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: Invasion

Genre: Science Fiction

Writer: Mac Walters (Lead Writer of Mass Effect video games)

Script: John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Iron Man)

Art: Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy)

Colorist: Michael Atiyeh (Shinku, Mister Terrific)

Publisher: Dark Horse

Page Count: 114

Price: $16.99

 

The Review Bit

Mass Effect: Invasion was released as a mini-series of four issues from October, 2011 through January, 2012. Now, all four issues have been gathered together in a trade paperback on April 18th, a week from tomorrow. If you didn’t follow that series, this is the perfect way to get the whole story. Mass Effect: Invasion tells the story of Aria T’Loak, the notorious crime boss of Omega station, a criminal haven near the critical Omega 4 relay from Mass Effect 2.

Set some time after the events of Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect: Invasion starts with a threat to Omega station. Over the course of the plot, the pro-human Cerberus organization is revealed to be behind this threat. The story features some predictable betrayals and twists, and Cerberus is once again portrayed as the ruthless, ethically challenged organization that it is. Ever the in-charge boss, Aria leverages her powers and influence to stay in control of her station.

Mass Effect: Invasion features some minor characters from Mass Effect 2, i.e. Anto Korrigan, one of Aria’s henchmen. His part of the story perfectly captures the factional conflict between the mercenary groups aboard Omega, and is a welcome reference for fans of the game. The Blue Suns, Eclipse and Blood Pack groups all return for some glorious action.

Most of the new characters are Cerberus operatives, all belonging to various ends of the morally gray spectrum that only Cerberus could foster. General Oleg Petrovsky captains a Cerberus ship, the Elbrus. Perhaps the closest character to “good”, he displays genuine concern for the welfare of his troops, and is willing to work with aliens, albeit to achieve Cerberus’ objectives. His quotes from war literature, while mostly appropriate for the various situations, are never used to make a point, and come across as simplistic flavoring instead of adding real depth to the character. Some focus on this character and his reasons for involving himself with Cerberus would have been intriguing.

More decidedly “evil” is Colonel Ashe, an openly xenophobic Cerberus operative, who isn’t afraid of picking a fight or disagreeing with his superiors. While stereotypical in his ruthlessness, he is an interesting villain to follow as the story unfolds. Again, a bit more background for this character could have added depth to the story.

Overall, Mass Effect: Invasion is an entertaining graphic novel, not setting any new standards, but also not letting any down either. The story is not overly complex, often predictable, but still enjoyable. The art style stays true to the Mass Effect universe, and is gorgeous as always.

Mass Effect: Invasion makes nice references to the Mass Effect universe already established by the first two games and the whole story is essentially the background lead-in to Aria’s situation during Mass Effect 3. As such, it’s hard to fault this piece for not being perfect on it’s own, as it’s clearly meant to be companion entertainment to Mass Effect 3. Consider this the tasty buttered popcorn that you love, and you will be happy. Just don’t expect it to fill you up. 7 out of 10.