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Halo: Escalation

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Halo: Escalation
Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg
Attribution information

Author(s):

Cover artist(s):

Illustrator(s):

  • Sergio Ariño, Ricardo Sanchez Arreola, Douglas Franchin & Ian Richardson (pencillers)
  • Juan Castro, Rob Lean & Denis Freitas (inkers)
  • Michael Atiyeh (colorist)
Publication information

Publisher:

Dark Horse Comics

Publication date:

 

Halo: Escalation is a comic book series produced by Dark Horse Comics.[2] It focuses on "how the events of Halo 4 have helped define the destiny not only of the Chief but of the galaxy as a whole".[3] 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 UNSC Infinity shortly after the events of Spartan Ops, particularly during their encounters with remnants of the Covenant and the resurgent Insurrection. However, the third story arc ("The Next 72 Hours") instead acts as an epilogue to Halo 4 and takes place six months before the greater part of the series.

Halo: Escalation was originally marketed as a limited-run series consisting of 12 issues;[4] 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.[5] Halo: Escalation - Volume 2 (collecting Issues #7-12) was released on April 21, 2015,[6] Halo: Escalation - Volume 3 (collecting Issues #13-18) was released on September 22, 2015,[7] and Halo: Escalation - Volume 4 (collecting Issues #19-24) was released on March 22, 2016.[8]

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.[9] The second and last Library Edition (collecting Volumes 3 and 4), was released on June 27, 2017.[10] Dark Horse Comics later released two softcover "Omnibuses" collecting both Initiation and Escalation Volumes 1 through 4 similarly to the previous Library Editions. Halo Omnibus Volume #1 (collecting all of Initiation and the first year of Escalation) was published on November 28, 2018.[11] Halo Omnibus Volume #2 (collecting the remaining half of Escalation) was published on May 1, 2019.[12] The entire series was bundled once more with Initiation into a single trade paperback compendium entitled Halo: Initiation and Escalation that was released on November 2, 2022.[13]

Plot synopsis[edit]

Issues 1 to 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 Covenant forces under the command of Vata 'Gajat attack the conference. In Issues 4 to 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 Captain Daniel Clayton, the true mastermind behind the attack. Issue 7 focuses on Spartan Gabriel Thorne's trip to the reopened New Phoenix to receive closure for his grandmother's death in the Didact's attack on the city.

Issues 8, 9 and 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 11 and 12 comprise a story arc called "Exposure" in which Spartans Ray and Thorne are deployed on a mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious biological weapon. The next four issues form another story arc, "Spartan Ops: The Janus Key",[14] that returns to the principal plot threads of Spartan Ops, continuing the ongoing conflict between Infinity and Jul 'Mdama's forces and their struggle for control of the Janus Key.[15] Issues 17 and 18 comprise a story arc called "The Glass Horizon", which tells the mysterious origin of Spartan Holly Tanaka.[16]

Issues 19 to 24 comprise the last story arc called "Absolute Record", continuing the conflict between the UNSC and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant after the end of Issue 16, and gives an end to the story started in Spartan Ops.[17]

Issues[edit]

Issue 1[edit]

HaloEscalation1.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 1

Official summary:

“ 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![18]
 ”

Issue 2[edit]

HaloEscalation2.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 2

Official summary

“ 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![19] ”

Issue 3[edit]

HaloEscalation3.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 3

Official summary

“ Commander Palmer confronts the 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.[20] ”

Issue 4[edit]

HaloEscalation4.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 4

Official summary

“ 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 old friend in rooting out a spy inside the UNSC.[21] ”

Issue 5[edit]

HaloEscalation5.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 5

Official summary

“ 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 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.[22] ”

Issue 6[edit]

HaloEscalation6.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 6

Official summary

“ 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![23] ”

Issue 7[edit]

HaloEscalation7.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 7

Official summary

“ “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.[24] ”

Issue 8 - "The Next 72 Hours, Part 1"[edit]

HaloEscalation8.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 8

Official summary

“ 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.[25] ”

Issue 9 - "The Next 72 Hours, Part 2"[edit]

HaloEscalation9.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 9

Official summary

“ 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![26] ”

Issue 10 - "The Next 72 Hours, Part 3"[edit]

HaloEscalation10.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 10

Official summary

“ 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![27] ”

Issue 11 - "Exposure, Part 1"[edit]

HaloEscalation11.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 11

Official summary

“ 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![28] ”

Issue 12 - "Exposure, Part 2"[edit]

HaloEscalation12.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 12

Official summary

“ “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![29] ”

Issue 13 - "The Janus Key, Part 1"[edit]

HaloEscalation13.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 13

Official summary

“ 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![15] ”

Issue 14 - "The Janus Key, Part 2"[edit]

HaloEscalation14.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 14

Official summary

“ 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)![30] ”

Issue 15 - "The Janus Key, Part 3"[edit]

HaloEscalation15.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 15

Official summary

“ On a treacherous planet, the UNSC Infinity battles the bloodthirsty Covenant for control of the Janus Key — and the Forerunner 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)![31] ”

Issue 16 - "The Janus Key, Part 4"[edit]

HaloEscalation16.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 16

Official summary

“ 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).[32] ”

Issue 17 - "The Glass Horizon, Part 1"[edit]

HaloEscalation17.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 17

Official summary

“ “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).[33] ”

Issue 18 - "The Glass Horizon, Part 2"[edit]

HaloEscalation18.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 18

Official summary

“ “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).[34] ”

Issue 19 - "The Absolute Record, Part 1"[edit]

HaloEscalation19.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 19
“ 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).[35] ”

Issue 20 - "The Absolute Record, Part 2"[edit]

HaloEscalation20.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 20
“ “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).[36] ”

Issue 21 - "The Absolute Record, Part 3"[edit]

HaloEscalation21.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 21
“ “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.[37] ”

Issue 22 - "The Absolute Record, Part 4"[edit]

HaloEscalation22.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 22
“ “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).[38] ”

Issue 23 - "The Absolute Record, Part 5"[edit]

HaloEscalation23.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 23
“ “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).[39] ”

Issue 24 - "The Absolute Record, Part 6"[edit]

HaloEscalation24.jpg
Main article: Halo: Escalation Issue 24
“ "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).[40] ”

Appearances[edit]

Characters

Major Characters
Minor Characters

Species

Organizations

Locations

Events

Vehicles

Weapons

Technology and equipment



Production notes[edit]

  • Though the series primarily uses Halo 4'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 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.[42]
  • 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[edit]

Issue art[edit]

  • Issue #1 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #1 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #1 variant cover art by Kenneth Scott

    Issue #1 variant cover art by Kenneth Scott

  • Issue #2 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #2 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #3 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #3 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #4 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #4 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #5 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #5 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #6 cover art by Sparth

    Issue #6 cover art by Sparth

  • Issue #7 cover art by Sparth

    Issue #7 cover art by Sparth

  • The full concept art of Issues #6 and #7

    The full concept art of Issues #6 and #7

  • Issue #8 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #8 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #9 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #9 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #10 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #10 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #11 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #11 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #12 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

    Issue #12 cover art by Anthony Palumbo

  • Issue #13 cover art by Daniel Chavez

    Issue #13 cover art by Daniel Chavez

  • Issue #14 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #14 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

  • Issue #15 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #15 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

  • Issue #16 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #16 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

  • Issue #17 cover art by Sparth

    Issue #17 cover art by Sparth

  • Issue #18 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #18 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

  • Issue #19 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #19 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

  • Issue #20 cover art by Isaac Hannaford

    Issue #20 cover art by Isaac Hannaford

  • Issue #21 cover art by Isaac Hannaford

    Issue #21 cover art by Isaac Hannaford

  • Issue #22 cover art by Isaac Hannaford

    Issue #22 cover art by Isaac Hannaford

  • Issue #23 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #23 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

  • Issue #24 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

    Issue #24 cover art by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach

Collections[edit]

  • The cover of Volume 1.

    The cover of Volume 1.

  • The cover of the Library Edition Volume #1

    The cover of the Library Edition Volume #1

  • The cover of the Library Edition Volume #2

    The cover of the Library Edition Volume #2

  • Cover of the Library Edition Volume #2 without logos.

    Cover of the Library Edition Volume #2 without logos.

  • The cover of Halo: Initiation and Escalation.

    The cover of Halo: Initiation and Escalation.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Dark Horse, Initiation and Escalation (Retrieved on Oct 22, 2022) [archive]
  2. ^ Dark Horse: Dark Horse Announces All-New Halo Ongoing Series: Escalation!
  3. ^ Wired: Dark Horse Will Turn World of Halo 4 Into Ongoing Comic Series
  4. ^ pbs.twimg.com - Halo: Escalation Giveaway
  5. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation Volume 1
  6. ^ Amazon: Halo: Escalation Volume 2
  7. ^ Amazon: Halo: Escalation Volume 3
  8. ^ Penguin Random House Halo: Escalation Volume 4
  9. ^ Comic Book Resources: Dark Horse Comics March 2016 Solicitations
  10. ^ Amazon.com - Halo Library Edition Volume 2
  11. ^ Dark Horse - Halo Omnibus Volume 1
  12. ^ Dark Horse - Halo Omnibus Volume 2
  13. ^ Dark Horse - Halo: Initiation and Escalation
  14. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 12
  15. ^ a b Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #13
  16. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 17
  17. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 19
  18. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #1
  19. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #2
  20. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #3
  21. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #4
  22. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #5
  23. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #6
  24. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #7
  25. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #8
  26. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #9
  27. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #10
  28. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #11
  29. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #12
  30. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #14
  31. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #15
  32. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #16
  33. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #17
  34. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #18
  35. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #19
  36. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #20
  37. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #21
  38. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #22
  39. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #23
  40. ^ Dark Horse Comics: Dark Horse Comics November 2015 Solicitations
  41. ^ Halo Waypoint Forums - Canon Fodder 1-15-15: Just Getting Started (Catalog Answer)
  42. ^ Sangheili harness concept art for Halo 4

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