Halo: Escalation: Difference between revisions
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{{Title|''Halo: Escalation''}} | {{Title|''Halo: Escalation''}} | ||
{{ | {{Status|RealWorld}} | ||
{{Novel infobox | {{Novel infobox | ||
|image=[[File:Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg|280px]] | |image=[[File:Halo Escalation Library Edition.jpg|280px]] | ||
|author=*[[Christopher Schlerf]] | |author=*[[Christopher Schlerf]] | ||
*Sergio Ariño, Ricardo Sanchez Arreola, Douglas Franchin & Ian Richardson (pencillers) | *[[Brian Reed]] | ||
*[[Duffy Boudreau]] | |||
|cover artist=*Anthony Palumbo | |||
*[[Kenneth Scott]] | |||
*[[Nicolas Bouvier]] | |||
*Daniel Chavez | |||
*Jean-Sébastien Rossbach | |||
*[[Isaac Hannaford]] | |||
|illustrator=*Sergio Ariño, Ricardo Sanchez Arreola, Douglas Franchin & Ian Richardson (pencillers) | |||
*Juan Castro, Rob Lean & Denis Freitas (inkers) | *Juan Castro, Rob Lean & Denis Freitas (inkers) | ||
*Michael Atiyeh (colorist) | *Michael Atiyeh (colorist) | ||
|publisher=Dark Horse Comics | |publisher=Dark Horse Comics | ||
|publication= | |publication= | ||
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*Volume #3: September 9, 2015 | *Volume #3: September 9, 2015 | ||
*Volume #4: March 22, [[2016]] | *Volume #4: March 22, [[2016]] | ||
*Library Volume #1: May 11, 2016 | *Library Volume #1 Hardcover: May 11, 2016 | ||
*Library Volume #2: June 27, [[2017]] | *Library Volume #2 Hardcover: June 27, [[2017]] | ||
*Omnibus Volume #1: November 28, [[2018]] | *Omnibus Volume #1 TPB: November 28, [[2018]] | ||
*Omnibus Volume #2: May | *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 | |||
}} | }} | ||
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''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> | ''Halo: Escalation'' was originally marketed as a limited-run series consisting of 12 issues;<ref>[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbYyXWhCAAANIhl.jpg:large '''pbs.twimg.com''' - ''Halo: Escalation Giveaway'']</ref> however, it was later continued with another twelve issues. A paperback edition of ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 1'' (collecting Issues #1-6) was released on October 8, 2014.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/22-713/Halo-Escalation-Volume-1-TPB/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation Volume 1'']</ref> ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 2'' (collecting Issues #7-12) was released on April 21, 2015,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-2-Escalation-Brian-Reed/dp/1616556285/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409010431&sr=1-1&keywords=halo+escalation+volume+2/ '''Amazon''': ''Halo: Escalation Volume 2'']</ref> ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 3'' (collecting Issues #13-18) was released on September 22, 2015,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Escalation-Volume-Brian-Reed/dp/1616557591 '''Amazon''': ''Halo: Escalation Volume 3'']</ref> and ''Halo: Escalation - Volume 4'' (collecting Issues #19-24) was released on March 22, 2016.<ref>[http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/532378/halo-escalation-volume-4-by-duffy-boudreau-writer-ian-richardson-penciler-parts-1-3-douglas-franchin-penciler-parts-4-6-michael-atiyeh-colorist/ '''Penguin Random House''' ''Halo: Escalation Volume 4'']</ref> | ||
The series was later released in two hardcover "Library Editions" featuring extra content such as developer commentaries. Library Edition Volume #1 (collecting ''Escalation'' Volumes 1 and 2, and the entirety of ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'') was released on May 11, 2016.<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/buffy-25-predator-life-and-death-and-more-in-dark-horses-march-2016-solicitations '''Comic Book Resources''': ''Dark Horse Comics March 2016 Solicitations'']</ref> The second and last Library Edition (collecting Volumes 3 and 4), was released on [[2017|June 27, 2017]].<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Library-2-Duffy-Boudreau/dp/1506702341'''Amazon.com''' - ''Halo Library Edition Volume 2'']</ref> | 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> | ||
==Plot synopsis== | ==Plot synopsis== | ||
Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|1]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|3]] focus on UNSC ''Infinity'''s mission to provide security for the [[Sangheili]]-[[Jiralhanae]] peace delegation on [[Ealen IV]] and their struggle for survival after [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant forces]] under the command of [[Vata 'Gajat]] attack the conference. In Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|4]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|6]], the ''Infinity'' crew track down the spy in the UNSC's ranks who leaked the location of the negotiations to the Covenant and face down the [[New Colonial Alliance]] and [[Daniel Clayton|Captain Daniel Clayton]], the true mastermind behind the attack. [[Halo: Escalation Issue 7|Issue 7]] focuses on [[Gabriel Thorne|Spartan Gabriel Thorne]]'s trip to the reopened [[New Phoenix]] to receive closure for his grandmother's death in the [[New Phoenix Incident|Didact's attack on the city]]. | Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|1]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|3]] focus on UNSC ''Infinity'''s mission to provide security for the [[Sangheili]]-[[Jiralhanae]] peace delegation on [[Ealen IV]] and their struggle for survival after [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant forces]] under the command of [[Vata 'Gajat]] attack the conference. In Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 4|4]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 6|6]], the ''Infinity'' crew track down the spy in the UNSC's ranks who leaked the location of the negotiations to the Covenant and face down the [[New Colonial Alliance]] and [[Daniel Clayton|Captain Daniel Clayton]], the true mastermind behind the attack. [[Halo: Escalation Issue 7|Issue 7]] focuses on [[Gabriel Thorne|Spartan Gabriel Thorne]]'s trip to the reopened [[New Phoenix]] to receive closure for his grandmother's death in the [[New Phoenix Incident|Didact's attack on the city]]. | ||
Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|8]], [[Halo: Escalation Issue 9|9]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|10]] form a story arc called ''"The Next 72 Hours"'' which details Spartan [[John-117]]'s fate immediately after the events of ''[[Halo 4]]''. Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|11]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|12]] comprise a story arc called ''"Exposure"'' in which Spartans [[Naiya Ray|Ray]] and Thorne are deployed on a mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious [[Bioweapon|biological weapon]]. The next four issues form another story arc, ''"Spartan Ops: The Janus Key"'',<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 12''</ref> that returns to the principal plot threads of ''Spartan Ops'', continuing the ongoing conflict between ''Infinity'' and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|forces]] and their struggle for control of the [[Janus Key]]. | Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|8]], [[Halo: Escalation Issue 9|9]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 10|10]] form a story arc called ''"The Next 72 Hours"'' which details Spartan [[John-117]]'s fate immediately after the events of ''[[Halo 4]]''. Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|11]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 12|12]] comprise a story arc called ''"Exposure"'' in which Spartans [[Naiya Ray|Ray]] and Thorne are deployed on a mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious [[Bioweapon|biological weapon]]. The next four issues form another story arc, ''"Spartan Ops: The Janus Key"'',<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 12''</ref> that returns to the principal plot threads of ''Spartan Ops'', continuing the ongoing conflict between ''Infinity'' and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|forces]] and their struggle for control of the [[Janus Key]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE13}} Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 17|17]] and [[Halo: Escalation Issue 18|18]] comprise a story arc called ''"The Glass Horizon"'', which tells the mysterious origin of Spartan [[Holly Tanaka]].<ref name="HE17">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 17''</ref> | ||
Issues [[Halo: Escalation Issue 19|19]] to [[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|24]] comprise the last story arc called ''"Absolute Record"'', continuing the conflict between the UNSC and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant after the end of [[Halo: Escalation Issue 16|Issue 16]], and gives an end to the story started in ''Spartan Ops''.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 19''</ref> | Issues [[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> | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 1}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 1}} | ||
'''Official summary:''' | '''Official summary:''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|Halo®, the most celebrated video game series of all time, joins forces with Dark Horse for a thrilling new ongoing series! The UNSC flagship Infinity is assigned escort duty for a diplomatic mission between the Arbiter and a powerful chieftain of the Brute tribes—but when a rogue Covenant group attacks, it’s going to take all the firepower the Spartans have to keep the delegates alive! | ||
* First issue of an all-new ongoing Halo series from Dark Horse! | * First issue of an all-new ongoing Halo series from Dark Horse! | ||
* An essential addition to the Halo canon! | * An essential addition to the Halo canon! | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 2}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 2}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|As Sarah Palmer fights to get the Arbiter and the Brute Ambassador to safety, Captain Lasky sneaks behind enemy lines to reestablish communications with the UNSC Infinity. Their plans for escape are jeopardized, however, by a turncoat in their midst!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-702/Halo-Escalation-2/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #2'']</ref>}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 3=== | ===Issue 3=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 3}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 3}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|Commander Palmer confronts the [[Treason|traitor]] who has betrayed her team, as the Covenant closes in on their position. With time running out, Lasky is forced to make a costly sacrifice to save the peace delegation from the impending attack.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-703/Halo-Escalation-3/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #3'']</ref>}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 4=== | ===Issue 4=== | ||
[[File:HaloEscalation4.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation4.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 4}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 4}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|The UNSC Infinity is ambushed by an unexpected enemy while on a mission to rescue a damaged civilian freighter. Across the galaxy, an undercover Lasky enlists the help of an [[Petra Janecek|old friend]] in rooting out a spy inside the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-704/Halo-Escalation-4/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #4'']</ref>}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 5=== | ===Issue 5=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 5}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 5}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|Missing for thirty years, a legendary UNSC warship is discovered deep behind enemy lines. As Infinity plans a rescue mission, however, Admiral Hood’s past with the [[James Cutter|ship’s captain]] threatens to jeopardize the mission. The investigation into the UNSC saboteur continues as the journalist infiltrates an Elite holy land in search of answers.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-705/Halo-Escalation-5/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #5'']</ref>}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 6=== | ===Issue 6=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 6}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 6}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|The saga of [[Halo Wars]] enters the modern age as Infinity struggles to liberate the long-lost Spirit of Fire from the deadly Vata 'Gajat. Meanwhile, Petra's search for the identity of Infinity's spy could result in her death. The Halo universe is on the brink of a new galactic war!<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-706/Halo-Escalation-6/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #6'']</ref>}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 7=== | ===Issue 7=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 7}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 7}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{Article quote|“The Fall of [[New Phoenix]]” — eight months ago, an attack on [[Earth]] left seven million dead, including the family of Spartan Gabriel Thorne. Today the city has been opened from quarantine, and Thorne is going home to see what’s left... and what it has to do with the Master Chief.<ref>[http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/22-707/Halo-Escalation-7/ '''Dark Horse Comics:''' ''Halo: Escalation #7'']</ref>}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 8 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 1"''=== | ===Issue 8 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 1"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 8}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 8}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 9 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 2"''=== | ===Issue 9 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 2"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 9}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 9}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 10 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 3"''=== | ===Issue 10 - ''"The Next 72 Hours, Part 3"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 10}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 10}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 11 - ''"Exposure, Part 1"''=== | ===Issue 11 - ''"Exposure, Part 1"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 11}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 11}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 12 - ''"Exposure, Part 2"''=== | ===Issue 12 - ''"Exposure, Part 2"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 12}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 12}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 13 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 1"''=== | ===Issue 13 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 1"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 13}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 13}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 14 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 2"''=== | ===Issue 14 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 2"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 14}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 14}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 15 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 3"''=== | ===Issue 15 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 3"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 15}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 15}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 16 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 4"''=== | ===Issue 16 - ''"The Janus Key, Part 4"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 16}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 16}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 17 - ''"The Glass Horizon, Part 1"''=== | ===Issue 17 - ''"The Glass Horizon, Part 1"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 17}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 17}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 18 - ''"The Glass Horizon, Part 2"''=== | ===Issue 18 - ''"The Glass Horizon, Part 2"''=== | ||
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{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 18}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 18}} | ||
'''Official summary''' | '''Official summary''' | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 19 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 1"''=== | ===Issue 19 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 1"''=== | ||
[[File:HaloEscalation19.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation19.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 19}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 19}} | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 20 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 2"''=== | ===Issue 20 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 2"''=== | ||
[[File:HaloEscalation20.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation20.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 20}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 20}} | ||
{{Article | {{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>}} | ||
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[[File:HaloEscalation21.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation21.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 21}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 21}} | ||
{{Article | {{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>}} | ||
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[[File:HaloEscalation22.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation22.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 22}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 22}} | ||
{{Article | {{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>}} | ||
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[[File:HaloEscalation23.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation23.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 23}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 23}} | ||
{{Article | {{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}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Issue 24 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 6"''=== | ===Issue 24 - ''"The Absolute Record, Part 6"''=== | ||
[[File:HaloEscalation24.jpg|right|84px]] | [[File:HaloEscalation24.jpg|right|84px]] | ||
{{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 24}} | {{Main|Halo: Escalation Issue 24}} | ||
{{Article | {{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>}} | ||
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Line 247: | Line 257: | ||
*[[Jun-A266]] {{Mo}} | *[[Jun-A266]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Kelly-087]] | *[[Kelly-087]] | ||
*[['Lordan]] {{1st}} | *[['Lordan]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Librarian]] | *[[Librarian]] | ||
Line 275: | Line 284: | ||
*[[Victor-101]] | *[[Victor-101]] | ||
*[[Vladimir Scruggs]] | *[[Vladimir Scruggs]] | ||
*[[Vrak'is]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Zef 'Trahl]] {{1st}} | *[[Zef 'Trahl]] {{1st}} | ||
|title-2=Species| | |title-2=Species| | ||
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**[[Eridanus II]] | **[[Eridanus II]] | ||
***[[Elysium City]] | ***[[Elysium City]] | ||
****[[Elysium City Primary Education Facility Number | ****[[Elysium City Primary Education Facility Number 119]] | ||
*[[Escala system]] {{1st}} | *[[Escala system]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Escala III]] {{1st}} | **[[Escala III]] {{1st}} | ||
Line 413: | Line 423: | ||
**[[Raid on Ivanoff Station]] | **[[Raid on Ivanoff Station]] | ||
**[[New Phoenix Incident]] | **[[New Phoenix Incident]] | ||
**[[ | **[[Mission to Installation 03]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Requiem Campaign]] | **[[Requiem Campaign]] | ||
**[[Battle of Ealen IV]] {{1st}} | **[[Battle of Ealen IV]] {{1st}} | ||
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**''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' {{1st}} | **''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' {{1st}} | ||
**''[[Song of Retribution]]'' | **''[[Song of Retribution]]'' | ||
*{{ | *{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} | ||
*{{ | *{{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} | ||
**''[[Radiant Perception]]'' {{1st}} | **''[[Radiant Perception]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*{{ | *{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}} | ||
*{{Class|Charon|light frigate}} | *{{Class|Charon|light frigate}} | ||
**{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} | **{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} | ||
Line 437: | Line 447: | ||
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]] | *[[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 456: | Line 466: | ||
*[[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}} | **{{UNSCShip|Cascadia}} {{1st}} | ||
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}} | *{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}} | ||
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} | **{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} | ||
*{{ | *{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} | ||
*{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}} | *{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}} | ||
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}} | *{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}} | ||
*[[Type-26 Banshee]] | *[[Type-26 Banshee]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Elsedda|Banshee}} | ||
*[[Type-31 Seraph]] | *[[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]] | *[[UNSC Destroyer]] | ||
*{{UNSCShip|Infinity}} | *{{UNSCShip|Infinity}} | ||
Line 512: | Line 522: | ||
*[[Plasma turret]] | *[[Plasma turret]] | ||
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]] | *[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}} | ||
*[[Type-1 energy sword]] | *[[Type-1 energy sword]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]] | ||
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]] | *[[Type-25 plasma pistol]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}} | ||
*[[Type-33 Needler]] | *[[Type-33 Needler]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}} | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}} | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}} | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}} | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}} | ||
*[[ | *{{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}} | ||
*[[Unidentified shotgun]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Z-110 Boltshot]] | *[[Z-110 Boltshot]] | ||
*[[Z-130 Suppressor]] | *[[Z-130 Suppressor]] | ||
Line 539: | Line 550: | ||
**[[Ancilla]] | **[[Ancilla]] | ||
***[[Monitor]] | ***[[Monitor]] | ||
***[[Metarch]] | ***[[Metarch-class ancilla|Metarch]] | ||
****[[Contender-class artificial intelligence|''Contender''-class artificial intelligence]] | ****[[Contender-class artificial intelligence|''Contender''-class artificial intelligence]] | ||
**[[Avatar]] | **[[Avatar]] | ||
Line 554: | Line 565: | ||
**[[Cryo chamber]] | **[[Cryo chamber]] | ||
*[[Data pad]] | *[[Data pad]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Covenant watchtower]] | ||
*[[Design seed]] | *[[Design seed]] | ||
*[[Durance]] | *[[Durance]] | ||
Line 608: | Line 619: | ||
*[[Retinal scanner]] | *[[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 | ||
**[[ | **[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]] variant | ||
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] variant | **[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] variant | ||
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] variant | **[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] variant | ||
Line 640: | Line 651: | ||
==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: | *Though the series primarily uses ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s designs for the Covenant species and their equipment, the ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' incarnations of certain elements appear occasionally throughout the series. Most notably, Lydus resembles the Brutes seen in ''Halo: Reach'', yet his bodyguards are clearly drawn in their ''Halo 3'' likeness. Curiously, despite his recognizable classic appearance, ''Escalation'' [[Thel 'Vadam#Production notes|depicts the Arbiter]] much like the Sangheili in ''Halo 4'' with regard to his skin tone and mouth structure. Vata Gajat's combat harness is based on a piece of concept art for ''[[Halo 4]]'', exploring the possibility that [[hard light]] technology could be incorporated into Sangheili armor.<ref>[[:File:Halo 4 Sangheili harness concept art.jpg|Sangheili harness concept art for ''Halo 4'']]</ref> | ||
*Throughout the first three issues Banshees are depicted in their unpiloted stance even though they are flying. Similarly, in Issue 1 they are shown firing thin beams at DS-004, rather than the bolts that they canonically fire. This is similar to the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' box art and very well may be a deliberate homage. | *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. | ||
Line 680: | Line 691: | ||
File:Halo Escalation Library Edition 2.jpg|The cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2'' | File:Halo Escalation Library Edition 2.jpg|The cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2'' | ||
File:Halo_Escalation_Library_Edition_Volume_2_full.jpg|Cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2'' without logos. | File:Halo_Escalation_Library_Edition_Volume_2_full.jpg|Cover of the ''Library Edition Volume #2'' without logos. | ||
File:HI&E compendium.jpg|The cover of ''Halo: Initiation and Escalation''. | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{ | {{Ref/Sources|2}} | ||
{{ | {{Navbox/Media/Comic}} | ||
[[Category:Canon|Escalation]] | [[Category:Canon|Escalation]] | ||
[[Category:Comics|Escalation]] | [[Category:Comics|Escalation]] |
Latest revision as of 06:33, August 15, 2024
Halo: Escalation | |
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Attribution information | |
Author(s): |
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Cover artist(s): |
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Illustrator(s): |
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Publication information | |
Publisher: |
Dark Horse Comics |
Publication date: |
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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]
- 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!
|
” |
Issue 2[edit]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
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 variant cover art by Kenneth Scott
Collections[edit]
Sources[edit]
- ^ Dark Horse, Initiation and Escalation (Retrieved on Oct 22, 2022) [archive]
- ^ Dark Horse: Dark Horse Announces All-New Halo Ongoing Series: Escalation!
- ^ Wired: Dark Horse Will Turn World of Halo 4 Into Ongoing Comic Series
- ^ pbs.twimg.com - Halo: Escalation Giveaway
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation Volume 1
- ^ Amazon: Halo: Escalation Volume 2
- ^ Amazon: Halo: Escalation Volume 3
- ^ Penguin Random House Halo: Escalation Volume 4
- ^ Comic Book Resources: Dark Horse Comics March 2016 Solicitations
- ^ Amazon.com - Halo Library Edition Volume 2
- ^ Dark Horse - Halo Omnibus Volume 1
- ^ Dark Horse - Halo Omnibus Volume 2
- ^ Dark Horse - Halo: Initiation and Escalation
- ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 12
- ^ a b Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #13
- ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 17
- ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 19
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #1
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #2
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #3
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #4
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #5
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #6
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #7
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #8
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #9
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #10
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #11
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #12
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #14
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #15
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #16
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #17
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #18
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #19
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #20
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #21
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #22
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Halo: Escalation #23
- ^ Dark Horse Comics: Dark Horse Comics November 2015 Solicitations
- ^ Halo Waypoint Forums - Canon Fodder 1-15-15: Just Getting Started (Catalog Answer)
- ^ Sangheili harness concept art for Halo 4
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