This is a 56 pager. Biggest one yet. Hurricane Sandy and an illness slowed me down a little. I need to get some sleep for now (it’s 4am as of this post Eastern time). When I awake, I’ll be putting the finishing touches to the graphic novel.

-Sal

I was a bit ill today, so my progress on the Forward Unto Dawn episode 4 graphic novel ground to a halt for about 12 hours. It’s late now, but I had plenty of sleep, so I am going to work on it now.

I hope to have it done late Sunday (my time-Eastern US). Though it may be early Monday instead due to the illness.

This one looks to be the biggest yet as I took 343 screenshots of the episode. While there isn’t a ton of dialogue, I do want to show the action sequences as best as possible in graphic novel form.

Please, if you’ve check out the previous episode graphic novels, let me know if you like them, or even if you don’t, of might have suggestions. All I ask is be courteous with responses and I’ll be sure to get back to you all.

Thanks,
-Sal (HFFL)

So now the speculation of what happens in episode 5 (the last full episode) takes place.

With there being only 4 cadets left: Laksy, Chyler Silva, “Sully” Sullivan, and April Orenski; who will die next if any?

I’m going to take a wild guess and say both the women. At this point Orenski has run her course in the series. Though I’d love to see her come back as a commanding officer of a ship, in a novel, if she survives. Chyler though…a tough call to kill her off, but I think it’s practically necessary. For Lasky it will be the final straw for him. Chyler is the last person he really cares anything about. Losing her would make him a hardened career military man for sure. And, of course this is basically what he has become as we know he’s in Halo 4.

Sullivan is the only other cadet I can see making it through. Yes, he’s wounded from the needle round to the leg from this episode, however, he’s a very popular character. Being a bit of a wise-ass as well as an ONI spy in the making, Sully has huge amounts of potential to show up in other areas of Halo, be that novels or the next game(s).

Oh and did you guys watch the credits at the end of this episode? One word: HUNTER
(Go see for yourself)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ_xn889cSk&feature=plcp

Go to 15:23 of the episode and pause…(or just look below)

On that note, back up just a few seconds and my theory of Chyler dying could be correct. You see Lasky running. Behind him you see Chief kneeling with Orenski and Sully seating against a tree, but no Chyler. Is Lasky running to save her? Maybe, or he could be looking to avenge her death?

We’ll know in a week, but in the meantime, I like trying to figure out where this is all going to end up for the series (not including the fact that Lasky is in Halo 4 and of course Master Chief lives).

So here we are at the last review for Episode 4.

Lasky gets the hog running!

Pop pop pop goes the Jackals, the Jackals!

Why it’s Master Chief of course, in this short sequence that is sure to become iconic to the series.

Are Chief’s shields down? Wait a sec…

Achievement Unlocked 117G: Most badass leap off a balcony EVER!

GO!

(Um, yes sir…)

DRIVE!

The end…well of this episode and review.

In watching this for the first time it all just seemed to flash by. When this last shot came up and then the episode was over, I literally said out loud, “NO!” I couldn’t believe it was over so quickly. Yet there it was nearly 16 minutes later. Wow, times sure flies when you’re watching Master Chief kick arse!

By far THIS is my favorite episode. Okay, so I have a bias for Master Chief. But then, who wouldn’t? Yes, I know this series is about Lasky and the development of the characters has been impressive given the short time allotted for the series thusfar. But come on, we all know that for most of us, this was about seeing Master Chief in LIVE-action.

I do want to say though that that in no way diminishes the performances of the other actors in the series. They’ve all done a remarkable job. Every character believable, none over the top. Direction is superb, special effects are great, lighting fantastic, editing, music. The whole production is AWESOME!

Whew, if someone asked me a month ago if I could pull this off in a day, well…I might still say yes, but I’d be doubting myself. I’m so happy that I’ve been able to stick with it. Now on to the graphic novel for episode 4!

Strap yourselves in for the final push. Only one more episode to go.

The cadets are under fire when Orenski gives the order for Lasky to go. After a quick check on Chyler, he heads off to the waiting Warthog. As he runs, this is shown in slow motion. Shots are ringing out all around him. Purple bolts from needle rifles, green plasma from Carbines. Where these fireworks they might be beautiful, but under the circumstances, I think Lasky would rather not have to see this light show.

Orenski’s in for the fight, while it’s taking Silva some time to gather her strength. the mix of lighting and dirt on Chyler’s face show the timelapse of battle. Just a day ago it would have been Innies she’d have been sent out to kill. Now…

As he gets to the Warthog, Lasky finds the dead body of General Black in the vehicle. Was he trying to get away? Was he going to get on the turret and fight back? Lasky doesn’t have time to think about that. However we do have time to ponder this thought provoking scene. Was the good General leaving cowardly, or was he preparing to take the fight to the Covies. Sadly, we will never know. I’d like to think though as the Commanding Officer of the Academy that he was readying himself to go down with the ship, so to speak.

Orenski’s out of ammo, Lasky is fumbling trying to get the Warthog started, and now Chyler’s out of ammo as well. What to do???

Hmm, well what do we have here? Chyler considers then picks up the alien weapon. She raises it and fires off a shot, squarely killing a Jackal perched on a rooftop across from her position. Damn, she’s a good shot! Now I do wish we’d have got a clearer brighter shot of the Jackal itself, but that’s a minor point. It is night afterall and the Jackal’s scream of agony at being shot is quite enough to supplant my need to see it visually.

With the situation seemingly near a standstill and with ammo running low, the situation looks perilous for the young surviving cadets.

Next and final review of Episode 4: Part 11, Super Hero?

As the cadets make it outside, they are greeted by the grim discovery of the full impact of what has taken place. With bodies of cadets, marines, and ODST scattered about, you have to believe that they are scared for their own safety, yet somehow have found resolve in following Master Chief. The echoes of a soft wailing in the background music add to the effect of loss and tragedy.

Sully checks their rear, when from the flank comes a stinging shot from a needle rifle. He’s hit and down, but not out.

He looks to where the shot came from when another shot is headed his way. Shown in slow motion the shot is coming right towards Sully, when Master Chief steps in the way just in time, only to have the shot crash and break against the armor on his arm. Chief has already seen action against the Covenant, so he has at least some understanding of the penetrating power of a needle. His armor is more than enough to handle this shot. Heroic indeed!

As shot ring out around them, Master Chief takes charge and fires back.  Now THIS is something we’ve been waiting for. Watching Chief kick some Covie arse!

I just love this pose that Daniel Cudmore gives (from inside the suit) as he gives Lasky the order to get to the Warthog. It’s just ICONIC!

Lasky yells out, “Chief!” Yet Chief is nowhere to be found…for now.

Next review of Episode 4: Part 10, No ammo? Improvise!

Sully knew the ONI vids were bad news, they’re the only ones alive, he doesn’t know what’s going on, and now jokes that they are following a giant robot. This gives some slight comic relief, but not enough to take you away from the situation. A good move. Calm viewers down just a little bit so they can get prepared for what is to come.

Lasky shows his softer side, yet maintaining a leadership role when talking with Chyler. He gives her a helmet and says she’s going to be fine. He does this not as a generic comment, but with feeling and enough assurance that Chyler takes it to heart, even if she’s still scared. These small but engaging interactions are what help to make this series so believable even though it’s 500 years in the future.

A clang is heard, Sully and Orenski are scared. The music slowly crescendoes only to be cut off as Master Chief steps back into the picture. He asks, “Who’s the best shot here?” Sully jokes, “You probably.” Chief doesn’t comment on the remark. Lasky volunteers Chyler as the best and Orenski steps up to say she’s a good shot as well.

“Cadet Lasky, can you drive a Warthog?”

Ah yeah, sh.. is about to get REAL!

This sequence is the most lighthearted part of the episode, and yet there is still the right amount of tension and stress to keep the viewer engaged. I can’t say enough about the whole production. From Director Hendler, to the performers, to the editing, sound, lighting, music…This would only be made better if we were to see it on a movie screen! (I’m now keeping my fingers crossed!!!)

Next review of Episode 4: Part 9, Man down!

With Vickers dispatched, the Elite once again closes in. Is there anyone who can stop him from getting to the cadets?

YES! With one deft thrust of his blade, Master Chief descends upon the Elite and silences him without so much as a “wort” from the Elite. This first look at Master Chief looking down upon his fallen foe is extremely powerful. The suit looks amazing. Chief looks buff as he should. Standing over the Elite gives rise to the strength that inhibits our favorite Halo hero.

The cadets are in awe and still in fear, not knowing if this new giant is a threat or not. Now it’s important to listen carefully here or you may miss it. Master Chief uses his com to order “Kelly” (another very important Spartan) to rendezvous at an extraction point. So now we have confirmation that there is going to be at least another spartan in the series. Master Chief says these lines at precisely the 8:25 mark of the video.

Lasky asks how he found them. Chief says the distress beacon. Sully inquires why he came for them. Chief says because they are the only survivors. Sully questions, of the school? Chief answer, no the planet.

Okay, now THAT has to be one of the most driven lines of dialog in this episode. In just a few lines we learn the Chief has come for them, the SOLE survivors of the whole planet. Daunting to say the least.

Chief tells them to armor up. When told it’s locked, he does what comes naturally, RIPS the door off! EPIC!!! And just look at Sully’s face in the pic above. Yep, that says it all, LOL.

As they exit the room, you hear Master Chief’s footfalls clanking on the floor. If you didn’t know he is a walking tank, then you do now. Adding this sound into the scene is yet another example of how no stone was left unturned and attention to detail is present. Great job to the sound crew for a great sound there.

As Chief and the cadets move cautiously down the hallway a noise is heard. Chief gives the hand signal to stop. He tells the cadets to not leave, no matter what they hear. Lasky asks, “Wait, who are you?”

“Call me Master Chief.”

Okay, if that line didn’t give you goosebumps thenI don’t know what will. Just exciting! Gawd, am I LOVING this series. It’s going to be an ongoing series after this right? Oh, don’t we all wish!!!

Next review of Episode 4: Part 8, You’re gonna be fine…

It’s IN! The crumpled door lays in a warped mess from the Elite bursting through! The visual of the warped door goes to show the power of an individual Elite. They are not to be trifled with.

As if Vickers needs Lasky to tell him to be quiet… The fear and abject horror on Vickers face says it all.

It’s close. How close? So close that Lasky can see it’s footfalls in the water. Tension is continuing to ratchet up.

The Elite rounds the corner where the four cadets are hiding. Note the fine detail on the Elite’s armor and the shimmering of the energy sword. The CG work in this scene is the best so far in the series. Truly amazing.

Vickers can’t stand to see his fellow cadets in such peril, so he takes action! A very heroic quality.

He’s struck down before he gets his swing off. Though Vickers dies he does buy the cadets a few more precious seconds.

Again Director Stewart Hendler doesn’t shy away from killing of characters. The way in which Vickers death is handled in commendable. had he died early on in the series I think we as viewers might have cheered it since he seemed to be a little despicable. However, the growth of the character as portrayed by Iain Belcher, made me feel something for Vickers when he finally falls. I’d be proud to call him a fellow soldier!

Next review of Episode 4: Part 7, Call me Master Chief