The major comic companies put out enough comics that sometimes it can leave your head spinning and eyes bleeding as you search the new titles each week for something worth reading. To aid in your Geeky endeavors, Speak Geeky To Me on occasion reviews new titles from the major companies to spotlight the best and worst of what’s available at your local comic shop. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a new Comic Review.


The Info Bit

Title: Mass Effect: Homeworlds #1

Genre: Science Fiction

Writer: Mac Walters (Lead Writer - Mass Effect games, Mass Effect: Invasion)

Artist: Eduardo Francisco (Mass Effect: Conviction)

Colorist: Michael Atiyeh (Shinku, Mister Terrific)

Publisher: Dark Horse

Page Count: 22

Price: $3.50

 


The Review Bit

Mac Walters is at it again, adding more content to that unheard-of Mass Effect franchise. Walters was of course the Lead Writer for the Mass Effect video game series, and most recently brought us Mass Effect: Invasion, the story of Aria T’Loak’s battle for Omega Station. That story was positively entertaining, and I’m glad to see that Walters has been let loose again.

This outing is all about James Vega, the human marine first introduced in Mass Effect: Conviction and who was a squad member in Mass Effect 3. Mass Effect: Homeworlds #1, is the beginning of what looks to be James Vega’s origin story - the environment he comes from, what shaped him, and how he chose the path he is on. If you found James Vega to be an interesting or relatable character, this is one series to follow.

The story here has been seen before; good kid tries to do right, despite negative family influence. Walter succeeds in portraying a young Vega as naturally good-hearted, though easily controlled by those who have authority over him. Vega clearly doesn’t like being used by criminal minds, and his first rebellion simmers, then explodes. The fall-out of this rebellion will certainly be the starting point of issue #2.

Eduardo Francisco (Mass Effect: Conviction), joins us again and produces a clean, simple visual style, in quite the contrast to the often busy art of Omar Francia (Mass Effect: Invasion). Locals should get a kick out of seeing some futuristic impressions of the greater San Diego area (Sky-scrapered Solana Beach, anyone?). It is always good to see a comic set in the home of Comic Con International.

So far, so ho-hum. I will personally follow the rest of this series to see what Walters can come up with, but I wouldn’t fault anyone who goes ‘meh’ and passes this one up for now. Mass Effect: Homeworlds is off to a slow start, suffering from a very generic, predictable story and a very bland main character.

 

The Rating Bit

James Vega was not very interesting in Mass Effect 3. That was partially a side-effect of being spoiled by two previous games’ worth of exotic aliens, in exotic locations, with exotic stories. If Vega was supposed to be the antithesis of this, then “Mission Accomplished”! Mass Effect: Homeworlds has the potential to be Vega’s opportunity to stand out and have a unique story told, but so far Walters hasn’t really added anything that will hook you to the character. We will have to wait and see what Walters has in store for Vega in the coming parts. Let’s hope Vega gets a little more character. Until then, Mass Effect: Homeworlds earns a simple 6 out of 10. Check out the comic when it goes on sale tomorrow, April 25th.