Editing Halo Graphic Novel

{{Title|''Halo Graphic Novel''}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{Novel infobox
|image=[[File:HGN_Cover_WIP.jpg|325px]]
|author=[[Lee Hammock]], Jay Faerber, [[Tsutomu Nihei]], Brett Lewis, Simon Bisley, Ed Lee, Moebius.
|publisher=Marvel Comics
|publication=July 19, 2006
|media=Print (Hardcover)
|length=128 pages
|ISBN=[[Special:BookSources/0785123725|0785123725]], [[Special:BookSources/978-0785123729|978-0785123729]]
}}

The '''''Halo Graphic Novel''''' is a graphic novel anthology published by [[Marvel Comics]] in partnership with [[Bungie|Bungie Studios]]. The ''Halo'' series began with the award-winning popular video game ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', which spawned several books as well as video game sequels, and is focused on the story of future [[humanity]] fighting against a powerful collective of races called the [[Covenant]]. The ''Halo Graphic Novel'' is the series' first entry into the sequential art medium, and features aspects of the [[halo universe|''Halo'' universe]] which until then had not been discussed or seen in any medium.

The majority of the book is divided into four short stories by writers and artists from the computer game and comic industries. Each tale focuses on different aspects of the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' universe]], revealing stories that are tangential to the main plot of the game. The book also contains an extensive art gallery compiled of contributions from Bungie, Marvel and independent sources. Released on July 19, 2006,<ref name="ISBN">'''Halo Graphic Novel'''</ref> the ''Halo Graphic Novel'' was well-received, with reviewers noting the cohesiveness of the work as a whole, as well as the diversity of the individual material. The success of the novel led to Marvel announcing a new limited comic series,<ref name="2007 Comic Announcement"/> which became known as ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.

==Background and publication==
Bungie Studios' original concept of the graphic novel was to bring the ''[[Halo]]'' series into new media beyond that of video games, with sequential art being the main focus.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel">[http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/714/714462p1.html '''IGN''': ''Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel (Part I)'']</ref> Initially unsuccessful in its pursuit of finding a partner and an effective license agreement, Lorraine McLees—an artist on the ''Halo'' development team—suggested that Bungie Studios finance and edit the novel itself before pursuing a publisher. This would allow the studio to maintain control over the content and pursue the venture unencumbered by outside intervention.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel"/> This also gave the studio greater access to various artists that it hoped would contribute; the novel’s executive producer Brian Jarrad noted the procedure of creating the novel independently and outside the "traditional comic process" would prevent the "conflicts of interest and politics and allegiances" that could potentially arise if they approached a publisher or partner first.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel"/> Lead designer Maria Cabardo created a "dream team" roster of writers and artists Bungie admired, and through a period of negotiation Bungie was able to gain contributions from many of those named on the list.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel"/> Buoyed by their success in approaching those in the medium that they respected and admired, including British comic book artist Simon Bisley and French artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud, the progress of ''Halo Graphic Novel'' was described as a "cool morale boost for our team to see their universe, their characters, realized by people that we idolize in the comic industry."<ref name="Inside Bungie">[http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2007/01/inside_bungie.php '''Edge Magazine''': ''Inside Bungie'']</ref>

The novel was completed after a two-year development cycle and Bungie sought out a publisher, eventually approaching [[Marvel Comics]]. Bungie cited Marvel's "passion for ''Halo''" and "reach in the comic and publishing industry" as the main draws to the company.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel"/> The studio worked alongside Marvel director of development Ruwan Jayatilleke, an early champion of the project, to assist in the distribution and publication of the novel.<ref name="Newsarama: Inside the Halo Graphic Novel"/><ref name="Bungie HGN announcement">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070203055515/http://halo.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=HGNJedi631sucks '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Official Announcement'']</ref>

The stories themselves were designed as glimpses into the ''Halo'' universe, including information on the inner workings of the alien [[Covenant]], as well as details regarding elements of the back-story that were hitherto undisclosed. Jarrad explained that "The stories that happen off camera, the parallel events to the arcs that our fans know from the existing mediums, are the stories we really wanted to tell."<ref name="Newsarama: Inside the Halo Graphic Novel">[http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Halo/HGNPre/HaloGN.html '''Newsarama''': ''Inside the Halo Graphic Novel'']</ref> Jarrad further described this as an attempt to move away from the story of the [[John-117|Master Chief]], the central character of the franchise, and focus instead on what they believed to be the core themes that lay behind the game universe, such as maintaining hope in the face of overwhelming odds and humanity's struggle for survival; themes that extended beyond "… a genetically enhanced super soldier picking up two guns and kicking some alien butt."<ref name="Newsarama: Inside the Halo Graphic Novel"/> The four stories that ended up in the final publication were "the most interesting to [[Bungie]] and the writers of [the novel]".<ref name="halo effect"/> Although Bungie created the story arcs present in the ''Halo Graphic Novel'', the studio described the importance of providing a framework for each story that the various artists and writers could tell without jeopardizing their own voice.<ref name="Newsarama: Inside the Halo Graphic Novel"/> Artist Simon Bisley said that "the stress was to make the characters look very much as they do in the game. Beyond that point I was given free rein to interpret the script and the action" based on what was given to the artists and writers.<ref name="halo effect">[http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-05-10-halo-graphic-novel_x.htm '''USA Today''': ''The non-stop 'Halo' effect'']</ref>

During development of the Halo Graphic Novel, Trautmann set up a franchise group for Halo media and was told that Bungie were unhapppy with the creative team, consisting of [[Wikipedia:John Ney Rieber|John Ney Rieber]] and [[Wikipedia:Adi Granov|Adi Granov]], and was told by [[Pete Parsons]] that Bungie would rather have [[Wikipedia:Alan Moore|Alan Moore]] and [[Wikipedia:Joe Kubert|Joe Kubert]].<ref>[http://scifishow.libsyn.com/005-dc-reboot-trautmann-interview-round-2-of-our-quiz '''The Sci Fi Show''': ''Episode 005: DC Reboot/Eric Trautmann'']</ref>

===Supplemental===
Located after the main body of stories is a selection of art pieces that represent interpretations of the ''Halo'' universe from a number of comic book artists. These contributors include Doug Alexander, Rick Berry, Geof Darrow, and more than twenty-five others, both freelance and from [[Bungie|Bungie Studios]]—including lead composer [[Martin O'Donnell]].<ref>[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/hgn_preview/index.html?display=inside_front_cover '''Halo.Bungie.Org''': ''"Halo Graphic Novel Preview": Front Cover'']</ref>

A few promotional pieces were created before the ''Halo Graphic Novel'''s release date, including a sixteen-page preview, released May 31, 2006, which contained Bungie's introductions to each story along with short excerpts of each story.<ref name="Bunge: 16 Page Preview Comic">[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/hgn_preview/ '''Halo.Bungie.Org''': ''"Halo Graphic Novel Preview"'']</ref> A full-color poster of the book's cover was released on June 28, 2006.<ref name="Online poster">[http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/712/712165p1.html '''IGN''': ''"Halo Graphic Novel Poster Preview"'']</ref>

==Stories==
===The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor===
{{Main|The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor}}
This story takes place during the events of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. When communications from a [[Covenant agricultural support ship]], the ''[[Infinite Succor]]'', are mysteriously terminated, [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee, also known as Half-Jaw, and his squad of Special Force are sent to investigate. What they find is a peril more deadly and terrifying than any human threat; creatures never officially seen before by Covenant nor human eyes alike.

===Armor Testing===
{{Main|Armor Testing}}
Set just before the events of ''Halo 2'', ''Armor Testing'' tells the story of [[Maria-062]] who tested the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI armor]] before it was handed over to John-117.

===Breaking Quarantine===
{{Main|Breaking Quarantine}}
One of the untold tales from Halo is [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]]'s escape from the clutches of the [[Flood]] menace. It reveals how one of the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]'s toughest [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] got out of an inescapable trap. It also resembles Japanese comics as the artist who drew it was Tsutomu Nikei, even as he tried to avoid it being too 'Manga-ish'. He enjoys how Americans are more 'gun friendly'. The story is written in Japanese lettering.

===Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa===
{{Main|Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa}}
One of the first depictions of [[civilian]] life in the ''Halo'' universe, ''Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa'' follows the [[Battle of Mombasa|Covenant invasion of Mombasa]] from the viewpoint of [[Benjamin Giraud]], a journalist and war photographer in the employ of ONI's Section II. The story was illustrated by [[Wikipedia:Jean Giraud|Jean "Moebius" Giraud]].

===Page 122===
[[File:Page 122.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Pg 122, an intriguing piece of gallery art.]]
{{Main|Halo Graphic Novel, Page 122}}
A puzzle of valuable information about the Spartan program and [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Avery Johnson]]. In the Gallery Art in the Halo Graphic Novel, '''Pg122''', there is a page with two main boxes of text along with pictures and maps of [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE]]. The text boxes contain one chat log between two people and the other appears to be a log of a data query. 

The identities of persons mentioned by the two users (identified as '[[mike44236]]' and '[[echo23023]]') can be determined by translating their military format designations (which appear to be based upon the current NATO phonetic alphabet). For example, when mike44236 refers to an "interest spike on alpha juliett juliett 20114," he is obviously referring to Johnson. If one examines the 'Project: ORION\RESTRICTED ACCESS' emblem in the upper left-hand corner, Johnson's name is listed below the skull symbol as 'CRPL Johnson, Avery Junior.' Below that is his service number (48789-20114-AJ). The numeric string '20114' is present in both the chat box and operative summary. Thus, 'alpha juliett juliett 20114' can be translated as 'Avery Johnson Junior 20114.' The matter of Johnson's name being listed in two different formats (sometimes as Avery J. Johnson) with two service numbers ending in different numeric sequences, has yet to be explained.

Subsequently, in the following lines of dialogue, 'charlie hotel 4695' can be translated as '[[Catherine Halsey]] 4695' (her Civilian Identification Number is 10141-026-SRB'''4695'''). Also, 'juliett alpha 20101' likely refers to [[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]]. 

Surrounding the boxes are pictures and maps of above mentioned operation and other related smaller text areas. The information provided by the combination of these logs seem to imply that [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Avery Johnson]] is a [[ORION Project|Spartan]] from the ORION (Spartan-I) program. The image itself looks like a shot of someone's desk.

==Reception==
Critical reaction from both the gaming community and the comic book community was positive. UGO Networks praised the novel, citing the wealth of contributions from recognized artists and the strength of the material in fleshing out the ''Halo'' universe as the work's greatest strength.<ref name="UGO Review">[http://www.ugo.com/channels/comics/features/halo/default.asp '''UGO''': ''Review'']</ref><ref name="IGN Review">[http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/719/719171p1.html '''IGN Review''': ''Halo Graphic Novel'']</ref> Mike Deeley of Comics Bulletin lauded the book for the diverse range of storytelling and art styles that lent the ''Halo Graphic Novel'' the feel of an anthology yet still retained a cohesive whole.<ref name="Silver Bullet Comics Review">[http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/115635878171387.htm '''Silver Bullet''': ''Comics Review'']</ref> Other areas that received particular attention included Tsutomu Nihei's work on ''Breaking Quarantine'' for its vivid imagery and its focus on visual storytelling in lieu of any dialogue.<ref name="Moz La Punk Review">[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/12449.html '''GameTrailers''': ''Halo Graphic Novel Review'']</ref>

Some reviewers expressed their disappointment at the novel's focus on minor characters and events, with the presence of the Master Chief—the central character of the ''Halo'' series and its most iconic figure—limited to featuring in artwork and a brief appearance in the first story.<ref name="Firingsquad Review">[http://www.firingsquad.com/features/halo_graphic_novel/default.asp '''Firingsquad''': ''Firingsquad Review'']</ref> On the other hand, GameTrailers praised Bungie for having the moxie to not focus on the major character.<ref name="Moz La Punk Review"/> Each publication had their own opinions on the weakest story in the collection; both IGN and GameTrailers thought that "''Armor Testing''" had the least emotional impact, although its surprise ending and art were well done.<ref name="IGN Review"/><ref name="Moz La Punk Review"/>

Upon release, the ''Halo Graphic Novel'' proved to be a "rare hit" for the games-to-comics genre,<ref name=pub/> debuting at #2 on both the Nielsen BookScan and Diamond sales charts.<ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/marketreport/july06sales.html '''Newsarama''': ''July 2006 Sales Reports'']</ref> At least 100,000 copies were rumored to have been published,<ref name=pub>[http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2006/08/18/halo-gn-selling-like-hotcakes/?q=halo+graphic+novel '''Publisher's Weekly''': ''HALO GN selling like hotcakes'']</ref> and the comic continued to be one of the top-selling graphic novels months after its debut.<ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/marketreport/aug06charts.html '''Newsarama''': ''August 2006 Sales Charts'']</ref> The success of the novel led Marvel Comics and Bungie Studios to announce a four-issue monthly ''Halo'' comic series at San Diego Comic-Con 2006 called ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.<ref name="2007 Comic Announcement">[http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/720/720412p1.html '''IGN''': ''San Diego 2006 Comic-Con Announcement'']</ref> Despite delays, the first issue of the limited series was released on August 22, 2007.<ref>[http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=7013 '''Marvel Comics''': ''Catalog: ''Halo Uprising'' #1'']</ref>

==Artist credits==
===Story artists===
*[[Lee Hammock]] - Story for ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*[[Wikipedia:Simon Bisley|Simon Bisley]] - Art for ''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor''
*[[Wikipedia:Jay Faerber|Jay Faerber]] - Story for ''[[Armor Testing]]''
*[http://www.andrew-robinson.org/ Andrew Robinson] - Pencils for ''Armor Testing''
*[http://www.edleeart.com/ Ed Lee] - Colors for ''[[Armor Testing]]''
*[[Tsutomu Nihei|Tsutomo Nihei]] - Art and story for ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
*[[Wikipedia:Jean Giraud|Jean "Moebious" Giraud]] - Art for ''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''
*[[Wikipedia:Phil Hale|Phil Hale]] - Cover art

===Gallery===
In the ''Halo Graphic Novel'', there is a section after the stories called "Gallery" which shows off a selection of visions of the Halo universe from Bungie, Marvel and other artists, created solely for this book. Below is a full list of who they are and what they drew in the ''HGN'':

===Marvel and other artists===
*'''[http://www.ainokostudios.com/ Doug Alexander]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] with a [[shotgun]] in hand and [[Maria-062|SPARTAN-062]] (without her armor) wielding a [[M7057/Defoliant Projector|flamethrower]], surrounded by [[The Flood|Flood]].
*'''[[Rick Berry]]''' - An unknown [[Sangheili]] soldier in a cloudy environment.
*'''[http://lambiek.net/artists/d/darrow_g.htm Geoff Darrow]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] standing over one destroyed [[The Flood|Flood]] [[Pod infector]], while behind him a group of a hundred [[Pod infector]]s gather.
*'''[http://www.fischart.com/ Scott Fischer]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] with a [[shotgun]], with a realistic looking [[Cortana]] in front of him
*'''[http://www.sterlinghundley.com/ Sterling Hundley]''' - The [[John-117|Master Chief]] wading through a swamp of dead [[The Flood|Flood]], with a [[shotgun]].
*'''[http://www.fantasygallery.net/mullins/index1.html Craig Mullins]''' - Blood stained [[John-117|Master Chief]] holding a battle rifle. Marines in background and palm trees; Possibly New Mombasa.
*'''[http://www.studiokrum.com/blame/interest.html Tsutomu Nihei]''' - An [[Sangheili|Elite]] [[flood combat form|combat form]] roaring.
*'''[http://www.georgepratt.com/ George Pratt]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] holding a [[type-50 Sniper Rifle System|beam rifle]] with a few grenades to his feet, getting cover from a destroyed pillar of a building.
*'''[http://buttermonster.com/ Juan Ramirez]''' - [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] are attacked by a [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] and a [[Unggoy|Grunt]].
*'''[http://www.gregstaples.co.uk/ Greg Staples]''' - Shooting with the [[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System|MA5B Assault Rifle]], the [[John-117|Master Chief]] is surrounded by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. Planet Earth in the background. 
*'''[http://www.justinsweet.com/ Justin Sweet]''' - [[Tartarus]] sitting on a stone chair, with the [[Fist of Rukt]] beside him.
*'''[http://www.cartouchepress.com/artbooks/vanfleet/ John Van Fleet]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] with dual [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]]'s firing on [[The Flood|Flood]] in a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] background
*'''[http://www.kentwilliams.com/ Kent Willams]''' - The [[John-117|Master Chief]] firing [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]]’s above and below him into a plant like creature (Possibly [[Gravemind]])

===Bungie artists===
[[File:MisterEscher.jpg|thumb|250px|Frankie made this take on Dutch Artist [[Wikipedia:M. C. Escher|M. C. Escher's]] famous drawing for the book.]]
*[[Chris Barrett]] - A Covenant Elite holding a plasma rifle.
*[[Rick Berry]] - An unknown Covenant soldier in a dark environment. Possibly a Hunter or an Elite of some sort.
*'''Frank Capezzutto III''' - A plasma grenade nearly missing a trio of UNSC Marines, including [[L. Jenkins]] and [[L. P. B.]].
*[[Tom Doyle]] - Master Chief holding a crying child with a dead Elite on the floor, staring at the invading fleet above New Mombasa.
*Issac Hannaford - A UNSC [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] meets a roaring [[Jiralhanae|Brute]].
*[[Shi Kai Wang]] - The [[Prophet of Truth]] holding his head, exasperated.
*[[Lorraine McLees]] - Master Chief with a full assortment of every human weapon available with ammo clips (including mounted machine guns, flamethrower and an energy sword handle) with a Pelican, two different Warthogs, two Longswords and an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Helljumper team of eight in the background.
*[[Robert McLees]] - Battle and conversation reports.
*[[Frank O'Connor]] - A hand holding a reflective sphere, the picture is the Mister Chief in his room. Bungie recently released the picture on Bungie.net, [http://halo.bungie.net/images/News/InlineImages/MisterEscher.jpg Mister Chief] .
*[[Eddie Smith]] - Master Chief appearing in the light through a doorway surrounded by rubble.
*[[Craig Mullins]] - Master Chief pausing to observe a raging battle.
*[http://www.georgepratt.com/ George Pratt] - Master Chief aiming a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|Particle Beam Rifle]].
*[[Juan Ramirez]] - A heavily stylized image of three marines fighting a Brute and a Grunt.
*[http://www.gregstaples.co.uk/ Greg Staples] - Another heavily stylized image, this time of Master Chief firing an assault rifle at several Covenant on a slanted ground (implying he is on Halo) with several Banshees, Covenant cruisers, and a planet in the background.
*[[Tsutomu Nihei]] - A roaring [[The Flood|Flood]] Elite [[flood combat form|combat form]].
*[http://www.fischart.com/ Scott Fischer] - Master Chief standing behind a realistic depiction of Cortana.
*[http://www.geofdarrow.net/ Geof Darrow] - A two-page spread of Master Chief standing over a destroyed Flood [[Pod infector]] holding two SMGs, with dozens more Pod infectors coming up behind him.
*[[Paul Russel]] - He drew a small comic, ''[[Shore Leave: Master Chief on Holiday|Shore Leave]]'', at the end of the book.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Halo graphic novel preview.jpg|Preview coverart.
File:Infinite Succor.jpg|A page from ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''.
File:Spartan-062.jpg|A page from ''[[Armor Testing]]''.
File:P12.jpg|A page from ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
File:Mombasa skyline.jpg|A page from ''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''.
File:HGN - Lorraine.png|An image of Lorraine McLees' art piece.
File:HGN_CortanaChief.jpg|Art by Scott Fischer.
</gallery>

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

==External links==
*[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/hgn_preview/ Halo Graphic Novel Preview]

{{Literature}}
[[Category:Comics]]
[[Category:Halo Graphic Novel]]
[[Category:Canon]]