Halo: Initiation #2
Written by Brian Reed
Art by Marco Castiello
Colored by Michael Atiyeh
Lettered by Michael Heisler
Cover by Paul Richards
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: September 11, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

Halo: Initiation #2 takes us through the story of the most recent Spartan program, and the new Spartans. In this installment, we see the the new Spartans struggle to use their new abilities and start to get a feel for who they are.

The writing is crisp and clear, making the reader be drawn in and want more. The story is great, working well within the established Halo Universe. The artwork, by Marco Castiello, is rugged and angular, which I like for this story. I like how it draws attention to important characters by having them drawn more clearly than the background characters.

Now begins the media onslaught for The Crazies franchise and no matter what format your heart desires, it seems you will be satiated. Originally a 1973 film by George Romero, The Crazies now has a new theatrical remake from Overture Films, a comic book series, Facebook “tower defense” game, motion comic, an interactive game, and an iPhone app.

The Top Cow printed comic book consists of four chapters: Hopman Bog, Dwyer Creek, Black Pond, and Ogden Marsh (first two issues were released yesterday with the second two following on February 24, 2010). The comic series traces an outbreak that takes over the minds and bodies of the citizens in Ogden Marsh, Iowa, and each chapter focuses on a different aspect of this epidemic. Jeff Katz of American Original produced the comic book on behalf of Overture Films and Participant Media. The writers for the miniseries are Ivan Brandon, Josh Fialkov, Brian Reed, and Marc Andreyko. You can download the comic book covers at www.thecrazies-movie.com/comicbooks.

The motion comic is being handled by Starz Digital Media, in association with Double Barrel Motion Labs, and will be a four-part animated companion to the film based on the comic miniseries. Episode 1 of the motion comic series, “Hopman Bog,” will be available for purchase on the iTunes and PlayStation® Network platforms on February 23, 2010.