Review - Mass Effect: Foundation #1Review by Paul Fiander
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Writer; Mac Walters
Art by; Omar Francia Colours by; Michael Atiyeh Lettering by; Michael Heisler Cover by; Benjamin Carre Published by; Dark Horse Comics Inc |
Mass Effect Foundation is a 13 part series created by Marc Walters. Based within Bioware and EA's Mass Effect Universe This episode is due to be released on the 24th of July 2013.
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The Mass Effect universe is one of the most richly diverse storytelling mediums around. From the games to Books and of course the Graphic Novels. The appeal is due to the variety of stories that can be told as each series can focus on a different person or time within the greater universe. So now Mac Walters has created a new series focusing on the Mass Effectverse starting in the year 2161 (3 years after the First Contact War).
With the lead writer from ME 2 & 3 at the helm the story was always going to be a strong suit for this series and the first episode does not disappoint. Strong characters fill the pages as we learn about 'the agent' and her purpose for being on a mining colony near Themis. This is supported by strong albeit short dialogue. You get the impression that the characters would prefer to not use five words where 2 will do. This is in keeping with the idea of survivors in a characters who are able to survive and prosper in a harsh reality. This episode has been crafted so a background knowledge of the universe is helpful but by no means essential. Character introductions are functional without any real exposition. However the pacing of the story does not make this an issue, almost no panels are wasted as the story keeps on moving. I do have a grievance with the story but it is basically a spoiler. So for now it will have to remain out of this article. |
The Font Cover of the Comic
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Visually the creators have gone for realistic characterisation, as you can see from the cover art. This allows for the characters to display a broad arrange of emotion, the reader then is able to get even more out of the experience. The physical interplay between the characters in the action scenes is top draw. The artist is able to give the feeling of movement on the page. This help to create tension as you hastily devour each panel in rapid succession.
An admission before my summary I am a Mass Effect fan so this Graphic Novel was going to be love or hate. Thankfully its the former, so I can highly recommend it to everyone. The fusion of story and visuals works extremely well and this is defiantly a series that has caught my attention.
An admission before my summary I am a Mass Effect fan so this Graphic Novel was going to be love or hate. Thankfully its the former, so I can highly recommend it to everyone. The fusion of story and visuals works extremely well and this is defiantly a series that has caught my attention.
The Comic is available in both print and digital from Dark Horse comics. Follow this link for more details.
Wrap Up
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The Good - Great Story and Visuals.
The Bad - Is a spoiler feel free to ask me if your interested. |
Score - 4.5/5 |
Images courtesy of Dark Horse Comics
Comic - Provided by Dark Horse Comics
Comic - Provided by Dark Horse Comics
