Review - Halo: Initiation #2Review by Paul Fiander
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Writer; Brian Reed
Art by; Marco Castiello Colours by; Michael Atiyeh Cover by; Jon Liberto Published by; Dark Horse Comics Inc |
Halo initiation #2 will be releasing on the 11th of September 2013. You can read a review of the first issue here. This will be the first time the Halo Universe will be explored in conjuncture with Dark Horse Comics.
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I’m a Halo newbie so the title of the comic is pretty apt for me. During the first issue at times I felt a bit lost as I was not up with the canon, the second issue does a lot to help remedy this by explaining key terms like Spartan. Even me as a Halo noob has heard the term but truthfully I had no idea what this elite unit was comprised of, well this issue along with Sarah Palmer will fill you in.
We left the first episode with Palmer being offered a role as a Spartan and this is the main theme of the second issue. The description of the modifications made to her body so she can become a member of the elite unit is impressive (of course they are imaginary at this time, but the story is set in the future). From bone impregnation to cornea implants every aspect of her body is improved but it is her brain that will determine whether she will survive as a Spartan. Historically the Spartans were citizens of Greece and notorious as ferocious professional soldiers. They were tough but through training were able to think and move a unit when in battle, giving them a fighting strength many in the world at that time feared. This is something Palmer in the first issue neglected she worked by hook or by crook as a single entity on the battlefield. This issue also pops up in this issue and you have to wonder if she is trying to impress someone or has something to prove. It will be interesting to see how her character progresses through the story and if she really can become one of the team. |
The cover art is a lot more cartoony than the images you will see in the pages.
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The secondary plot within the comic sees a bid to take over the USNC Infinity, it works as a nice aside and may give Palmer a chance to prove herself. Overall the story is moved along by the issue and we can look forward to some Spartan style action in the remainder of the series.
One small mention for the Artist of the first and second issue Marco Castiello one drawing from the first issue showing a Spartan with a shadow of a Ancient Spartan warrior is one of my favourite panels in recent times. The mix of past and future work amazingly well to give the reader a sense of the history wrapped up in the Spartan Tradition.
One small mention for the Artist of the first and second issue Marco Castiello one drawing from the first issue showing a Spartan with a shadow of a Ancient Spartan warrior is one of my favourite panels in recent times. The mix of past and future work amazingly well to give the reader a sense of the history wrapped up in the Spartan Tradition.
All three comics in the series are available in both print and digital to pre-order from Dark Horse comics. Follow this link for more details.
Alternatively you can read a preview of the comic in the Dark Horse iPad app here and the Android version of the app here.
Wrap Up
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The Good - Helps establish the Spartans for the Newbies
The Bad - Basic Plot |
3.5/5 |
Images courtesy of Dark Horse Comics
Comic - Provided by Dark Horse Comics
Comic - Provided by Dark Horse Comics
