Author: Martin Robinson
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to “Halo”, it is one of the most beloved franchises by its very expressive fans. This book right away has a big shoes to fill. The book is not only visually amazing but it also covers over a decade of “Halo” ranging from “Halo: Combat Evolved” to “Halo: Reach” to even “Halo: Legends”. It is a great celebration of the art from the franchise. The book covers everything from characters to landscapes to weapons and includes with sketches and concepts art by many acclaimed artists such as Ashley Wood, Alex Chu, and Frank Capezzuto.
The book features seven chapters spawned over almost 200 pages. The first is about the “Architects of the Past”. This chapter focuses on a lot of landscape concept art and includes some never before seen art concepts. Since “Halo” takes place in space, the created for this have endless possibilities and it is great to be able to catch some of that in this images. The second is called “We are Their Instrument” and focuses on the baddies in the game ranging from the Elites to the Jackals to the Hunters. The third is called the “Tools of Conquest”. This chapter focuses on the vehicles and space crafts used throughout the series. It is something that usually doesn’t get to be enjoyed as much in the game itself. The fourth is called “A Monument To All Your Sings” and focuses on the creatures in the series like “The Flood”. The fifth is a “Welcome to the Corps” and focuses on the soldiers and weapons in the game from UNSC to ODST to Spartans. This is easily one of my favorites. The sixth is called “Folks Need Heroes” and focuses on the Spartans kicking some ass in different situations. The seventh is called “Homeworlds” is the “pretty” chapter focusing on various landscapes and locations.
The book features an introduction from “the face of Halo,” Frank O’Connor. It is short but sweet and definitely reaches out to “Halo” fans and would get them pumped for this book. The idea of “Halo” itself just screams “give me an art book”. There is so much amazing design that goes into the characters, landscapes, weapons and just the “Halo” universe itself. This book is a true must for “Halo” fans awaiting the next addition to this fantastic series.