Editing Halo Graphic Novel

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|name= ''Halo Graphic Novel''

|image=HGN_Cover_WIP.jpg

|Author= [[Lee Hammock]], Jay Faerber, [[Tsutomu Nihei]], Brett Lewis, Simon Bisley, Ed Lee, Moebius.

|Publisher= Marvel Comics

|UK Price=£16.99

|ISBN= 0785123725

|ISBN-13= 978-0785123729

|Amazon=http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Graphic-Novel-Lee-Hammock/dp/0785123725/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-6869926-5685403?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173442867&sr=1-1

|Availability= Hardcover

|Product Dimensions= 10.4 x 7 x 0.7 inches

|Product Dimensions Metric=26.4 x 17.8 x 1.8 cm

|Shipping Weight= 1.15 pounds

|Shipping Mass= 1.00 Kg

The '''Halo Graphic Novel''' is a graphic novel published by [[Marvel Comics]] in partnership with [[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]]''.

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://www.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 Empire|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>

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 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 ===

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, [[Rtas 'Vadumee]], 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 ===

Set just before the events of Halo 2, Armor Testing tells the story of [[Maria-062]] who tested the MJOLNIR Mark VI armour before it was handed over to John-117.

=== Breaking Quarantine ===

One of the untold tales from Halo is [[Sergeant Johnson]]'s escape from the clutches of the [[Flood]] menace. It reveals how one of the [[UNSC]]'s toughest [[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 ===

 

 

=== Page 122 ===

[[File:Page 122.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Pg 122, an intriguing piece of gallery art.]]

{{Main|Halo Graphic Novel Pg122}}

A puzzle of valuable information about the Spartan program and [[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 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 [[Sergeant Avery Johnson]] is a [[Spartan-I|Spartan]] from the ORION (Spartan-I) program. The image itself looks like a shot of someones desk. Someone who is investigating whether or not Johnson is a Spartan.

== 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 ===

*[http://www.andrew-robinson.org/ Andrew Robinson] - Pencils for '''Armor Testing'''

*[http://www.edleeart.com/ Ed Lee] - Colors for '''Armor Testing'''

*[http://www.jayfaerber.com/ Jay Faerber] - Story for '''Armor Testing'''

*[[Lee Hammock]] - Story for [[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]

*[http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/giraud.htm Jean "Moebious" Giraud] - Art for '''Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa'''

*[http://secure.grantbooks.com/z-artists-phil-hale.html Phil Hale]

*[[Tsutomo Nihei]] - Art and story for [[Breaking Quarantine]]

=== 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 [[SPARTAN-062]] (without her armor) surrounded by [[Flood]].

*'''[[Rick Berry]]''' - An unknown [[Covenant]] soldier in a cloudy environment.

*'''[http://lambiek.net/artists/d/darrow_g.htm Geoff Darrow]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] standing over one destroyed [[Flood]] [[infection form]], while behind him a group of a hundred [[infection forms]] gather.

*'''[http://www.sterlinghundley.com/ Sterling Hundley]''' - The [[John-117|Master Chief]] wading through a swamp of dead [[Flood]], with a [[shotgun]].

*'''[http://www.studiokrum.com/blame/interest.html Tsutomu Nihei]''' - A [[Elite]] [[combat form]] roaring.

*'''[http://www.georgepratt.com/ George Pratt]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] holding a [[beam rifle]] with a few grenades to his feet, getting cover from a destroyed pillar of a building.

*'''[http://buttermonster.com/ Juan Ramirez]''' - [[Marines]] are attacked by a [[Brute]] and a [[Grunt]].

*'''[http://www.gregstaples.co.uk/ Greg Staples]''' - Shooting with the [[MA5B Assault Rifle]], the [[John-117|Master Chief]] is surrounded by the [[Covenant]]. Planet Earth in the background.  

*'''[http://www.cartouchepress.com/artbooks/vanfleet/ John Van Fleet]''' - [[John-117|Master Chief]] with dual [[SMG]]'s firing on [[Flood]] in a [[UNSC]] background

*'''[http://www.kentwilliams.com/ Kent Willams]''' - The [[John-117|Master Chief]] firing [[SMG]]’s above and below him into a plant like creature (Possibly [[Gravemind]])

===Bungie Artists===

[[File:MisterEscher.jpg|thumb|Frankie made this take on Dutch Artist [[Wikipedia:M. C. Escher|M. C. Escher's]] famous drawing for the book.]]

*'''Frank Capezutto III''' - A plasma grenade nearly missing a trio of UNSC Marines.

*Issac Hannaford - A UNSC [[ODST]] meets a roaring [[Brute]].

*[[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 [[ODST]] Helljumper team of eight in the background.

*[[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://www.bungie.net/images/News/InlineImages/MisterEscher.jpg Mister Chief] .

*[http://www.georgepratt.com/ George Pratt] - Master Chief aiming a [[Particle Beam Rifle]].

*[[Tsutomu Nihei]] - A roaring [[Flood]] Elite [[combat form]].

*[http://www.geofdarrow.net/ Geof Darrow] - A two page spread of Master Chief standing over a destroyed Flood [[infection form]] holding two SMGs, with dozens more infection forms coming up behind him.

*[[Paul Russel]] - He drew a small comic, ''[[Shore Leave]]'', at the end of the book.

== Trivia ==

*On page 93, during the "''Second Sunrise''" story, the armor a marine is wearing as he/she is shot looks very similar to a concept drawing of the MJOLNIR by Shi Kai Wang, this sketch can be found on "''The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World''" page 5.

*On page 76, the shotgun fired shows around 30-50 pellets coming out of the barrel of the gun. This is not consistent with the story as the shells used only carry 15 pellets.

*There is a fan-made video of ''Armor Testing'' on Bungie.net.<ref>[http://youtube.com/watch?v=e0ymFem5EEY '''Youtube''']</ref>

*The photos on pg. 20-23 are what seems to be a early concept of a thorn beast.

<references/>

==External Links==

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