Alas…
A fond farewell…
For the last twenty-some-odd months, the staff of Ascendant Justice – Vociferous and Cocopjojo – has enjoyed bringing various Halo observations to this site; observations which were, in many ways, simply extensions of our own pre-existing conversations. The rich fiction of Halo begs a deeper understanding, and its vast universe, a more profound excercise of exploration. And for this reason, this site as an outward facing paradigm of those conversations has been a great blessing to both of us.
Furthermore, Jironimo’s leadership, both financially and with the site’s overall design and objective, has been irreplaceable. We’re not entirely certain what his future plans are for the site or its existing content, but his commitment to the staff throughout the Ascendant Justice endeavour has been thorough and well appreciated. Thank you, Ivan!
So it comes with some level of sadness that both of us will now part ways with Ascendant Justice. Not long ago, an opportunity emerged which allowed us to work with 343 Industries on an experience known as Halo Waypoint. While we can’t fully reveal our capacity with this project, we can say that Microsoft recognizes our readers’ interest in this site and the passion and love which encompasses that readership base – and for this reason, we owe you, our readers, the most appreciation.
Without you, there would be no Ascendant Justice, nor would there ever need to be one. So thank you for the attention you’ve provided to our site and we look forward to offering the same level of deference and respect to the franchise on Halo Waypoint as we have done on Ascendant Justice.
- Vociferous & Cocopjojo
I have never commented on your site before, but I have been reading for a while.
I just wanted to say that I wasn’t really all that interested in what halo waypoint seemed to be offering. A portal for more halo advertisement and digital distribution for halo legends seemed about it.
Now… I am intensely interested. This proves to me that the people at 343 may just be more committed to doing right by this piece of science fiction than i originally thought. Sad to see AJ go (or at least for you two to go from it), but now I am genuinely intrigued by what the future holds.
Good luck.
Comment by Bill — September 28, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
Damn! I was looking forward to a ODST review.
Very disappointing but looking forward to Halo Waypoint! (What ever it is -.-)
Comment by CooperWBC — September 28, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
I was hoping we would have gotten an in-depth look at Sadie’s Story.
Someone else is going to take over the site, correct?
Comment by Kilination — September 28, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
Thank you. You guys kept giving me more information that I would have entirely missed. And you made the information fun and informative. Good luck on you future endeavors and I cant wait to see what you men bring to the Halo universe now that you are inside the place that continues to please us Halo-nites to no end.
Thank You
~Bryan Young
Comment by Bryan Young — September 28, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
Thanks for bringing light to the shadows of Halo’s story. I look forward to your efforts with Waypoint. Kudos for all your hard work thus far.
A Loyal Reader…
Comment by Pam — September 28, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
And with that its over? No one to pick up where the two of you have left off? Well I hope you’ll return to us one day
Comment by Will T — September 28, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
Thanks for all the info guys. You’re exceptionally talented at filling in the blanks of the Halo storyline.
Comment by Eyar 'Cajos — September 28, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
You people truly opened my eyes and helped me see halo in a way i never would have seen it on my own. This devotion i have to the Halo universe could not have been established without you. I was eagerly awaiting in depth analysis on some of the content from ODST but whatever happens from this point on, happens.
AJ has truly been a beacon for me during some of the darker chapters of my life and it saddens me to see the two fundamental contributers depart from it, either way I wish you both the best of luck over at Waypoint, and i thank you once more!
Comment by Kilo Misfit — September 28, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
Have been a lurker ever since I was directed to this site from a forum. The content delivered and writing style has made this little stop on the internet worth reading. I’ll be sad to see it go, but I’m glad to see talented people get recognized and involved in universe so beloved.
Comment by Eric — September 28, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
Wow. When I saw the abstract of this story in my news feed, I followed the link with the intent of begging you guys to stay. But then I saw the whole story. I’ll miss this site as we know it a great deal, but I’m now a lot more excited (and relieved) about Waypoint.
Maybe you guys could squeeze in a quick Hindsight: ODST before you leave?
Comment by Robert Flannigan — September 28, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
It is a sad day for the Halo universe. You will be missed.
Comment by Alex — September 28, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
I’ve loved everything you guys have written, it’s sad to see the site go but I am very happy to see you get to work with 343 now.
Comment by UNSCleric — September 28, 2009 @ 9:24 pm
Alas indeed. I loved your works and will miss them deeply. I regret that no analysis of ODST will be coming, but I wish you both the best of luck.
Comment by NaRc — September 28, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
I assure you, you’re in depth, highly detailed articles shall not go forgotten. You have all made us think about this wonderful universe in new perspectives. We’ll always remember your work. Hopefully the site stays archived to look back at a few articles. I and I’m sure many others will miss you guys.
Comment by PO2 SPARTAN 074 — September 28, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
You guys have done a perfect job
Thank you for providing so many interesting articles to us !
Hope you can do a lot better in halo waypoint
Comment by Xiaobutou — September 28, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Every single one of your articles stimulated my mind to no end. I wish you luck with what you do in the future.
Working with 343 industries might explain the Ascendant Justice mention in the ODST credits.
Comment by GR1T — September 28, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
I can’t believe it, you guys were the best. You delved deeper into Halo lore than anyone has ever done. I spent hours reading your incredible articles, and it’s a bitter sweet moment that I have to say goodbye.
Best of luck to you all.
Comment by Reptilian Rob — September 28, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
While I’m sad to see you guys go, now I’m really looking forward to Waypoint. Although I was really hoping to get your analysis of ODST.
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the amazing Halo universe.
Good luck!
Comment by Alex — September 28, 2009 @ 11:38 pm
a big congrats to both of you. you will however be sorely missed. looking forward to seeing what you guys can do with halo waypoint.
good luck and thanks for your time and insight
Comment by vhfive — September 28, 2009 @ 11:39 pm
I don’t really know what Waypoint is supposed to be, but Microsoft clearly has an eye for talent. Incredible site and I’ve loved coming here since day one. Good luck to the both of you. Thank you so much for all of your hard work.
“By your word Vociferous & Cocopjojo”
Comment by zwitterion117 — September 29, 2009 @ 12:57 am
oh wows. sad face for now, happy for you guys, look forward to waypoint stuff… but sad for now, cuz i was about to email you again about an article to follow up your very early pegging of the odst / halo 1 similarities.
to reiterate: 85% mucho sad you guys are leaving and the place has been quiet / 15% happy you left for 343. I expect the ratio to begin shifting as early as next week to the other way. good luck fellas.
Comment by Matthew Scott — September 29, 2009 @ 1:11 am
Good luck at 343 you lucky bastards. My only request is that you get the wheels turning on the Halo movie when you get started. I don’t know how you’d go about doing that, but I’m sure you’ll figure something out.
“What can I say? It’s been one hell of a night!”
Comment by MC Warhammer — September 29, 2009 @ 1:50 am
Awesome for both of you, but sad not to see the analysis of ODST, so many interesting plot points have been brought up.
Good luck, you both deserve it.
Comment by broony — September 29, 2009 @ 5:56 am
I haven’t posted on this site before but I have read all of your posts and enjoyed everyone, I was looking forward to an article about ODST, But alas, farewell, I wish you all the luck in the world and I hope to see your works in other parts of the Halo world =]
Comment by overlordjebus — September 29, 2009 @ 6:54 am
Concrats. Yes, I’d still like to see a write up on Sadie’s story.
Comment by Revmdn — September 29, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Way to go!!! It’s awesome to see two hardcore fans actually making it into official Halo business. I’ve played the Halo games in and out, and I still have no clue how you’ve managed to uncover all of that insight to the Halo Universe and fiction.
I certainly hope I don’t need a Gold account to see what you’re doing for Halo Waypoint.
Comment by Mechadon — September 29, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
Congrats guys, you understand Halo and you’ll make the series even better.
Comment by sheikums — September 29, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
A wonderful new chapter for you two, my best wishes. Many of my friends on Live and I have read this site closely though we never commented. The articles here have helped me look closer at a universe that I love playing in and thinking about.
Thank you and good luck.
Comment by Apollo Doom — September 29, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
great, now what am i supposed to do at work? good luck though
Comment by andy — September 29, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
I have never posted here, but I want to say that you guys will be missed. I have enjoyed reading all of your articles, for they made me think about things I would have never caught otherwise.
At least you guys are going somewhere where you can be of use! Goodluck at 343 and tell Frankie that the people from Halogen say hello.
Comment by Wingman1106 — September 29, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
I just wanted to reiterate what everyone else above has said. The writing and content of the articles here is amazing, and I look forward to Halo Waypoint, which I may have otherwise ignored.
Thanks.
Comment by KB — September 29, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
So sad you guys aren’t going into detail about ODST. I really loved the Halo 3 articles about the individual levels and their secrets.
Farewell, you will be missed. :’(
Comment by Overdoziz — September 29, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
Although I will miss seing new articles on this site I just want to say good luck to you both at 343 Industries and with Halo Waypoint.
Comment by Yay295 — September 29, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
Congrats on the promotions guys, but I’m definitly gonna be missing all the intense Halo analyzation you guys have provided for the last little while. You work half as hard on Waypoint as you did here, and it’ll be some of the best Halo to date.
Comment by Liam — September 29, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
Like others, I’ve never really replied here till now. All I can say is thanks for being able to open a whole new wonderful world to me- the world of the Forerunners and the clues they left behind in the Terminals. This site was the first to explain to me all the stuff I had known about in Halo 3 but never understood. Again thanks, and good luck with Halo Waypoint. I’m sure all the stuff you will do there will be much appreciated. =)
Comment by Christa — September 29, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
I’ve never posted here before, but I’ve read every single article, and I love them all. I’ve worked many of your ideas into Halo fan fiction I write, and you’ve inspired me to write my own theories and speculation at Bungie.net. I’m sad to see you go, but hopefully, with you two at 343 alongside Frankie, the Halo franchise won’t dim with Bungie.
Comment by Wolverfrog — September 29, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
Thank you so much for all the articles you have written. You have given me a new perspective on Halo as a whole, which I’m afraid people will never understand or even care about. The perspective of looking behind the storys of the things I kill and blow up, and for that I thank you. To me now its not just another FPS, but a story, with many more pages to be written.
Comment by Eric — September 29, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
Looking forward to what you bring to Halo Waypoint site… it’s unfortunate I only found out about this site today after hearing about this piece of news from a friend! Looks like some very very interesting/worthwhile stuff here, from what I have read thus far.
Comment by amatecha — September 29, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
Hey, Voc! I don’t know if you guys remember me or not, but I was around with AJ during the Nightly.net days and the first year or so of Halo 2. Wow, that was a long time ago, but you guys were a great guild to play with.
It’s great to see that you guys are reaping the rewards for your great writing- I still remember the “leaked” narrative for Halo 3 that you had cooked up, it was incredible. I’ve been keeping an eye every so often on HBO, so I couldn’t resist leaving a comment when I saw the news. Congrats again, and best of luck!
Comment by TheDrinkNinja — September 29, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
It just figures that one of my favorite niche sites on the internet (and my most visited as of late) would suddenly cease production! I’m sad to see you go, but like everyone else glad that you’re lending your considerable talents in an official capacity. Thanks for everything you brought to the table.
I had previously planned to release my findings regarding ODST Easter Eggs here, through the professional filters of the powers that were. Since that is no longer possible, these findings have been released here: Halo 3: ODST’s Secret Glyphs
It’s certainly a poor excuse for any treatment that would have been given to them on this site, but it’s what I have at the moment.
All the best, guys.
Comment by Cold Glider — September 30, 2009 @ 12:24 am
Disappointing that you would cop out now, of all times, but I did enjoy what you’ve written very much.
Comment by Drew — September 30, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
This is a huge bummer.
Comment by Bacon Wrapped — September 30, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
To be honest, without this site, and Cocop and Voc in particular, I wouldnt be nearly as facinated with Halo as I am. This site is the reason I have stuck to Halo’s fiction.
I wish you two the best of luck. I hope you two are able to help keep Halo rolling for years to come.
The best possible.
Desert Rat.
Comment by Desert Rat — September 30, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
For the last year or so, I’ve deeply enjoyed your thoughtful analysis of the Halo universe. I always thought, “Man, Bungie or Microsoft should hire these guys!”
And now that day has come, and instantly I regret my previous wish. I doubt there will ever be another site as talented as yours was at putting together interesting and very professional expositions of the Halo lore (though Narcogen comes close at Rampancy.net on his good days).
On the other hand, I am happy for you both, and I look forward to picking out your fingerprints on Halo Waypoint, which I may actually visit now that I know you are working on it…
-Josh
Comment by Insanity Pepper — September 30, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
Hey cocopjojo and vociferus I am upset that you won’t be doing more stuff a pitty I’ve told my friends about you unfortunately they haven’t commented. Will you at least come back on this sight and read the comments that my friends will hopefully put on. My real name is Steven Woosey
Semper Fi
~Steve
Comment by lolololololololololol — October 1, 2009 @ 11:57 am
Damn, I was looking forward yo your analysis of Sadie’s story. Allusions to Dante’s Inferno? I figured this sight would be ablaze with activity. Sadly no. Best of luck though guys, I really enjoyed it while it lasted.
Comment by Cookie — October 1, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
It pains me soo much to have ascendant stall like this. i have truly loved reading all your articles to the fullest and i plan to read them all again when i have time. with this said, im hoping that this site will still be running for future halo fans and i really hope that you both will continues to post here however far in between these post might be.
but to hear that you two will be part of the Waypoint is an unexpected relief. i thot that it would just a bunch of guys slappping things together. but now i can rest easy that it will be you two working on it.
well, good luck and i hope to read something by u guys soon.
Comment by Ernest — October 1, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
AJ I have been reading this site since its inseption and have really enjoyed it. I had been wondering what happened to you two since the last ODST post was some while ago. After finishing ODST and reading through some of the credits I happened to see this sites name come up. Way to go guys, congrats on 343 industries. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that MSGS and frankie both grabbed you guys. You do awesome work and bring out the best of the Halo universe in my opnion, the stories! Good luck and you will be sorley missed.
Comment by Argosprtn — October 2, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I have never commented before , but i have read every page you guys made since the start, and always enjoyed them, i cant remember how i came to be on this site but im glad i found that. this site has kept me content for hours, and i wish you both good look in your new project and have deepest regrets that there wil be no more ‘ascendant justice’ for odst
Comment by killian hennessy — October 2, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
I have deeply enjoyed each and every sentence that you have put upon this website. Best of luck with Halo: Waypoint!
Comment by tylerthet3 — October 2, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
Good luck you two, make ‘em stick to the complexities of the lore.
Comment by Battle Magnum — October 4, 2009 @ 2:27 am
I am disappointed that you would leave without at least writing a detailed analysis of ODST there is so much information from com terminals & data on the USNC Covenant war for example the engineers situation and drone ranks at least if you can keep every thing to the story perfectly
Comment by Dragrath — October 5, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
I am disappointed that you would leave without at least writing a detailed analysis of ODST there is so much information from com terminals & data on the USNC Covenant war for example the engineers situation and drone ranks at least if you can keep every thing to the story perfectly good luck
Comment by Dragrath — October 5, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I’m…shocked. We’ll miss you guys. Make us proud in 343.
Comment by Richard — October 5, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Well this would explain the absence of you guys commenting on Halo 3 ODST. Congratulations on Halo Waypoint, I’m looking forward to that. I wish you guys had done something for Sadie’s Story like Kilination said at the top. It is indeed a sad day. Your viewpoints and insight we on par with the novels and the games, perhaps better.
Scott
Comment by Scott — October 6, 2009 @ 12:28 am
Wow, first time comment from me like others. I have read many of your articles and the depth that you guys go into each section of Halo in itself was superb. I am a little sad that this place will be empty, but top job guys, you couldn’t have done it any better. Best of luck for your future endeavors.
Chris
Comment by Chris — October 6, 2009 @ 3:35 am
Halo Waypoint! Wow! Congratulaions guys! I do have to say I will miss this site and all you’ve done for us fans. You’ll always be remembered. Good luck on bigger and better things!
Your Loyal Fan,
Comment by Chris000 — October 6, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
I think like everyone else I was hoping for a look into ODST but still that is a huge achievement. Good luck with 343.
Adam
Comment by Adam — October 6, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
This is indeed a sad day. Ascendant Justice is/was THE BEST Halo site out there, the deep readings and explanations of Halo lore is unrivaled.
I’ve enjoyed everthing I’ve read and coupled with the books/games helps complete the picture for me in the epic Halo saga.
While it’s sad to see you two go, I actually see it as a good thing for now I know that 343 industries, looking after the Halo IP, are going to have 2 people who can ensure the Lore is locked down tight
I hope someone else will fill in the void you’ll leave surrounding all the new Halo releases and I also hope you enjoy creating the mysteries as much as you enjoy unravelling then.
Comment by Adam — October 7, 2009 @ 6:03 am
I’m just curious: Will this stay up/be archived, or should I start archiving/saving every last page now?
Thanks for everything you’ve given us the last almost two years, and great work so far! Good luck!
Comment by Space — October 8, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
Thanks for all the intriguing and well written articles you’ve published over the years. You guys did a great job.
Comment by Danny A G — October 8, 2009 @ 5:21 pm
it’s sad to see you guys leaving…will be visiting halo waypoint though…
Comment by x7 — October 9, 2009 @ 6:25 am
you guys provided alot of much needed info on the ending of halo 3 and if it wasnt for that i would still be searchin the web lookin for clues
but thanks to you guys i wont need to
you guys did a good job over the last few years
Comment by jackson — October 9, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Very sad. You will be missed. Good luck at 343.
Comment by Mark — October 9, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
Sorry to hear that you guys are leaving, I really enjoyed the meticulous studies you have made of the Halo universe which are very much interesting to read. But anyway, good luck at 343, I will keep an eye and an ear out for Halo: Waypoint, whatever it maybe.
Comment by Mikes — October 11, 2009 @ 6:26 am
It’s sites like this and guys like you that make Halo more than just “a video game”. There are countless Halo fans out there that are every bit as engrossed in the story and fiction as the actual gameplay. Thanks for providing such great insight on the Halo canon. I wish you best of luck at 343, and am eager to see what you guys will bring to the table there.
Comment by Alan — October 12, 2009 @ 11:39 am
I came here looking for an odst review as well, and was shocked to see that you guys are leaving. But you’re bringing a tremendous amount of talent to 343, so they should be honored to have you, and I’m sure whatever you help them turn out will be great and I look forward to seeing it. Good luck! And thanks for everything you’ve written here; I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Comment by Jesse — October 12, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
This site has been a huge contributing factor in my love of the Halo universe, and the mysterious Forerunner legacy especially. While I’m sad that there’s not likely to be such continuation here, it comes in the best possible way, by rewarding you guys for your efforts and devotion to helping broaden others’ enjoyment of the series. Very best of luck in your new positions, and any and all future endeavours.
Comment by Araqiel — October 13, 2009 @ 9:27 am
I’m not sure I can add anything new to the comments above, other than to second ever last comment celebrating your tremendously well written and incisive articles. I for one will miss them incredibly (especially the fantastic articles on the Terminals), but I am looking forward to catching up once again on Halo Waypoint.
Best of luck in the future and thank you for making Halo more than just a game.
Comment by KujiGhost — October 14, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Felt compelled to right something, but just as the post above, I cant come up with anything relevant to add. Good luck though!
Comment by Janaka — October 17, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
Aw. I, as well as others here, was looking forward to reading something about ODST.
But I’d like to say congratulations to the both of you. I hope you never cease to amaze the Halo community. Good luck
Comment by Grimmothy — October 19, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
This is very saddening. The amount of content this site had about the Halo universe was extraordinary and it was great to come here and be surrounded by fellow Halo nerds who loved the game as much as myself. Please tell me that someone else will be taking over the site!
Comment by ForerunnerFox — October 20, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This blog was Halo’s best! All the insights, images, observations… GOOD LUCK!!!
Comment by Alex — October 24, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
I’m gonna miss you guys.
Comment by Christian Bethel — October 29, 2009 @ 11:42 am
You will be missed. I never commented on your site before, but I wanted to wish you a bright future at 343 and hope for good things to come.
Farewell.
Comment by A Farewell To Kings — October 29, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
man i downloaded waypoint it was da bomb i hope you guys will come back good job on waypoint thx guys
Comment by deathless — November 10, 2009 @ 8:29 pm
Happy and sad news at the same time, you guys offered some of the best insight into the Halo universe that I, and probably most who visited the site have ever seen. Good to know that this won’t be the last we hear from you though. This gives me more excitement for whatever 343 Industries’ projects are as well.
Comment by Matt — November 12, 2009 @ 1:00 am
You guys were and are simply the best. Your insights vastly improved my understandings and appreciations of the franchise. You guys rock! And will be missed =(
All the best
-Sean Oswald
Comment by Seanroc2 — November 17, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
”Were it so easy..”
Comment by Rev4n — November 20, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Thanks for all the insight. I’ve read everything at least twice. Your website has made me the the go-to guy for Halo related questions amongst my IRL circle of friends. Good luck with 343 and Halo Waypoint, but most of all, have fun!
Comment by Adam Goode — November 21, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
i manage a video game store, a very large and busy one at that.
whenever asked my favourite game halo always is my first answer.
no matter how many times i played the games or read the books every time i visited this site i was slammed with endless pieces of infomation that would have gone straight over my head.
i could always without fail come to this site, read your articles and get a complete and detailed insight to halo lore.
thank you very much for the service you have done me and other fans, and for free.
there is a saying of if your good at something dont do it for free, well i hope now 343 will be paying you.
i hear they pay very well. enjoy every penny, you have earnt it.
Comment by Fabien Regione — November 22, 2009 @ 7:24 am
1st time posting, but I felt I had to. I’m sad you guys are leaving, but I can’t help but feel excited at what you might bring to Waypoint. Best of luck, and we’ll see you there!
Comment by Fatman — November 24, 2009 @ 3:23 am
You guys knew halo like no-one else. If ever i had spare time i would always come here to see and learn about halo. Without you I probably never would have been such a raving fan so I had to say something. I hope to see some of your writing into halo lore posted on halo waypoint. Good luck.
Comment by Gregg — November 28, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
Jeez, no wonder the forum has been dead for a while.
And I’m just seeing this now?
Good luck Voc and Cocop! Thanks for everything here at AJ.
Comment by Schultz — December 24, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
No more forum? dang
Comment by Cobaltz — January 27, 2010 @ 7:04 pm
Ascendant Justice… without you I would have bored of Halo’s campaign long ago, but your detailed and fun insights have led me to play all of the games over again just to see what i’ve missed. R.I.P, Ascendant Justice. You will be missed.
Comment by Hujgup — January 30, 2010 @ 7:16 am