCShip|Cascadia}} {{1st}}
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}
*{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}
*{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}
*[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]]
*{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}
*[[Type-26 Banshee]] 
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*{{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}}
*[[Type-31 Seraph]]
*{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}
*{{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}
*{{Pattern|Wuzum|Spectre}}
*{{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}
*{{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}}
*{{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}}
*[[UNSC Destroyer]]
*{{UNSCShip|Infinity}}
*[[UNSC Prowler]]
**{{Class|Sahara|heavy prowler}}
*{{UNSCShip|Vociferous}} {{C|First mentioned}}
|title-7=Weapons|
*[[80mm ball-mounted rotary cannon]]
*[[ARC-920 railgun|ARC-920]]
*[[Bioweapon]]
*[[BR85HB battle rifle|BR85 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle]]
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Focus cannon]]
*[[H-295 Forward Observer Module]]
*[[Hardlight blade]]
*[[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]
*[[M11 Combat Knife]]
*[[M202 XP machine gun]]
*[[M247H machine gun]]
*[[M247T medium machine gun]]
*[[M363 sticky detonator]]
*[[M392 DMR|M392 Designated Marksmen Rifle]]
*[[M395 DMR|M395 Designated Marksman Rifle]]
*[[M41 Extended Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]
*[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D Tactical Shotgun]]
*[[M46 Vulcan]]
*[[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]]
*[[M6H magnum|M6H Personal Defense Weapon System]]
*[[M739 SAW|M739 Light Machine Gun]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[M92 Principle Gauss Cannon]]
*[[MA5D assault rifle|MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System]]
*[[Multiple Independently Targeted Vehicle Pod]]
*[[Petra Janecek's revolver]] {{1st}}
*[[Plasma turret]]
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
*[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]]
*{{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*{{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}}
*{{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}
*{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}
*{{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}
*[[Unidentified shotgun]] {{1st}}
*[[Z-110 Boltshot]]
*[[Z-130 Suppressor]]
*[[Z-180 Scattershot]]
*[[Z-250 lightrifle]]
*[[Z-750 Binary Rifle]]
|title-8=Technology and equipment|
*[[Activation index]]
*[[Active camouflage]]
**[[Type-3 active camouflage]]
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
**[[Ancilla]]
***[[Monitor]]
***[[Metarch]]
****[[Contender-class artificial intelligence|''Contender''-class artificial intelligence]]
**[[Avatar]]
**[[Promethean Crawler]]
**[[Promethean Knight]]
**[[Promethean Watcher]]
*[[Binoculars]]
*[[War Games|Combat simulation deck]]
*[[Composer]]
*[[Covenant communication node]]
*[[Covenant drop pod]]
*[[Covenant spy probe]]
*[[Cryonics]]
**[[Cryo chamber]]
*[[Data pad]]
*[[Deployable lookout tower]]
*[[Design seed]]
*[[Durance]]
**[[Didact's Gift]]
*[[Energy shackle]]
*[[Fiber optic probe]]
*[[Forerunner personal armor]]
**[[Combat skin]]
*[[Gravity lift]]
*[[Hardlight]]
**[[Z-90 hardlight shield]]
*[[Helmet recorder]]
*[[Holography]]
**[[Holo-still]]
**[[Holotank]]
*[[The Core|Installation control room core]]
*[[Janus Key]]
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]]
**[[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captain Major]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]] variant
*[[Kig-Yar]] combat harness
**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]] variant
**[[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]] variant
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
*[[Kig-Yar targeting headgear]]
*[[Log buoy]] {{Mo}}
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#First generation|MJOLNIR [GEN1]]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Argus|Argus]] variant {{1st}}
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Black|Black]] 
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Centurion|Centurion]] variant {{1st}}
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Hermes|Hermes]] variant {{1st}}
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] {{C|Modified variant}}
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/K variant|Commando]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/FOTUS|FOTUS]] variant {{C|Forearms only}}<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-1-15-15-just-getting-started/1091aee3-f861-4b8b-b405-f3dfd01a4e65/posts?page=2#post32 '''Halo Waypoint Forums''' - ''Canon Fodder 1-15-15: Just Getting Started (Catalog Answer)'']</ref>
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/HAZOP|HAZOP]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Infiltrator|Infiltrator]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Operator|Operator]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Pathfinder|Pathfinder]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/R variant|Recon]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Recruit|Recruit]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant|Scout]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Soldier|Soldier]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Technician|Technician]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/War Master|War Master]] variant
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[ODST armor]]
*[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
*[[Plasma battery]]
*[[Retinal scanner]]
*[[Requiem slipspace artifacts]] {{Mo}}
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
**[[Arbiter body armor]]
**[[Ascetic harness|Ascetic]] variant
**[[Assault harness|Assault]] variant
**[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]] variant
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] variant
**[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]] variant
**[[Sangheili Warrior|Warrior]] variant
**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] variant
*[[T'vaoan|Skirmisher]] combat harness
**[[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]] variant
*[[Shock device]] {{1st}}
*[[Sentinel]]
**[[Aggressor Sentinel]]
*[[Slipspace portal]]
*[[Spy drone]] {{1st}}
*[[Telemetry probe]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
**[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]] variant
**[[Unggoy Imperial|Imperial]] variant
**[[Unggoy Major|Major]] variant
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]] variant
*[[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform]]
*[[UNSC Navy uniforms]]
**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]
*[[UNSC tactical eyepiece]]
*[[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]]
}}

==Production notes==
*Though the series primarily uses ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s designs for the Covenant species and their equipment, the ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' incarnations of certain elements appear occasionally throughout the series. Most notably, Lydus resembles the Brutes seen in ''Halo: Reach'', yet his bodyguards are clearly drawn in their ''Halo 3'' likeness. Curiously, despite his recognizable classic appearance, ''Escalation'' [[Thel 'Vadam#Production notes|depicts the Arbiter]] much like the Sangheili in ''Halo 4'' with regard to his skin tone and mouth structure. Vata Gajat's combat harness is based on a piece of concept art for ''[[Halo 4]]'', exploring the possibility that [[hard light]] technology could be incorporated into Sangheili armor.<ref>[[:File:Halo 4 Sangheili harness concept art.jpg|Sangheili harness concept art for ''Halo 4'']]</ref>
*Throughout the first three issues Banshees are depicted in their unpiloted stance even though they are flying. Similarly, in Issue 1 they are shown firing thin beams at DS-004, rather than the bolts that they canonically fire. This is similar to the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' box art and very well may be a deliberate homage.

==Gallery==
===Issue art===
<gallery>
File:Halo Escalation 1.jpg|Issue #1 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 1 Variant.jpg|Issue #1 variant cover art by [[Kenneth Scott]]
File:Halo Escalation 2.jpg|Issue #2 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 3.jpg|Issue #3 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 4.jpg|Issue #4 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo-Escalation5.jpg|Issue #5 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 6.jpg|Issue #6 cover art by Sparth
File:Halo Escalation 7.jpg|Issue #7 cover art by Sparth
File:HE cover full.jpg|The full concept art of Issues #6 and #7
File:Halo Escalation 8.jpg|Issue #8 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 9.jpg|Issue #9 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 10.jpg|Issue #10 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 11.jpg|Issue #11 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 12.jpg|Issue #12 cover art by Anthony Palumbo
File:Halo Escalation 13.jpg|Issue #13 cover art by Daniel Chavez
File:Halo Escalation 14.jpg|Issue #14 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
File:Halo Escalation 15.jpg|Issue #15 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
File:Halo Escalation 16.jpg|Issue #16 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
File:Halo Escalation 17.jpg|Issue #17 cover art by Sparth
File:Halo Escalation 18.jpg|Issue #18 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
File:Escalation cover 19.jpg|Issue #19 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
File:Halo Escalation 20.jpg|Issue #20 cover art by Isaac Hannaford
File:Halo Escalation 21.jpg|Issue #21 cover art by Isaac Hannaford
File:Halo Escalation 22.jpg|Issue #22 cover art by Isaac Hannaford
File:Halo Escalation 23.jpg|Issue #23 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
File:Halo Escalation 24.jpg|Issue #24 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
</gallery>

===Collections===
<gallery>
File:HaloEscalationVol1.jpg|The cover of ''Volume 1''.
File:Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg|The cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #1''
File:Halo Escalation Library Edition 2.jpg|The cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2''
File:Halo_Escalation_Library_Edition_Volume_2_full.jpg|Cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2'' without logos.
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{Navbox/Media/Comic}}
[[Category:Canon|Escalation]]
[[Category:Comics|Escalation]]