Homecoming

Homecoming is one of the seven short films comprising the anime adaptation of the Halo universe, Halo Legends. Homecoming focuses on the tragedies involving the SPARTAN-II conscription in 2517, and the supersoldiers coming to terms with their origins.

Frank O'Connor has stated that the segment has a very dark story despite the ironically cute and pleasant poster art. On the 21st of January, Spike's GTTV aired a short clip from Homecoming.

Plot Summary
The plot of Homecoming follows a Spartan named Daisy-023 and a group of other Spartans who after years of manipulation are escaping the facility. The story is told in a non-linear fashion crosscutting between Daisy assisting a group of Marines to escape and her running through a city to face her clone. But as Daisy confronts her clone with the intent to kill her, she finds herself unable to. Her clone exchanges a toy bear that Daisy once owned as a child before being abducted into the Spartan Program.

Daisy is then recaptured back into custody. Returning to Daisy in the battle campaigning the evac Pelican landed however, Daisy was impaled by Needler rounds. Ralph, who was now aboard the Pelican with the Marines, tried to help Daisy, but she told him to go. Daisy used her pistol to fire on a Covenant Sangheili, but the Pelican was destroyed by Fuel Rod Gun fire, killing all aboard. Daisy, wounded and helpless, died where she lay, unable to move. Her body was later found by John-117, who placed Daisy's teddy bear chain in her hands, and closed her eyes.

Development
Joseph Chou was inspired by Eric Nylund's novel Halo: The Fall of Reach which detailed the background of the Spartans. After discussing story ideas with Shinji Aramaki they decided to create a story about a group of Spartans that escape and ultimately one who faces their self. The story was taken to Production I.G for development where it was presented to director Koji Sawai who had worked for Production I.G in the past including work with Mamoru Oshii. Ishikawa chose Sawai for his known ability to portray females in a very strong way.

Sawai, who is presently a director for Bee Train Productions, along with his friend Koichi Mashimo brought in their own team of artists including long time writing collaborator Hiroyuki Kawasaki. Sawai hoped to bring the studio’s own unique style and flavor to the Halo Universe in the time allowed.

While all promotional materials cited Production I.G as the producer of Homecoming, the official video release credits Bee Train to the principal animation work, with studio head Mashimo acting as the executive producer.

In their audio commentary Frank O'Connor and Joseph Chou mentioned the anime style is strikingly contrast to the story. While the story is quite dark the color pallet is very bright and traditional anime style.

Characters

 * Daisy-023
 * John-117
 * Joseph-122
 * Ralph-303
 * Catherine Halsey
 * Sergeant Hauser

Organizations

 * Covenant Empire
 * Office of Naval Intelligence
 * SPARTAN-II Program
 * United Nations Space Command
 * UNSC Marine Corps

Species

 * Human
 * Sangheili
 * Unggoy
 * Yanme'e
 * Kig-Yar

Locations

 * Reach
 * Sargasso
 * Harvest

Vehicles

 * AV-14 Attack VTOL
 * Dropship 77-Troop Carrier
 * M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle

Weapons
United Nations Space Command
 * MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System
 * M41 Vulcan Light Anti-Aircraft Gun
 * M6C Personal Defense Weapon System
 * M90 Close Assault Weapon System
 * Sniper Rifle System 99C-S2 Anti-Matériel

Covenant Empire
 * Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol
 * Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle
 * Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon
 * Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
 * Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade

Trivia

 * How Daisy holstered her M6 sidearm would be physically impossible, since the handle and trigger guard occupy the center portion of the weapon, yet the holster appears rectangular, with no slit at the back for the handle. The fact that the rear iron sights are visible prove that the handle was not exposed at the opening. The holster itself appears to be suited for pistols with a design similar to those of modern-day pistols, with the handle closer to the hammer.