Real World

Halo: Escalation: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

mNo edit summary
mNo edit summary
 
(299 intermediate revisions by 49 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Title|''Halo: Escalation''}}
{{Title|''Halo: Escalation''}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Newcontent}}
{{Novel infobox
{{Novel infobox
|image=[[File:Halo Escalation 1.jpg|280px]]
|image=[[File:Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg|280px]]
|author=[[Christopher Schlerf]] & [[Brian Reed]] ''(writers)''<br>
|author=*[[Christopher Schlerf]]
Omar Francia ''(artist)''<br>
*[[Brian Reed]]
Michael Atiyeh ''(colorist)''<br>
*[[Duffy Boudreau]]
Sergio Ariño & Ricardo Sanchez Arreola ''(pencillers)''<br>
|cover artist=*Anthony Palumbo
Juan Castro & Rob Lean ''(inkers)''<br>
*[[Kenneth Scott]]
Anthony Palumbo, Kenneth Scott & [[Nicolas Bouvier]] ''(cover artists)''
*[[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
|publisher=Dark Horse Comics
|publication=
|publication=
*Issue #1: December 11, [[2013]]
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]: December 11, [[2013]]
*Issue #2: January 8, [[2014]]
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue 2]]: January 8, [[2014]]
*Issue #3: February 26, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue 3]]: February 26, 2014
*Issue #4: March 26, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|Issue 4]]: March 26, 2014
*Issue #5: April 23, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue 5]]: April 23, 2014
*Issue #6: May 28, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|Issue 6]]: May 28, 2014
*Issue #7: June 25, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 7|Issue 7]]: June 25, 2014
*Issue #8: July 23, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|Issue 8]]: July 23, 2014
*Issue #9: August 27, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 9|Issue 9]]: August 27, 2014
*Issue #10: September 24, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|Issue 10]]: September 24, 2014
*Issue #11: October 29, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|Issue 11]]: October 22, 2014
*Issue #12: November 26, 2014
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|Issue 12]]: November 26, 2014
*Volume #1: October 21, 2014<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Escalation-Volume-Christopher-Schlerf/dp/1616554568 Halo: Escalation Volume 1 at Amazon.com]</ref>}}
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 13|Issue 13]]: December 24, 2014
 
*[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]: January 28, [[2015]]
'''''Halo: Escalation'''''<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1442/dark-horse-announces-all-new-halo-ongoing-series-e Dark Horse Announces All-New Halo Ongoing Series: Escalation!]</ref> is a twelve-issue<ref>[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbYyXWhCAAANIhl.jpg:large '''pbs.twimg.com''' - ''Halo: Escalation Giveaway'']</ref> comic book series produced by [[Wikipedia:Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse Comics]]. 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.com''': ''Dark Horse Will Turn World of Halo 4 Into Ongoing Comic Series'']</ref> The series continues the story of the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} a month after the events of ''[[Spartan Ops]]'', beginning with their assignment on escort duty for critical peace negotiations between the [[Sangheili]] and the [[Jiralhanae]], through the "rediscovery" of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}, and ending with the events that followed three days after the [[Epilogue (Halo 4 level)|ending]] of ''Halo 4''.
*[[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 Hardcover: May 11, 2016
*Library Volume #2 Hardcover: June 27, [[2017]]
*Omnibus Volume #1 TPB: November 28, [[2018]]
*Omnibus Volume #2 TPB: May 1, [[2019]]
*[[Halo: Initiation and Escalation|Initiation and Escalation]] TPB: November 2, [[2022]]{{Ref/Site|Id=DHIE|URL=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-559/Halo-Initiation-and-Escalation-TPB|Site=Dark Horse|Page=Initiation and Escalation|D=22|M=10|Y=2022}}
|pagelabel=Comic series
}}


==Official summary==
'''''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.
{{Article Quote|Halo®, the most celebrated video game series of all time, joins forces with Dark Horse for a thrilling new ongoing series!
[[2557|Five years]] after the [[Human-Covenant War]], long-lost [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]]—the Master Chief—has been rescued off a [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]], [[Requiem]]. Pursuing an awakened Forerunner known as [[Ur-Didact|the Didact]], the Master Chief [[Battle of Earth (2557)|defeats]] the ancient warrior above [[Earth]], but at a terrible cost—the death of the Chief’s [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]], [[Cortana]].


The attack on Earth opens the door to an emergent threat in the form of [[Jul 'Mdama]], a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant renegade]] who takes command of the Didact’s [[Promethean]] army. The [[UNSC Infinity]], led by [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]], is deployed to prevent 'Mdama from gaining control of Requiem, with the help of a [[SPARTAN-IV Program|new generation of Spartans]] led by [[Commander]] [[Sarah Palmer]].
''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>


Infinity drives 'Mdama's forces into retreat, but the [[Second Battle of Requiem|victory]] proves to be a temporary one...
The series was later released in two hardcover "[[Compilation|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> 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.<ref>[https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3003-984/Halo-Omnibus-Volume-1-TPB'''Dark Horse''' - ''Halo Omnibus Volume 1'']</ref> Halo Omnibus Volume #2 (collecting the remaining half of ''Escalation'') was published on May 1, 2019.<ref>[https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3003-985/Halo-Omnibus-Volume-2-TPB'''Dark Horse''' - ''Halo Omnibus Volume 2'']</ref> 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]].<ref>[https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-559/Halo-Initiation-and-Escalation-TPB'''Dark Horse''' - ''Halo: Initiation and Escalation'']</ref>


• An essential addition to the Halo canon!
==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]].


• The Halo franchise has sales eclipsing $3 billion over its lifetime!
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>


• From Christopher Schlerf, lead writer of Halo 4!<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=47907 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comics Solicitations for December, 2013'']</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==
==Issues==
{{Spoiler}}
===Issue 1===
===Issue 1===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation1.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Article Quote|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 [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|rogue Covenant group]] attacks, it's going to take all the firepower the [[Spartan (branch)|Spartans]] have to keep the delegates alive!}}
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 1}}
 
'''Official summary:'''
;Synopsis
{{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!
Issue #1 opens with Commander [[Sarah Palmer]] and [[Fireteam Jackknife]] inside the {{UNSCship|Infinity}}'s training simulation deck. Their [[War Games]] session is interrupted by [[Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]] who asks to speak with Commander Palmer. Lasky informs her that they have been requested to appear before the [[UNSC Security Council]] at [[HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6]]. At the hearing, the council expresses misgiving about Lasky's handling of the [[Second Battle of Requiem]]. [[Admiral]] [[Serin Osman]] berates Lasky over the complete destruction of [[Requiem]] and the failed assassination of [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. Osman then asks Palmer if Lasky had sent [[Fireteam Majestic]] to stop her from eliminating Halsey. Wanting to protect Lasky from any ramifications, Palmer lies and tells Osman that Majestic was there as backup. Shortly after, [[Fleet Admiral|Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood|Hood]] arrives onboard ''Infinity'' to speak with Lasky. He tells Lasky that the {{UNSCship|Vociferous}} is assigned to pursue [[Jul 'Mdama]] as he needs ''Infinity'' to aid in peace talks between the [[Sangheili]] and the [[Jiralhanae]]. Two days later, ''Infinity'' arrives at [[Ealen IV]]. Lord Hood meets with the Arbiter, [[Thel 'Vadam]], and the Brute [[Chieftain]] [[Lydus]]. Lasky, Palmer and Jackknife join the delegates inside the plasma center as [[Paul DeMarco]] of Majestic and [[Fireteam Bailey]] act as [[overwatch]]. The delegation is caught off guard when [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] blast into the conference chamber. The Spartan IVs defend the delegation and escort them to a nearby parts depot when their [[DS-004|evacuation shuttle]] is destroyed. With communications with their orbiting fleets blocked, the delegation are left without reinforcements.
* 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===
===Issue 2===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation2.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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!}}
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 2}}
 
'''Official summary'''
;Synopsis
{{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>}}
Issue #2 opens with the delegation attempting to re-establish communication with the orbiting fleet. The Arbiter informs Hood of the planet's fortifications as a means for an escape route. Lasky orders Palmer to get the ambassadors to the redoubt. Palmer tasks [[Ray (Spartan)|Spartan Ray]] to escort Lasky and utilize her SIGINT background to reestablish communications. [[Shipmaster]] [[Vata 'Gajat]] and his forces arrive and is informed by [[Tek]] that the envoy has retreated into the repair depot. However, a [[Daniel Clayton|human associate]] of 'Gajat tells him that they should move quickly before the capital ships respond. In orbit, while ''Infinity'' tries to re-establish contact with the delegation, the Jiralhanae contact the ship and demand to know why communication has been blocked. 'Gajat and his forces storm the depot, only to find the delegation missing. The Shipmaster orders his forces to prepare for deployment, noting that his agent would provide the whereabouts of the envoy.
{{Clear}}
 
The company make their way through service conduits leading from the depot. Suddenly, a [[Type-56 Lich]] appears and drops off several troops. Palmer takes her helmet filled with grenades and sends it up the Lich's [[gravity lift]], destroying the Lich. Lasky and Ray head down the administrative wing of the facility taking out an [[Sangheili Warrior|Elite Warrior]] along the way. They find a network console and Ray discovers multiple signals being broadcast blocking out incoming transmissions. The destroyed Lich crashes down onto the service bridge while an [[Sangheili Storm|Elite Storm]] unit is taken out by [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]]. Palmer orders Fireteam Jackknife to move ahead to the redoubt while Hood searches the downed Elite. Hood discovers a UNSC [[data pad]] containing information on the Spartans and believes someone is leaking information about the negotiations. Lasky and Ray secure two [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshees]] and make their way to the power source of the jammer but observe Covenant forces heading for the redoubt. Palmer is informed by Scruggs that the facility is secure. Unbeknownst to the rest of the group, Scruggs has instead taken out his team and the security detail.
 
===Issue 3===
===Issue 3===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation3.jpg|right|84px]]
{{Article Quote|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.}}<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49153 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for February 2014'']</ref>
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 3}}
 
'''Official summary'''
;Synopsis
{{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>}}
Issue #3 opens with Lasky and Ray attacking a Covenant base and destroying the [[pinch fusion reactor|reactor]], the source of the Covenant jamming signal. In the redoubt, Lydus continues to express his skepticism over whether the peace talk will succeed. Hood tells him that the Jiralhanae will need Lydus as a leader if they want to survive. Scruggs suddenly appears and holds Hood at gunpoint, stating that he will reveal his demands once his associates arrive. The situation in orbit continues to worsen as Sangheili and Jiralhanae ships begin to deploy forces against each other. Having cleared the communications interference, Lasky informs ''Infinity'' of the Covenant's attack. Upon being updated on the crisis between the Sangheili and Jiralhanae, Lasky contacts the fleets and asks them to cease their infighting and send their forces to the delegates' aid instead. However, both sides refuse to listen to him while a massive Covenant force converges on the redoubt. Meanwhile, 'Gajat and his human accomplice converse aboard the Covenant forces' flagship and it is revealed that 'Gajat is secretly working for an unknown party without Jul 'Mdama's knowledge.
{{Clear}}
 
In the redoubt, Scruggs continues to hold Hood hostage. He denies that he is working for the [[Insurrectionist]]s and indicates that he is aware of some of ONI's secrets, including the cover-up of the [[Battle of Earth (2557)|New Phoenix Incident]], their [[Kilo-Five|covert campaign]] against the Sangheili and [[John-117]]'s recent disappearance. Palmer then shoots Lord Hood in the leg, tackles Scruggs and, after a brief struggle, kills the rogue Spartan by stabbing him in the throat with a [[combat knife]]. With the Covenant bearing on the site in force, the group find [[Covenant cargo tug|a craft]] they can use to evacuate. DeMarco and Fireteam Bailey remains behind to cover the ambassadors' escape with a [[Type-38 Tyrant|Tyrant AA gun]] and they are killed when the Covenant destroy the cannon. Thanks to their sacrifice, the delegation, Lasky and the surviving Spartans make it aboard ''Infinity'', prompting 'Gajat's fleet to retreat. A funeral ceremony is held for the Spartans fallen in the battle, with an angry Palmer telling Lasky she wants to be alone. One week later, Lasky and Hood discuss the troubling prospect that someone higher-ranked than Scruggs must have leaked the location of the negotiations, indicating a severe security breach in the UNSC's hierarchy.


===Issue 4===
===Issue 4===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation4.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49653 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for March 2014'']</ref>
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 4}}
 
'''Official summary'''
;Synopsis
{{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>}}
Issue #4 opens with the ''Infinity'' under attack by an unknown adversary using UNSC aircraft. The story cuts back 74 hours earlier with Lasky and Hood discussing the failed peace negotiations at Ealen IV. Lasky suggests enlisting help from the outside to find out who leaked the information. Spartan Ray notifies Lasky that the [[UNSC prowler|prowler]] he requested is ready for departure. However, she expresses confusion as to what their mission involves. Lasky tells her that he'll let her know when they leave. Hood gives Lasky 96 hours to return to the ship. Meanwhile Fireteam Majestic and several other SPARTAN-IVs spar against one another. [[Anthony Madsen|Madsen]] reveals to [[Gabriel Thorne|Thorne]] that DeMarco was transferred to Fireteam Bailey because Palmer wanted Thorne to be the new leader of Majestic. Later, Hood requests Commander [[Bradley]] to give a demonstration of the ''Infinity'''s Forerunner engines. Before [[Roland]] can plot a course they are interrupted by Jespersen who has detected a distress signal on an old maritime channel. The ''Infinity'' makes a slipspace jump to the [[Chaudier trade route]] where the signal originated.
{{Clear}}
 
Lasky and Ray arrive at [[Escala III]] and travel through [[Castiglione]] where they are to rendezvous with Lasky's contact. Lasky asks Ray what her first name is, which she reveals to be Naiya. Shortly after, they spot Lasky's contact, Petra Janecek, climbing down a balcony. The trio head to a boardwalk where Lasky and Petra catch up on old times. Lasky asks Naiya if she can give him and Petra a few minutes to keep Naiya from hearing anything that could implicate her. In the [[Artesia-702 system]], the ''Infinity'' discovers a damaged [[freighter]], ''[[Pilgrims Pride]]''. [[TJ Murphy]] relays to the ''Infinity'' that it is leaking atmosphere and there are faint life signs aboard. Hood orders Bradley to have the ship tugged into one of the sub-vessel deployment bays. A battle ensues inside the bay between the ''Infinity'''s [[F-41 Broadsword|Broadswords]] and UNSC aircraft that deployed from the freighter. Fireteams Majestic, [[Fireteam Colossus|Colossus]], and [[Fireteam Fenrir|Fenrir]] infiltrate the freighter to stop it from self-destructing. Upon inspecting the interior they are attacked by an [[M202 XP machine gun|automated weapon emplacement]] which Madsen swiftly destroys. Hood orders the Broadswords to provide cover for the Pelican tugs as they get the freighter out the deployment bay. With the ship back in space, [[Tedra Grant|Grant]] ejects the core from the ship before it self-destructs. After the core explodes, Majestic notifies [[Jared Miller|Miller]] that they are alive and request pickup.
 
Back in Castiglione, Lasky tells Petra that they need help rooting out a mole inside the UNSC. He states that a secret diplomatic meeting was ambushed despite its location being highly classified. Petra agrees to do the job but wants the whereabouts of John-117 in exchange. Back aboard the ''Infinity'', Hood and Bradley inspect the remains of the aircraft that the freighter was carrying which were composed of [[Vulture]]s and [[Sparrowhawk]]s. They run an I.D. check on the vessels and trace the craft back to the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}. Before they can file a report on the ship, Hood reveals that he was the reason why the starship went missing.
 
===Issue 5===
===Issue 5===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation5.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50201 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for April 2014'']</ref>
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 5}}
 
'''Official summary'''
;Synopsis
{{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>}}
Issue #5 opens with Lasky, Ray, and Petra arriving at a [[Kor Delban|trading port]] on [[Karava]], set out to meet with Petra's informant. Along the way, they discover this Sangheili colony is a melting pot of species, with even non-UNSC humans passing through. Ray expresses her nervousness and remarks how she wishes she had a gun. Petra tells her that no one here carries a gun. Unfortunately, Ray ends up provoking a few Elites by giving them the wrong look. Pulling their swords out, Petra diffuses the situation by pulling out a revolver and kills [['Lordan|one]] of the Elites. Confused as to what happened, Ray confronts Petra on carrying a firearm, and she reveals she lied to Ray in order to keep things from escalating even more. She elaborates saying that shooting the Elite was a display of dominance, and half-jokingly says the surviving Elites think Lasky and Ray are her pets. At the meeting place, a bar, they find Petra's informant, a Sangheili mercenary called [[Zef 'Trahl]].
{{Clear}}
 
Meanwhile on ''Infinity'', Roland begins his presentation on what he's found about the ''Pilgrims Pride''. It was supposedly built five years ago, despite its assault craft being from the ''Spirit of Fire'', which has been missing for 30 years. Palmer suggests the craft were smuggled off beforehand, but Roland disagrees as the craft were in too good of condition. Moving on, he reveals the ship's logs were wiped and then filled with false data. Despite that, he was able to retrieve the real data, coordinates from where it originated: [[Oth Lodon]], a gas giant located deep in Jiralhanae space. Before progressing any further, Hood decides it is time to let everyone know the history he and [[James Cutter]] had: Hood served as [[executive officer|XO]] on the ''Spirit of Fire'' under Captain Cutter. It was Cutter who made sure Hood got his own ship, the {{UNSCShip|Roman Blue}}. [[2531#February|Three months after]] Hood's new posting, they got word of the [[Battle of Arcadia|conflict]] on [[Arcadia]]. As the ''Spirit of Fire'' jumped out of system, it dropped a log buoy that the ''Roman Blue'' was assigned to retrieve. At that point in time, Arcadia was deemed lost. The ''Roman Blue'' was not to engage Covenant forces. However, Hood was tired of humanity's losses, and he engaged the Covenant forces. Overwhelmed, Hood was forced to retreat. Because of his recklessness, the buoy was never recovered, and the ''Spirit of Fire'' was never found.
 
With the ''Spirit'''s possible location found, Palmer expresses that the ship might not even be there. Hood orders Palmer to conduct a search and rescue operation without being detected. Deployed on [[OF92 Booster Frame]]s to scout the system, Palmer and Fireteam Majestic have their op handled by Miller. Not wanting to listen to Miller, Palmer shuts off comms under the guise of losing the signal in an asteroid field. Exploring the area, they unknowingly pass by a Covenant scanner, which tips off Shipmaster 'Gajat, who orders shields and weapons to be brought online at half power so as to not be detected. Landing on an asteroid, Palmer and Majestic discover an ''SDV''-class heavy corvette docked at a [[Oth Lodon station|Covenant space station]]. Palmer radios Hood and informs him what they've found and that the ''Spirit'' is not here.
 
Back on Karava, Lasky and Zef discuss the relationship between Brutes and Elites. Getting down to business, Zef reveals that the forces who attacked the peace summit were led by Vata 'Gajat, a Sangheili mercenary. He used to work for Jul 'Mdama, and before that, served as a soldier in the Covenant. Lasky asks if he is still apart of the Covenant anymore, but Zef explains that the term 'Covenant' has lost its meaning. Then Zef reveals who the UNSC mole is: Captain [[Daniel Clayton]], who served under Rear Admiral [[Horatio Temkin]], the ambassador to Sanghelios and the one who set up the meeting. Concluding the meeting, Lasky confides to Ray and Petra that Captain Clayton is Cutter's son.
 
On board the Covenant space station, Clayton talks to 'Gajat about his father, revealing he is an illegitimate son, and that he and his mother were taken care of even after Cutter's disappearance. Soon after, ''Infinity'' jumps in system right in front of the space station. Expecting this, Clayton opens a channel to ''Infinity''. Talking to Hood, he identifies him as being the one who sent his mother and him money because he was the one responsible for the ''Spirit'''s disappearance. At the same time, Hood greased the wheels for Clayton, making him feel like his entire UNSC career was built off of nepotism. Upset at feeling like he never accomplished anything, he turned to Admiral [[Mattius Drake]], leader of the [[New Colonial Alliance]], when he offered him an opportunity. Revealing that he had intended for Scruggs to kill Hood, he announces that he lured the ''Infinity'' to the station to kill Hood. He orders the station's [[energy projector|glassing cannon]] to fire on ''Infinity'', piercing all the way through the side of the ship.
 
===Issue 6===
===Issue 6===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation6.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50966 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for May 2014'']</ref>
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 6}}
 
'''Official summary'''
;Synopsis
{{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>}}
Issue #6 opens with Hood remembering his actions during his military career, and watching the chaos on the ''Infinity'' after three successive attacks of the station's glassing cannon. Commander Bradley is killed during the attack and Hood himself is impaled, blaming himself for letting the ''Infinity'' fall into a trap. Palmer and Majestic proceed to board the station and stop Clayton while the glassing cannon overheats, forcing it to cool down for some time. NCA forces detect Spartans' Booster Frames and Clayton activates the station's point defenses. Clayton orders 'Gajat to stop the Spartans, but 'Gajat, in a burst of ambition, decides to destroy ''Infinity'' instead. The NCA forces attack Majestic and Palmer with missiles but the Spartans manage to avoid them. Hoya notices 'Gajat's ''SDV''-class corvette undocking from the station, but the Spartans decide to enter the station and use it to destroy the ship. Inside 'Gajat's flagship, 'Gajat receives an emergency call from the station but he decides to ignore it and proceed with his plan to destroy ''Infinity''. Meanwhile, the Spartans quickly capture the station and its crew. Madsen knocks Clayton unconscious as revenge for DeMarco's death on Ealen IV. 'Gajat contacts the station to tell Clayton he is about to destroy ''Infinity'', but he is answered by Palmer, who orders Thorne to fire the cannon, destroying 'Gajat's ship.
{{Clear}}
 
Three days later, the UNSC sends a task force comprising an [[Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn''-class cruiser]], a [[Charon-class light frigate|''Charon''-class frigate]] and a [[Paris-class heavy frigate|''Paris''-class frigate]] to repair the ''Infinity'' and monitor the station. At the same time, Lasky and Ray return to ''Infinity'' after his mission with Petra on Karava. Palmer apologizes to Lasky for her behavior after the battle on Ealen IV. Lasky forgives Palmer and tells her that his mission to find the spy, despite having been a success, failed to report to the UNSC in time to prevent the attack. Palmer tells him that it was Hood's fault for making decisions without his consent. In Clayton's cell, Hood (now in a wheelchair) visits him and asks him why Admiral Drake wanted to destroy the ''Infinity'' despite wanting to [[Raid on UNSC Infinity|capture it]] five years before. Clayton tells Hood the NCA is stronger than before and have agents on every colony, even Earth. Hood orders to his men to take Clayton to [[Midnight Facility]], but Clayton tells him they will meet again. After this encounter, Hood wonders if the UNSC will find the ''Spirit of Fire'', wishing to find Cutter and ask for his forgiveness.
 
In an unknown system, the ''Spirit of Fire'' drifts on a collision course with a planet. Inside, the ship is put on alert and a lone [[Flood]] [[Flood infection form|infection form]] is seen scurrying across the ''Spirit'''s now vacant [[Cryonics|cryo storage]] room.
 
===Issue 7===
===Issue 7===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation7.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=51486 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for June 2014'']</ref>
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 7}}
 
'''Official summary'''
;Synopsis
{{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>}}
Issue #7 opens with Thorne remembering his childhood in New Phoenix and how his parents died on [[Alluvion]]. In ''[[Oaxaca Station]]'', Thorne is awakened by [[Tedra Grant|Grant]], who can't sleep well. Thorne and Grant talk about the former's nightmares about the attack on [[New Phoenix]] eight months ago. Despite the immediate reopening of the city, Thorne doesn't want to go. Grant insists that because the ''Infinity'' is under repair and they have nothing to do for three weeks, he should go to New Phoenix, and that she will accompany him as a "backup". Two days later, the [[President of the Unified Earth Government|President of the UEG]], Dr. [[Ruth Charet]], presides over the reopening of the city. Thorne and Grant go to the former's house, where Grant discovers a holographic photo of Thorne's graduation as a Private with his grandparents and a Master Chief figure bought by Thorne's grandmother.  
{{Clear}}
 
===Issue 8 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 1"''===
While exploring the house, Thorne enters a room and discovers a holographic panel with Mozart music and a violin belonging to his grandmother. Thorne concludes that his grandmother was practicing violin when the attack occurred. Thorne decides they have had enough and wants to leave, but Grant tells him the story of how she was on her home planet, Arcadia, when it [[Fall of Arcadia|fell]]. Grant tells Thorne that he should be happy to have a home to return to and that his dreams are trying to tell him to relieve all the pain he has inside. Thorne decides he must honor his grandparents and plays his grandmother's violin.
[[File:HaloEscalation8.jpg|right|84px]]
 
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 8}}
Three weeks later, the ''Infinity'' is fully repaired, and Thorne no longer has nightmares about New Phoenix. He thanks Grant for the support and the ''Infinity'' makes a slipspace jump.
'''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 8 - "''The Next 72 Hours'', Part 1"===
===Issue 21 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 3"''===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation21.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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 name="july">[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=52221 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for July 2014'']</ref>
{{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 9 - "''The Next 72 Hours'', Part 2"===
===Issue 22 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 4"''===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation22.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=52832 '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for August 2014'']</ref>
{{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 10 - "''The Next 72 Hours'', Part 3"===
===Issue 23 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 5"''===
;Official summary:
[[File:HaloEscalation23.jpg|right|84px]]
{{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.comiclist.com/index.php/news/dark-horse-september-2014-solicitations '''Comic List''': ''Dark Horse Comic Solicitations for September 2014'']</ref>
{{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==
==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|title=|
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
{{col-begin}}
;Major Characters
{{col-2}}
*[[Ayit 'Sevi]] {{1st}}
===Characters===
*[[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}}
*[[Andrew Del Rio]] {{Mo}}
*[[Anthony Madsen]]
*[[Anthony Madsen]]
*[[Thorne family|Ayres (grandfather)]] {{1st}}
*[[Thorne family|Ayres (grandmother)]] {{1st}}
*[[Bradley]] {{1st}}
*[[Bradley]] {{1st}}
*[[Carlo Hoya]]
*[[Carlo Hoya]]
*[[Catherine Halsey]]
*[[Cortana]]
*[[Daniel Clayton]] {{1st}}
*[[Dellert]] {{1st}}
*[[Dellert]] {{1st}}
*[[Gabriel Thorne]]
*[[Dunn (Spartan-IV)|Dunn]] {{1st}}
*[[Frederic-104]]
*[[French (Captain)|French]] {{1st}}
*[[Gomez]] {{1st}}
*[[Gomez]] {{1st}}
*[[Henry Glassman]]
*[[Thorne family|Grandma Ayres]] {{1st}}
*[[Thorne family|Grandpa Ayres]] {{1st}}
*[[Hogan]] {{1st}}
*[[Hogan]] {{1st}}
*[[Horatio Temkin]] {{First mentioned}}
*[[Hong]] {{1st}}
*[[Horatio Temkin]] {{Fm}}
*[[Jacob Keyes]]
*[[James (lieutenant)|James]]
*[[James (lieutenant)|James]]
*[[James Cutter]]
*[[James Cutter]]
*[[Jared Miller]]
*[[Jared Miller]]
*[[Jespersen]] {{1st}}
*[[Jespersen]] {{1st}}
*[[John-117]]
*[[Joel Thomas]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama]]
*[[Jones (Spartan-IV)|Jones]] {{1st}}
*[[Hong]] {{1st}}
*[[Jun-A266]] {{Mo}}
*[[Kelly-087]]
*[['Lordan]] {{1st}}
*[['Lordan]] {{1st}}
*[[Librarian]]
*[[Linda-058]]
*[[Lydus]] {{1st}}
*[[Lydus]] {{1st}}
*[[Margaret-053]]
*[[Mary Cutter]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mary Cutter]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mattius Drake]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mattius Drake]] {{Mo}}
*[[Naiya Ray]] {{1st}}
*[[Mendicant Bias]] {{Im}}
*[[Newman]] {{1st}}
*[[Nicolas Strauss]]
*[[Nicolas Strauss]]
*[[Otto-031]]
*[[Paul DeMarco]]
*[[Paul DeMarco]]
*[[Petra Janecek]]
*[[Petra Janecek]]
*[[Roland]]
*[[Roland]]
*[[Roma-143]]
*[[Ruth Charet]] {{1st}}
*[[Ruth Charet]] {{1st}}
*[[Ryder]]
*[[Ryder]]
*[[Sarah Palmer]]
*[[Sali 'Nyon]] {{1st}}
*[[Serin Osman]]
*[[Serin Osman]]
*[[Tedra Grant]]
*[[Tedra Grant]]
*[[TJ Murphy]]
*[[TJ Murphy]]
*[[Tek]] {{1st}}
*[[Tek]] {{1st}}
*[[Terrence Hood]]
*[[Thel 'Vadam]]
*[[Thel 'Vadam]]
*[[Thomas Lasky]]
*[[To]] {{1st}}
*[[Ur-Didact]]  
*[[Vata 'Gajat]] {{1st}}
*[[Vata 'Gajat]] {{1st}}
*[[Victor-101]]
*[[Vladimir Scruggs]]
*[[Vladimir Scruggs]]
*[[Vrak'is]] {{1st}}
*[[Zef 'Trahl]] {{1st}}
*[[Zef 'Trahl]] {{1st}}
 
|title-2=Species|
===Species===
*[[Forerunner]]
*[[Forerunner]] {{Mo}}
*[[Flood]]
*[[Flood]]
*[[Human]]
*[[Human]]
Line 185: Line 293:
*[[Kig-Yar]]
*[[Kig-Yar]]
**[[T'vaoan]]
**[[T'vaoan]]
**[[Ruuhtian]]
**[[Ibie'shan]]
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[San 'Shyuum]] {{Mo}}
*[[San'Shyuum]] {{Mo}}
*[[Sangheili]]
*[[Sangheili]]
*[[Unggoy]]
*[[Unggoy]]
 
*[[Yonhet]] {{1st}}
===Organizations===
|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Covenant]]
*[[Covenant]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction]]
**[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]] {{1st}}
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]] {{1st}}
**[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]] {{1st}}
*[[Ecumene]]
*[[Ecumene]]
Line 201: Line 312:
*[[Insurrectionist]]
*[[Insurrectionist]]
**[[New Colonial Alliance]]
**[[New Colonial Alliance]]
*[[Master-pack|Jiralhanae master-pack]]
**[[Lydus' clan]]
*[[Sanghelios|Sanghelios government]]
*[[Sanghelios|Sanghelios government]]
**[[Ascetics]]
**[[Ascetics]]
Line 207: Line 320:
***[[UNSC Security Council]]
***[[UNSC Security Council]]
****[[UNSC Defense Force]]
****[[UNSC Defense Force]]
*****[[Spartan (branch)|Spartan]]
*****[[Spartan Operations|Spartan]]
******[[SPARTAN-IV Program]]
******[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
*******[[Fireteam Bailey]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Bailey]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Colossus]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Colossus]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Domino]] {{Mo}}
*******[[Fireteam Fenrir]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Fenrir]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Jackknife]] {{1st}}
*******[[Fireteam Jackknife]] {{1st}}
Line 216: Line 330:
*****[[UNSC Air Force]]
*****[[UNSC Air Force]]
*****[[UNSC Army]]
*****[[UNSC Army]]
******[[UNSC Army Corps of Engineers]] {{1st}}
*****[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
*****[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
******[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] {{Mo}}
******[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
*****[[UNSC Navy]]
*****[[UNSC Navy]]
******[[Fleet Command]]
******[[UNSC Fleet Command]]
*******[[Orbital Defense Command]]
*******[[Orbital Defense Command]]
******[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]]
******[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]]
*******[[SPARTAN-II Program]]
*******[[SPARTAN-II program]]
********[[Blue Team]]
******[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
******[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
 
*******[[Team Black]]
===Locations===
|title-4=Locations|
*[[Alluvion]] {{1st}}
*[[Absolute Record]] {{1st}}
*[[Aktis system]] {{1st}}
**[[Aktis IV]] {{1st}}
*[[Artesia-702 system]] {{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 system]] {{1st}}
**[[Ealen IV]] {{1st}}
**[[Ealen IV]] {{1st}}
*[[Epoloch system]]
*[[Epoloch system]]
**[[Requiem]]
**[[Requiem]]
***[[Galileo Base]] {{Mo}}
***[[Librarian's Rest]]
*[[Epsilon Eridani system]]
*[[Epsilon Eridani system]]
**[[Tribute]] {{Mo}}
**[[Tribute]] {{Mo}}
*[[Eridanus system]]
**[[Eridanus II]]
***[[Elysium City]]
****[[Elysium City Primary Education Facility Number 119]]
*[[Escala system]] {{1st}}
*[[Escala system]] {{1st}}
**[[Escala III]] {{1st}}
**[[Escala III]] {{1st}}
Line 239: Line 369:
*[[Karava]] {{1st}}
*[[Karava]] {{1st}}
**[[Kor Delban]] {{1st}}
**[[Kor Delban]] {{1st}}
*[[Khaphrae system]]
**[[Installation 03]]
***[[Control Room (Installation 03)|Control room]]
***[[Composer's Abyss]] {{1st}}
**[[Ivanoff Station]]
*[[Midnight Facility]] {{Mo}}
*[[Midnight Facility]] {{Mo}}
*[[Minab]] {{1st}}
**[[Kynur]] {{1st}}
*[[Oban]]
**[[Saviron]]
*[[Oth Lodon]] {{1st}}
*[[Oth Lodon]] {{1st}}
**[[Oth Lodon station]] {{1st}}
**[[Oth Lodon station]] {{1st}}
*[[Oth Sonin]]
*[[Oth Sonin system]]
**[[Doisac]] {{Mo}}
**[[Doisac]] {{Mo}}
*[[Procyon system]]
*[[Procyon system]]
Line 248: Line 387:
***[[Pishon]] {{1st}}
***[[Pishon]] {{1st}}
***[[Gihon]] {{1st}}
***[[Gihon]] {{1st}}
*[[Soell system]]
**[[Threshold]]
***[[Basis]]
***[[Installation 04]]
*[[Sol system]]  
*[[Sol system]]  
**[[Earth]]
**[[Earth]]
Line 255: Line 398:
***[[United Republic of North America]]
***[[United Republic of North America]]
****[[Chicago]] {{Mo}}
****[[Chicago]] {{Mo}}
****[[Los Angeles]] {{C|First mentioned}}
****[[Los Angeles]] {{Fm}}
****[[New Phoenix]]
****[[New Phoenix]]
*****Flagstaff {{First mentioned}}
*****Flagstaff {{Fm}}
*****Phoenix {{First mentioned}}
*****Phoenix {{Fm}}
****[[New York City]] {{Mo}}
****[[New York City]] {{Mo}}
**[[Luna]]
**[[Luna]]
Line 264: Line 407:
****[[Ankara]] {{Mo}}
****[[Ankara]] {{Mo}}
**[[Mars]] {{Mo}}
**[[Mars]] {{Mo}}
 
*[[Urs system]]
===Events===
*[[Ven system]] {{1st}}
**[[Ven III]] {{1st}}
|title-5=Events|
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
**[[Battle of Arcadia]]
**[[Battle for Arcadia]]
**[[Battle of Alluvion]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle for Alluvion]] {{1st}}
**[[Fall of Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Fall of Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
*[[Insurrection]]
*[[Human-Forerunner wars]] {{Mo}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Raid on UNSC Infinity|Raid on UNSC ''Infinity'']] {{Mo}}
**[[Raid on UNSC Infinity|Raid on UNSC ''Infinity'']] {{Mo}}
**[[Mission to Cleyell]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Requiem]]
**[[Raid on Ivanoff Station]]
**[[New Phoenix Incident]]
**[[Mission to Installation 03]] {{1st}}
**[[Requiem Campaign]]
**[[Battle of Ealen IV]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Ealen IV]] {{1st}}
**[[Ambush at Oth Lodon]] {{1st}}
**[[Ambush at Oth Lodon]] {{1st}}
*[[Reclamation conflict]]
**[[Operation: WHISTLE STOP]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Earth (2557)]]
**[[Battle of Oban]] {{1st}}
**[[Second Battle of Requiem]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Aktis IV]] {{1st}}
{{col-2}}
**[[Operation: ATHENA]] {{1st}}
 
|title-6=Vehicles|
===Vehicles===
*[[AC-220 Vulture]]
*[[AC-220 Vulture]]
*[[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]
*[[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]
*{{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}
*{{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
*{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}
**''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}}
**''[[Song of Retribution]]''
*{{Class|CRS|light cruiser}}
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
*{{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}
**''[[Radiant Perception]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}
*{{Class|Charon|light frigate}}
*{{Class|Charon|light frigate}}
**{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}
*[[Covenant cargo tug]] {{1st}}
*[[Covenant cargo tug]] {{1st}}
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]
*[[D79-TC Pelican]]
*[[D79-TC Pelican]]
*{{Class|Ibis|freighter}}
*[[Diplomatic shuttle]]
*[[Diplomatic shuttle]]
**''[[DS-004]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[DS-004]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Mjern|agricultural support ship}}
*[[F-41 Broadsword]]
*[[F-41 Broadsword]]
*[[Freighter]]
*[[Freighter]]
Line 300: Line 458:
**{{UNSCShip|Roman Blue}} {{1st}}
**{{UNSCShip|Roman Blue}} {{1st}}
*[[M12 Warthog]]
*[[M12 Warthog]]
**[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]
*[[M808 Scorpion]]
*''[[Mantle's Approach]]''
*{{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}
*[[Mark IX Mantis ADS]]
*[[OF92 Booster Frame]]
*[[OF92 Booster Frame]]
*[[Orbital defense platform]]
*[[Orbital defense platform]]
**''[[Oaxaca Station]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Oaxaca Station]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Varric|heavy cruiser}} {{Mo}}
*{{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}
*{{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}
**{{UNSCShip|Cascadia}} {{1st}}
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}
*{{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}}
*{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}
*{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}
*[[Type-25 Chopper]]
*[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]]
*[[Type-25 Spirit]]
*{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]  
*[[Type-27 Banshee]]
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*[[Type-52 Phantom]]
*{{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}}
*[[Type-56 Lich]]
*[[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}}
*{{UNSCShip|Infinity}}
*[[UNSC Prowler]]
*[[UNSC Prowler]]
**{{Class|Sahara|heavy prowler}}
*{{UNSCShip|Vociferous}} {{C|First mentioned}}
*{{UNSCShip|Vociferous}} {{C|First mentioned}}
 
|title-7=Weapons|
===Weapons===
*[[80mm ball-mounted rotary cannon]]
*[[80mm ball-mounted rotary cannon]]
*[[ARC-920 railgun|ARC-920]]
*[[ARC-920 railgun|ARC-920]]
*[[Bioweapon]]
*[[BR85HB battle rifle|BR85 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle]]
*[[BR85HB battle rifle|BR85 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle]]
*[[Combat knife]]
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Focus cannon]]
*[[H-295 Forward Observer Module]]
*[[Hardlight blade]]
*[[Hardlight blade]]
*[[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]]
*[[M11 Combat Knife]]
*[[M202 XP machine gun]]
*[[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]]
*[[M395 DMR|M395 Designated Marksman Rifle]]
*[[M41 Extended Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]
*[[M41 Extended Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]
*[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D Tactical Shotgun]]
*[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D Tactical Shotgun]]
*[[M46 Vulcan]]
*[[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]]
*[[M6H magnum|M6H Personal Defense Weapon System]]
*[[M6H magnum|M6H Personal Defense Weapon System]]
*[[M739 SAW|M739 Light Machine Gun]]
*[[M739 SAW|M739 Light Machine Gun]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[M92 Principle Gauss Cannon]]
*[[M92 Principle Gauss Cannon]]
*[[MA5D assault rifle|MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System]]
*[[MA5D assault rifle|MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System]]
Line 337: Line 522:
*[[Plasma turret]]
*[[Plasma turret]]
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]
*[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer]]
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 Spiker]]
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
*[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]]
*{{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*[[Type-38 Tyrant]]
*{{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}}
*[[Type-50 concussion rifle]]
*{{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}}
*[[Type-50 particle beam rifle]]
*{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}
*[[Type-51 carbine]]
*{{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}
*[[Type-55 storm rifle]]
*{{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-250 lightrifle]]
 
*[[Z-750 Binary Rifle]]
===Technology===
|title-8=Technology and equipment|
*[[Activation index]]
*[[Active camouflage]]
**[[Type-3 active camouflage]]
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
**[[Ancilla]]
***[[Monitor]]
***[[Metarch-class ancilla|Metarch]]
****[[Contender-class artificial intelligence|''Contender''-class artificial intelligence]]
**[[Avatar]]
**[[Avatar]]
**[[Promethean Crawler]]
**[[Promethean Knight]]
**[[Promethean Knight]]
**[[Promethean Watcher]]
**[[Promethean Watcher]]
*[[Binoculars]]
*[[War Games|Combat simulation deck]]
*[[War Games|Combat simulation deck]]
*[[Composer]] {{Mo}}
*[[Composer]]
*[[Covenant communication node]]
*[[Covenant drop pod]]
*[[Covenant spy probe]]
*[[Covenant spy probe]]
*[[Cryonics]]
*[[Cryonics]]
**[[Cryo chamber]]
**[[Cryo chamber]]
*[[Data pad]]
*[[Covenant watchtower]]
*[[Design seed]]
*[[Durance]]
**[[Didact's Gift]]
*[[Fiber optic probe]]
*[[Forerunner personal armor]]
**[[Combat skin]]
*[[Gravity lift]]
*[[Hardlight]]
**[[Z-90 hardlight shield]]
*[[Helmet recorder]]
*[[Holography]]
*[[Holography]]
**[[Holo-still]]
**[[Holotank]]
**[[Holotank]]
*[[Data pad]]
*[[The Core|Installation control room core]]
*[[Deployable lookout tower]]
*[[Janus Key]]
*[[Gravity lift]]
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]]
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]]
**[[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captain Major]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captain Major]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]] variant
*Kig-Yar combat harness
*[[Kig-Yar]] combat harness
**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]] variant
**[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]] variant
Line 375: Line 591:
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
*[[Kig-Yar targeting headgear]]
*[[Kig-Yar targeting headgear]]
*[[Log buoy]] {{Mo}}
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#First generation|MJOLNIR [GEN1]]]
**[[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/Mark VI|Mark VI]] {{C|Modified variant}}
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/CIO|CIO]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/K variant|Commando]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/K variant|Commando]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Enforcer|Enforcer]] 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/V variant|EVA]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/HAZOP|HAZOP]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/HAZOP|HAZOP]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Infiltrator|Infiltrator]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Infiltrator|Infiltrator]] variant
Line 391: Line 610:
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant|Scout]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant|Scout]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Soldier|Soldier]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Soldier|Soldier]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Technician|Technician]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/War Master|War Master]] variant
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/War Master|War Master]] variant
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[ODST armor]]
*[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
*[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
*[[Plasma battery]]
*[[Plasma battery]]
*[[Retinal scanner]]
*[[Requiem slipspace artifacts]] {{Mo}}
*[[Requiem slipspace artifacts]] {{Mo}}
*[[Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
**[[Arbiter body armor]]
**[[Arbiter body armor]]
**[[Ascetic harness|Ascetic]] variant
**[[Ascetic harness|Ascetic]] variant
**[[Assault harness|Assault]] variant
**[[Assault harness|Assault]] variant
**[[Sangheili Commander|Commander]] variant
**[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]] variant
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] variant
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] variant
Line 406: Line 628:
**[[Sangheili Warrior|Warrior]] variant
**[[Sangheili Warrior|Warrior]] variant
**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] variant
**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] variant
*Skirmisher combat harness
*[[T'vaoan|Skirmisher]] combat harness
**[[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]] variant
**[[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]] variant
*[[Shock device]] {{1st}}
*[[Sentinel]]
**[[Aggressor Sentinel]]
*[[Slipspace portal]]
*[[Spy drone]] {{1st}}
*[[Telemetry probe]]
*[[Torture manacle]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
**[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]] variant
**[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]] variant
**[[Unggoy Imperial|Imperial]] variant
**[[Unggoy Imperial|Imperial]] variant
**[[Unggoy Major|Major]] variant
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]] variant
**[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]] variant
**[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]] variant
*[[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform]]
*[[UNSC Navy uniforms]]
*[[UNSC Navy uniforms]]
**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]
**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]
*[[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform]]
*[[UNSC tactical eyepiece]]
{{col-end}}
*[[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]]
}}
}}


==Production notes==
==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>
*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>
*The solicitation for Issue 5 claims that Petra Janecek infiltrates a Sangheili holy land in search of the UNSC traitor. In the issue proper, no mention is made of the planet Karava having any religious significance; the port town of Kor Delban (the only location visited), seems to be entirely secular in function.
*The solicitation for Issue 6 claims that Petra's life is endangered by her investigation. In the released version, Janecek, Lasky, and Ray are not seen until the end of the issue when they return to ''Infinity'' without incident.
*In Issue 6, Palmer's booster frame is painted with the number "0069", making it identical to [[Solomon-069]]'s booster frame in ''[[The Package]]''.
 
===Mistakes===
*On a panel recounting the conclusion of the [[Second Battle of Requiem]] in Issue 1, Requiem's parent star [[Epoloch]] is depicted as disproportionately small, barely larger than the shield world.
**In some panels in Issue 1, Kig-Yar are seen with four fingers instead of three.
**In Issue 1, the visor color of the Spartan with [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/War Master|War Master]] armor is orange, yet in Issue 2 it is blue.
*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.
*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.
*In Issue 4, Commander Bradley is accidentally referred to as Lasky in one panel.
*In Issue 5, the Unggoy in Kor Delban are depicted wearing combat harnesses without breathing apparatuses or methane tanks.
**[[Zef 'Trahl]]'s hand is erroneously [[:File:Zef 'Trahl.jpg|depicted]] with a single thumb; the Sangheili have bilaterally symmetrical hands with two thumbs.
**During his flashback to the Battle of Arcadia, then-Captain Hood is shown wearing a flag officer's [[UNSC Navy Service Uniform#Decorated uniform|white service uniform]], essentially his modern uniform with different insignia and no cap. At first its shoulder boards and sleeve stripes do not properly correspond to any rank; three panels later the shoulder boards are bare yet the sleeve stripes (now closer to the cuff) denote the rank of [[lieutenant]]. His tunic mistakenly bears the twin vertical bars of a [[Captain (ground forces)|UNICOM captain]] or a Navy lieutenant rather than the perched eagle of a [[Captain (Navy)|Navy captain]], as is the case with [[Jacob Keyes#Rank|Captain Keyes]] in each of his visual appearances.
*Throughout Issue 6, Lord Terrence Hood's first name is consistently misspelled as "Terrance".
**The New Colonial Alliance's raid on ''Infinity'' is repeatedly said to have occurred four years prior, rather than five.
**''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s is erroneously painted with the hull number CFV-38 rather than the correct CFV-88. This is likely a result of careless referencing of [[:File:UNSC Spirit of Fire (CFV-88).png|an image]] of the ship from ''Halo Wars'', in which the first number "8" on the hull resembles a "3" due to worn paint.


==Gallery==
==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>
<gallery>
File:Halo Escalation 1.jpg|Issue #1 cover art by Anthony Palumbo.
File:HaloEscalationVol1.jpg|The cover of ''Volume 1''.
File:Halo Escalation 1 Variant.jpg|Issue #1 variant cover art by Kenneth Scott.
File:Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg|The cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #1''
File:Halo Escalation 2.jpg|Issue #2 cover art by Anthony Palumbo.
File:Halo Escalation Library Edition 2.jpg|The cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2''
File:Halo Escalation 3.jpg|Issue #3 cover art by Anthony Palumbo.
File:Halo_Escalation_Library_Edition_Volume_2_full.jpg|Cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2'' without logos.
File:Halo Escalation 4.jpg|Issue #4 cover art by Anthony Palumbo.
File:HI&E compendium.jpg|The cover of ''Halo: Initiation and Escalation''.
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: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.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references />
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


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

Latest revision as of 00:55, December 24, 2024

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

v • d • e
 
Halo comics and graphic novels
Comic series
Graphic novels
Collections
Other
Italics indicate to be released items.
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Halo:_Escalation&oldid=1652462"