MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION (ISSUE 1)
January 15th 2010 22:03
Category: Graphic Novels/Comics
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Production Team: Mac Walters – story, John Jackson Miller – script, Omar Francia – Art, Michael Atiyeh – colours, Michael Heisler – lettering, Daryl Mandryk – cover art
Cost: AU$4.95/US$3.50
We live in the emerging age of computer dominated product, it seems that the virtual frontiers of cyberspace is not only providing impetus for the entertainment in that particular arena but has branched out into other arenas and mediums as well. And in reality it was only a matter of time before this was the case, like a virus the computer realm has spread forth and multiplied letting its numerous tendrils reach into diverse areas. This particular comic is but one of many examples of such cross pollenisation that have occurred, are occurring and will occur. Of course though this program of inter media fertilisation can yield potential masterpieces there is an inherent flaw in this particular program which could see hideous monsters or abject failures emerge into the light of day…more of that further on down the track, first let me deal with this particular piece.
Perhaps I should pay attention you are no doubt saying…hmmm perhaps I should, but I think where the trouble lies is the fact that I have never played the games Mass Effect or Mass Effect 2 on which this particular comic has been based. This is the flaw behind basing a comic on a computer game; sometimes the person who picks it up at the newsstand; newsagent or comic shop takes it home, reads it and wonders what the heck? I seriously doubt they’re going to rush out and buy the game just to make the comic make sense; I certainly have little intention of doing that, so is this something that can be avoided? Certainly if it’s not taken into account you end up with a work that will appeal to a possibly narrow section of the comic reading community, namely those who have played the game on which the work is based. Those who pick up this purely on the basis of its newness and its obvious science fiction look will possibly be a bit (only a bit though) put out by what is going on and the nature of the background.
Actually I do have to confess that this particular story had me thinking about Babylon 5, the television series which was rather entertaining and focused around the space station Babylon 5. I suppose I made the connection because in that series Humanity was also a recent arrival into the interstellar scene as they are in this comic. The entire focus seems to be a quest to find a legendary human hero, Commander Shepard, an elite agent known as a Spectre and the man who was responsible for saving the Citadel, the galactic capital from danger. Interestingly when I read the name of the missing legendary hero I immediately thought of Stargate Atlantis, where one of the primary protagonists is a Colonel Sheppard. But SG: Atlantis aside I did wonder what threat did this legendary hero save the Citadel from and why did he vanish?
Obviously it’s all to do with that most powerful, succinct and subtle of forces in the known universe; plot contrivance, power so great that not even the mightiest of heroes or villains can do naught against it. And judging from this neither can the audience. Sure it’s a great plot device which can make for a truly intriguing and engaging story but like I say, unless you are familiar with the character that’s vanished, then having some character that has disappeared after a mysterious attack leaves you wondering have I missed something here. Actually I did find myself thinking was there a comic or graphic novel I should have read before approaching this one, and then there are the various different alien species and technology. I can guess what biotics might be, but have no idea just what makes a Drell or asari different from say a Clawdite or Mandalorian supercommando. And what is significant about the particular choice of protagonist, who is Dr Liana T’soni, apart from being a friend of Shepard, why is she the protagonist in this story? And who are the other friends who are looking for him – perhaps all will be revealed in future instalments?
Look once you do get past the possible confusion of trying to work out the various aspects of the plot the story is engaging and following a particular archetypal theme, the missing legendary hero who is needed by civilization at large and is sought by his comrades so he can save the galaxy. But like I say there was no shaking the sensation that the entire thing was aimed at those who were Mass Effect game fans, not the average run of the mill comic reader. So for those of you out there, who are science fiction/space opera fans but have never played the game on which this comic has been based then this is not the comic for you, in fact opt for something else. For those of you out there who are major Mass Effect fans then this is definitely up your alley…
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