In Edmonton, Canada, while reveling at a top-secret look at Mass Effect 2, the sequel to BioWare’s 2007 science-fiction masterpiece, I found myself thinking of Brian Michael Bendis.Specifically, I recalled an interview with him where he attributed the success of his comics, in part, to the act of dedicating himself to writing the kinds of comics that he, as a reader, would want to buy.
On that cold spring day, listening to Mac Walters -- the lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and writer of our upcoming comics series Mass Effect: Redemption -- explain how our comics would fit into the ongoing Mass Effect story, I knew why I believed so completely in this project. Mass Effect: Redemption was going to be exactly the kind of comics I want to buy -- character driven, visually breathtaking, and completely engrossing.
Mass Effect: Redemption isn’t just a video-game tie-in. These comics are a pivotal chapter in an ongoing science-fiction epic; a key part of a still unfolding story that has already earned millions of fans.
This story began in a game created by BioWare, the developer of the Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and a number of other celebrated titles. BioWare has a mission unique in its industry: “To deliver the best story-driven games in the world.” When it was released, Mass Effect received universal acclaim for its cinematic storytelling, immersive narrative, and richly detailed universe. Like the heroes of its games, BioWare takes its mission seriously.
The Mass Effect story will continue in a soon-to-be-released second game. Mass Effect 2 is the dark second act in a trilogy that will put Commander Shepard, the galaxy’s greatest hero, on a suicide mission to save humanity.
Except -- as our comics, Mass Effect: Redemption, reveal -- Commander Shepard is missing.
Integrated into the events of Mass Effect 2 by writer Mac Walters, this series not only unveils an essential moment in the life of Commander Shepard, it introduces comics to one of the most compelling stories in the history of space adventure.
The year is 2183. The ship is the SSV Normandy, a prototype stealth frigate developed through human and turian cooperation. The mission is deep inside the Milky Way’s lawless Terminus Systems. But when things go wrong, Shepard is lost, and it will be up to the commander’s asari companion, Dr. Liara T’Soni, to bring this hero home.
Mac Walters reveals an important part of the Mass Effect story in this series that will appear nowhere else. Mass Effect: Redemption moves the ongoing story forward, while telling a complete tale for comics fans new to this science-fiction blockbuster.
And this is just the beginning. For Dark Horse, Mass Effect is the next Aliens, the next Serenity, the next Star Wars -- another universe deep with potential for us to significantly contribute to its canon.
From the evocative covers of Daryl Mandryk, to the sleek line art of Omar Francia, to the vivid colors of Michael Atiyeh, to the pitch-perfect script of John Jackson Miller (from the story by Mac Walters), to the expressive lettering of Michael Heisler, readers will see that every comics pro behind Mass Effect: Redemption dedicated themselves to creating a series that they, as comics lovers, would want to buy.
To see for yourself, check out the preview of issue #1 at masseffect.com, or in the back of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #30 or Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic #48.
And afterward, don’t be surprised to find yourself walking into your local comic shop on January 6, 2010, to pick up your copy of Mass Effect: Redemption #1.
I’d be there, too.
Dave Marshall
Associate Editor