How a Spartan-IV is Evolving the Future of the Halo Universe

The latest chapter in the expansive “Halo?” universe unfolds today with “Halo: Initiation” – a three-part comic series created by 343 Industries and Dark Horse Comics. Written by “Halo” franchise writer Brian Reed and drawn by “Star War: Purge” and “Secret Invasion: Front Line” artist Marco Castiello, “Halo: Initiation” follows the career of Sarah Palmer from Orbital Drop Shock Trooper to commander of a new breed of Spartan super-soldiers aboard the UNSC Infinity.

“Halo: Initiation” picks up at the end of “Halo 3.” The galaxy is at a state of relative peace, the remnants of the Covenant are being mopped up, and the UNSC is in need of Spartans to enforce order throughout the colonies. John-117, the Master Chief, is missing in action, and the rest of his kind are gone, so the UNSC turns to their best and brightest to create a new generation of Spartans – Spartan-IV’s.

The interim between “Halo 3” and “Halo 4” has been explored before, most notably in the Karen Traviss novels “Glasslands” and “The Thursday War,” but what is interesting about “Halo: Initiation’s” story is its focus on Sarah Palmer. Palmer has appeared in two “Halo” video games, in addition to playing a major role in “Halo 4’s” Spartan Ops campaign, and now a comic series, making her one of the most prominent characters in “Halo” fiction. Arguably, only the Master Chief, Cortana and a select few others have had more visibility with fans.

“Sarah Palmer is one of those fun cases where when you’re writing things, it doesn’t go as planned and ends up taking you in surprising directions,” said Reed.

Palmer was originally created by Chris Schlerf, lead writer of the Reclaimer Saga, as just a background character in “Halo 4” that welcomed the Master Chief to Requiem. However, as the team was writing Spartan Ops, which was led by Reed, she gradually evolved from a minor speaking role to being an active figure on the battlefield. Schlerf, Reed and the rest of the writing team brainstormed more details about personality and dialogue until they had fleshed out who Palmer really was, and the ideas that her character inspired always resonated with them.

By the time 343 Industries began looking at “Halo: Spartan Assault” and launching a new comic series, Palmer was clearly the logical choice to focus on, explained Reed. They wanted to explore the origins of the Spartan-IV program, and since Palmer was already an established figure among fans, it made sense to delve deeper into her background as well.

Expanding on Palmer’s story also fulfilled the studio’s vision of highlight exciting and interesting characters as they grew the “Halo” universe.

“’Halo’ has so many strong …read more