Halo Graphic Novel: Difference between revisions

Bungie Studios' original concept of the graphic novel was to bring the ''Halo'' series into new media beyond that of video games, with sequential art being the main focus.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel"> {{cite web|author=Goldstein, Hilary|date=2006-06-23|url=http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/714/714462p1.html|title=IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel (Part I)|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=Feb 19|accessyear=2007}}</ref> Initially unsuccessful in its pursuit of finding a partner and an effective license agreement, Lorraine McLees—an artist on the ''Halo'' development team—suggested that Bungie Studios finance and edit the novel itself before pursuing a publisher. This would allow the studio to maintain control over the content and pursue the venture unencumbered by outside intervention.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel" /> This also gave the studio greater access to various artists that it hoped would contribute; the novel’s executive producer Brian Jarrad noted the procedure of creating the novel independently and outside the "traditional comic process" would prevent the "conflicts of interest and politics and allegiances" that could potentially arise if they approached a publisher or partner first.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel 2">{{cite web|author=Goldstein, Hilary|date=2006-06-23|url=http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/714/714462p1.html|title=IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel (Part II)|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=Feb 19|accessyear=2007}}</ref> Lead designer Maria Cabardo created a "dream team" roster of writers and artists Bungie admired, and through a period of negotiation Bungie was able to gain contributions from many of those named on the list.<ref name="IGN: Exploring the Halo Graphic Novel 2" /> Buoyed by their success in approaching those in the medium that they respected and admired, including British comic book artist Simon Bisley and French artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud, the progress of ''Halo Graphic Novel'' was described as a "cool morale boost for our team to see their universe, their characters, realized by people that we idolize in the comic industry."<ref name="Inside Bungie"> {{cite web|date=2007-01-19|author=Staff|url=http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2007/01/inside_bungie.php|title=Inside Bungie|work=Edge Magazine|accessdate=February 19|accessyear=2007}}</ref>  

Located after the main body of stories is a selection of art pieces that represent interpretations of the ''Halo'' universe from a number of comic book artists. These contributors include Doug Alexander, Rick Berry, Geof Darrow, and more than twenty-five others, both freelance and from [[Bungie Studios]]&mdash;including lead composer [[Martin O'Donnell]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/hgn_preview/index.html?display=inside_front_cover|title="Halo Graphic Novel Preview": Front Cover|work=[[Halo.Bungie.Org]]|accessdate=February 20|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

Near the beginning of ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Covenant stumble upon humanity's best-guarded secret&mdash;the location of Earth&mdash;and launch a direct attack on the city of [[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]]. By the time players arrive at the city in ''Halo 2'', it is deserted; "Second Sunrise", which takes place during the attack, explains that this was not always the case. The story is told through the eyes of a reporter who creates propaganda for the UNSC. When the Covenant invade the city, the reporter and fellow citizens take to its defense, until they are forced to flee as the city faces ruin.

 

Bungie described "Second Sunrise" as an attempt to put a human face on the conflict by illustrating the effects of war on the common citizen.<ref name="HGN: SSNM">''Halo Graphic Novel'', page 84 (ISBN 0785123725)</ref> The story was written by Brett Lewis with art provided by Jean "Moebius" Giraud. Giraud explained that his son's enjoyment of the game series ultimately compelled him to accept an invitation to contribute his art; before writing, he had never played the video games.<ref name="HGN: SSNM2">''Halo Graphic Novel'', page 99 (ISBN 0785123725)</ref>