Mass Effect: Foundation, Volume 2

Mass Effect (Dark Horse Comics) #6

by Mac Walters, Mathew Clark (Illustrator), Gary Brown (Illustrator)

Written by the lead writer of the games,  Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3,  Mac Walters, Mass Foundation features the franchise's most beloved characters in their most exciting, never-before-seen adventures, set during the events of BioWare's ultra hit science fiction trilogy! Follow Miranda Lawson and Jacob Taylor as they chase Commander Shepard to the lawless and dangerous Terminus Systems, where no training can prepare them for what they'll find! Then, join the beautiful and cunning Agent Rasa as she hunts the lethal biotic powerhous, Jack, and crosses paths with the deadly master assassin, Thane Krios!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Comic Book, Space Opera, Video Games

120 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2014

About the author

Mac Walters is a writer, director, and producer, known for his work on Jade Empire, the Mass Effect series, and Anthem. He's an author of games, novels and comics including the New York Time's bestselling Mass Effect: Redemption series. He was nominated for a Bafta for his writing on Mass Effect 3.

Mac is known for his intricate, deeply detailed futuristic universes populated by memorable characters who find themselves thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

Reviews

[Rinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know the drill by now. I saw a Mass Effect book on Netgalley, so I requested it. I am an unashamed fangirl of the series, and will read everything and anything I can get my hands on, despite not being overly impressed with the books so far. However, I enjoyed the first volume of the Foundation series more than previous series, so was looking forward to reading the next volume.

This particular chapter of the Mass Effect story is set between the events of the Mass Effect 2 prologue and the main story, when Commander Shepard is presumed dead after the attack on the Normandy. It brings in plenty of familiar characters: Miranda, Jacob, Thane, Jack, Kai Leng and the Illusive Man. The reader learns how Jacob came to be a part of Cerberus, and how Shepard’s body was found. It also introduces a couple of new characters, but to be honest I was more interested in learning more about my beloved squad mates from the games – and it didn’t disappoint.

I’ve always seen Jacob as a truly nice guy, although he’s never been a favourite character of mine he was always someone I felt my Shepard could rely on, someone who was utterly loyal. In Mass Effect Foundation he is shown as the soldier out to protect civilians and friends, at any cost – fitting my view of him. And as ever, Miranda is loyal to the job, despite the consequences. Oh, and it’s not just cameras that linger on a view of her rather full derriere, apparently…

With some truly gorgeous full pages of art, this is definitely a lovely collector’s item for Mass Effect fans – particularly one of Jack and Jacob fighting a group of Batarians. The colour scheme is also definitely very fitting, including subtle shades of greys, oranges and reds, with the added neon colours of the various bars and establishments of the Citadel, Omega and Illium.

However, some of the panels just felt really lazy, as if they were almost just the original sketchy ideas, rather than the finalised drawing. One section of the story featured a lot of ‘faceless’ panels – I could understand this if the characters were far off in the distance, but this was even when they were the main focus of a panel. In one chapter, the features of Jacob’s and Miranda’s faces varied wildly, and in Jack’s chapter some of the art was just so unpolished to the extent of looking unfinished.

I have to say though, my absolute favourite part of this new addition to the Mass Effect universe was the bonus story at the end. It’s a 40′s style crime noir, featuring a brave Hanar (yes, you read that correctly) and his attractive Asari companion. It’s everything you could ever want in such a story: a Hanar solving crimes, mowing down hordes of Krogans effortlessly with eight pistols at once, and of course our hero gets the girl. Plus this quote:
‘”This one thinks the Krogan scum must ask the question – does it feel fortunate? Do you, scum?”
Overall, an interesting addition to the Mass Effect universe, but sadly let down by some of the artwork. However, it’s worth it just for the bonus short story at the end.

I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Originally posted on my former blog, Rinn Reads.

[Pamela (Here to Read Books and Chew Gum) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mass Effect: Foundation Volume 2 was a mixed bag. Some stories were better than others, but overall it was a pretty lacklustre reading experience. There were some interesting back story elements, but Jack's story really brought the whole collection down a few points. Her story was chaotic, and the whole thing came across as a big concept sketch that no one had really bothered to flesh out or properly illustrate yet. How that made it past the editors is beyond me, and ruined what could have been a better collection than it was.

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5

Mass Effect is one of those franchises that hasn't kicked off across all the different mediums, it has unlimited backstories to pull from. The books have only been spinoffs from the game and while Andromeda distanced itself from the core game mythology, it also had connections that didn't alienate diehard fanatics, like myself. This book fills one of the biggest holes from Mass Effect 2, Shepard's body being found and exhaustive research and costs the illusive man spent find him. Mass Effect 2 didn't have all that much to say about the Illusive Man, but its his mysterious objectives that make him one of the best villains from the franchise. The book covers some of the backstories from the second game, not extensive backstories, more like fodder for the bigger picture. Remember in the game you receive all the exposition required by talking with your crew throughout the game, this is more connecting the dots. The artwork is very inventive at times, unlike most video game to comic adaptions. There is some cleverness here and unlike other books based in the universe, it actually has something to say. I was quite intrigued with the later parts of the book, the story leaves us moments before the reboot of Shepard in Mass Effect 2 so I'm now eager to read book 3, but I don't they will cover this terrain again. One of the better Mass Effect books in the series and I hope they create more depth in the future books, which undoubtedly will follow.
Why the 5?
Good question, the artwork and storytelling lead right into Mass Effect 2. It never attempts to be anything more and leaves you wanting to invest more time in replaying the game. I might have fandom but this book has more going for it then other books of its type. I feel the 5 is worth the effort the team has done with creating this spinoff book.
The next graphic novel I'm going to read is DMZ book 3. I've already kicked off with this one but it will be nice to finish something instead of waiting until the last minute again.

[47Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

The disjointed, almost chaotic stories are starting to show their cracks. They still do a good job of linking the gap between the events in the games, but they jump around too much. I hoped for something other than a series of one-shots, but Foundation is little more than that.

Miranda is sent to recover Shepard's body. She takes Jacob along. He is reticent about her offer for him to join Cerberus. The mission goes badly when Miranda is captured and Jacob is injured. A young girl named Lakshmi helps Jacob free Miranda. The latter finds that Shepard's body was taken away. At least Jacob joins Cerberus, but he does so on his own terms.

Jack 'Patient Zero' was a trainee on Cerberus's biotics program. Now she just wants revenge on Cerberus for the testing they did on her. She is stopped by a krogan hitman.

Cerberus has been working on cloning Shepard. They also need his consciousness based on the records in the Citadel. Rasa is used to obtain that information, but the mission goes sideways. Her cover is blown. She is then placed in a position to join Shepard.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars, rounded up because the Blasto story was pretty entertaining.

I love Mass Effect but this was even more underwhelming than the first volume.



The first story follows Miranda Lawson and Jacob Taylor as they hunt for Shepherd's body in the Terminus systems. It shows how Jacob gets drawn into the Cerberus organization and is mostly just a meh story about dealing with slavers and other unscrupulous types. Not terrible but not anything that particularly held my attention.



The second story follows Cerberus agents Rasa and Kai Leng as they try to capture Jack, one of the most entertaining biotic characters from the series. Jack felt true to form and this might have been an okay story had it not been for the artwork. Because good God I have no idea how this is the finished product. It looks like the drafting sketches you would make before actually completing the work. The awfulness of the artwork made it hard to pay much attention to the story in all honesty. Then Rasa ends up crossing paths with Thane Krios in a super lame story that had me rolling my eyes at least every other page. I am so tired of Rasa already, these stories just seem to get more and more boring as they have her cross paths with every single Mass Effect crew mate they can think of.



The final story is the only reason that this volume is getting more than one star. Not sure how many people remember hearing the advertisements for Blasto the Hanar Spectre movies in the first game but they were hilarious. This issue follows one of Blasto's missions and is terrible but in all the awesome, cheesy action movie ways. It's full of one liners and ridiculous villains and it was at least way more fun than the other stories.

Bottom line: this volume reminded me of all the reasons that I generally don't read tie-in stories. They're boring and feel like such a marketing ploy. Most of the stories felt like they had no point except to bring up favorite characters for fans to squeal over. Definitely not worth picking up unless you're super desperate for a Mass Effect story.

[Kacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to finally get some information on other members in Shepard's squad. I think Jacob needed the most fleshing out, and I liked reading a little more about him. It was also wonderful to see Thane in any capacity. Jack's story was also a good one. I thought that did well in showcasing her true heart--that she was trying to help the others and save them from suffering as she did.

I don't really have a lot to comment on in this one. They were just good stories. I could have done without the Brooks/Rasa framing device, but it was still nice reading about these characters. My only complaint is that sometimes what's shown here doesn't mesh with what we're told and shown in the games. I would swear Jack says she never met the Illusive Man, yet in her part she confronts him. I think Jacob's was also a little inconsistent.

Not bad, not amazing, just another good enough entry into the story of Mass Effect.

[Zian B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a good 3.5 star rating;
I was more invested in this volume of the ME: Foundation series compared to the previous volume. I just really liked seeing more about seeing what happened with Shepard’s corpse and the Lazarus Project that the Illusive Man brought about. To me, that aspect of the games was always a big missing piece and it just really intriguing to see that more fleshed out in this group of comics.

[Prince Cad Ali Cad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than Volume 1, but still not advancing the story (at this point, what story?). All issues seem pretty inconsequential. Thought the last issue included was a dream-sequence because of how unbelievable it was (a Hanar defeating Krogans? Way to nerf the Krogans)

And still no lore/world building.

[Kyst · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this slightly better than the last one. Not like a full star better, but you know. Slightly. There was a much more coherent and interesting throughline between the different stories and Blasto was a lot of fun.

[Nina Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't cope with how much I disliked the art style. The characters didn't look even remotely like themselves.

[Joe Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed Miranda and Jacob's bit.

Jack's bit was pointless

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Mass Effect: Foundation Volume 2' is more graphic novel based on the best selling Bioware video game of the same name. Again, it's written by Mac Walters, who was lead writer on Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. I found this second volume to be more even and a bit easier to follow and I liked it more than the first.

This volume starts about where the prologue to Mass Effect 2 is. Matthew Shepard is presumed dead in the aftermath of the attack on the Normandy. Characters from the game are sent out to confirm it, and retrieve the body for better or worse. The character of Jacob is fleshed out more and he is shown to be compassionate to those considered to be collateral damage. Miranda just wants to get the job done at any price. There are a few different stories in the volume, but they just feel more fleshed out and complete this time.

The art gets spotty in places. There are some great full panels, but then the art degrades into almost pen sketches. It's a little inconsistent, so I found it disappointing. I wanted gorgeous art like we get in the game and it delivers for the most part. The writing, as I mentioned, is much tighter this time. Perhaps because the first volume was centered around the first game and Mac Walters wasn't the lead writer. Regardless, for fans of the game, it's nice to get more character story and this doesn't disappoint.

I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Alex Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, yet tame, expansion on the mass effect universe that was a nice addition, even if it didn't cover much ground. It contained a few different stories - one about Miranda and Jacob trying to capture Shephard's body, one about Jack escaping Cerberus, one about Cerberus/council espionage and then a couple of short comics on how Joker ended up piloting the Normandy and everyone's favourite spectre, Blasto!

All of the art was pretty good and it was all well told, but certainly didn't do anything spectacular. The first story was fairly substandard, particularly because very little happened in it. The others were better, I particularly enjoyed Jack's and the biotic artwork was great! The highlights were the final two comics, the Blasto one was excellent. A mixed bag, but if you're a mass effect fan, worth it!

[Rahel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yet another boring entry in the Mass Effect Comics universe. Rasa continues to be a yawn-worthy character who has nothing going for her except for her ~tragic past~ and while it's nice to see familiar faces, I already forgot what happened in this book.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing Sci-Fi saga develops more characters, provides plenty of twists as the Specters, Cerberus, the Council and the Alliance jockey for the most advantageous position for their interests. The short stories at the end was nice filler in regard to background and interest. Plenty of storylines continue into the next volume to draw the reader forward.

[Matthew Ciarvella · Rating 2 out of 5]

The question of "what happened to Shepard's body after the prologue of Mass Effect 2" is quickly becoming the Mass Effect equivalent of "how did the Rebels steal the Death Star plans?" Story after story is layered on, because each piece of tie-in fiction tries to exploit the same hook until it's all a big mess of barely connected pieces.

The Blasto piece was pretty amusing, however.

[T.M. Carper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda and Jacob join the cast in this ME2 precursor as the Elusive Man sends people to retrieve the body of Commander Shepard. Jack also makes an appearance.

An included short shows how Jeff "Joker" Moreau ended up the Normandy's pilot.

[Holly (The GrimDragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this volume much more than the first. Jacob is a great character to focus on in this story! Still feeling underwhelmed with the artwork, however. It is almost as if the art is in the unfinished draft stages.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again the art occasionally obfuscates the story, which is unfortunate. Would have been a two star rating were it not for the final two comics in the volume which are pure fan-service and I loved them.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review Pending.

Note: I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[D.J. Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty middle of the road. The art on the Jack story was pretty bad and the Joker story was meh, but the other stories were okay and the Blasto story was entertaining.