Halo: Rise of Atriox is a Halo 5-part comic series. It tells the story of Atriox, a Jiralhanae warlord and the main antagonist of Halo Wars 2 video game for Xbox One. The comics focus on Atriox’s rise to power, from a soldier in the Covenant’s ranks to the leader of the Banished.
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Halo: Rise of Atriox #1
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Eric Nguyen
Colorist: Jeremy Colwell
Cover Artist: Aleksi Briclot
Release date: Aug 30, 2017
The comics started with the transcription of Isabel’s first meeting with Captain Cutter which has no relation (yet) to the first issue, and then the real comic begins.
Somewhere, at an unknown time and at an unknown planet, then UNSC is getting pounded. It is disturbing to see the hopelessness of a group of soldiers trying to survive a fresh wave or Brutes. Forty of them to be exact. Reducing the number of UNSC soldiers from fifty-six to two. And finally, none.
Kress, a Sergeant who became the highest-ranking personnel left at the post, has to lie to keep the team calm. While Beatrix, an AI, is updating the slaughter and the dwindling numbers of survivors in a systematic manner.
At the other end, the Brutes under Atriox are not saying a single word. They are sent to kill or be killed. Even at the end, only Atriox is left alone to finish the UNSC forces.
I like the way the first issue is presented. Especially when it is not told from Atriox’s point of view. It makes me want to know more who is Atriox. Atriox can easily be recognized, he wears full armor.
Halo: Rise of Atriox #2
Writer: Jody Houser
Artist: Josan Gonzalez
Colorist: Jeremy Colwell
Letterer: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Aleksi Briclot
Release date: Sep 20, 2017
Issue #2 opens on the planet Algolis and we can see Atriox returning alone from another battle. It seems like he has been sent out to many and always returns alone. The Executioner worries about Atriox’s continued survival. All Brutes are supposed to dies and no one should return. When the Executioner tries talking to him, he finds that Atriox does not believe in the Great Journey anymore. He begins to question the battle strategies and why all of his brothers must die. Why are they being sent wave after wave when they know that the humans are quite strong.
After reporting his findings to the High Prophet, they realized that Atriox must be eliminated. He is sent again to another battle, but this time there is another Brute that is sent to kill him, but Atriox killed the traitor instead
He returns to base and this time he confronts the Executioner. They try to kill him, but he rebels and it is at this point his rebellion inspires others to follow.
I have one problem with this issue. If the Brutes are very concerned about the Great Journey, how could they support Antriox’s rebellion in just a short time?
Anyway, overall, it is a good read. Again, as per issue #1, Atriox is not the main character in this issue.
Halo: Rise of Atriox #3
Writer: John Jackson Miller
Artist: Jonathan Wayshak
Colorist: Jeremy Colwell
Letterer: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Aleksi Briclot
Release date: Oct 18, 2017
So far, each issue has been different. The way the story is told and how Atriox is described from a different perspective. It made the story unique. Finally, in issue #3 we get to see Atriox and his Brutes on their own adventure pursuing their own goal.
The art is getting better as well. All 3 are by different artists and I like the third one better. Atriox can be distinguished from the other characters easily.
Jonathan Wayshak also did the art On The Brink on Halo: Tales From Slipspace.
Issue #3 is about Atriox looking for a new chief engineer, but his team lead by Decimus ends up into a trap prepared by Sig Raan to test her new invention. A device that could mimic the sonic and pheromonal signals used by the Yanme’e queen to control her drones.
To cut it short, Atriox came just in time.
There’s something important in this issue. After defeating Raan, Decimus said:
It could do wonder for us. We need engineers on our ship, after all. This could make these the Yanme’e do that and more. We could build an army. Avenge our fallen brothers.
Atriox takes the device and crushes it. If they do that, then they are no different from the Covenant when they were exploited.
So, that’s the end of the Rise of Atriox review. Up to issue 3 only. For the rest, I am just going to put the comics details and some pictures below. Go and read it!
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Halo: Rise of Atriox #4
Writer: Alex Irvine
Artist: Tristan Jones
Colorist: Jeremy Colwell
Cover Artist: Aleksi Briclot
Release date: Dec 13, 2017
Atriox and his Banished forces are seemingly interrupted while assaulting a UNSC forward base by a Covenant warship led by the Shipmaster Let ‘Volir. With the Banished forces pushed back, Let ‘Volir is able to capture Atriox.
But before the Shipmaster can claim victory, Atriox presents him with an offer and reveals that he has other plans for ‘Volir, his ship, and its crew.
Halo: Rise of Atriox #5
Writer: John Jackson Miller
Artist: Jonathan Wayshak
Colorist: Jeremy Colwell
Letterer: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Aleksi Briclot
Release date: Feb 7, 2018
Brute chief, Jovus, believes himself the most dangerous brute in the galaxy. But Atriox’s fearsome legend has reached even the most distant UNSC outpost. When the two brutes come face to face, their clash shapes the future of the Banished.
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For a list of all halo comics, read our All Halo Comics in Order post.