Mass Effect: Evolution #1

Based on the popular Mass Effect video game; Mass Effect: Evolution delves into the back story of the First Contact War between the Turians and the Humans and tells the story of The Illusive Man. 

    

The Good  

It's not always easy to translate content from one medium to another and do it well; but it seems Mac Walters and John Jackson Miller may have an interesting story on their hands. I can't lie, I'm kind of excited about  learning more about Mass Effect's Cerberus leader, The Illusive Man. The story opens during Mass Effect's First Contact War, depicting the bitter rivalry between the humans and Turian race. In this issue, the Turians are protecting something, and the goal of the humans is to uncover exactly what. After capturing the Turian General Desolas, the humans trick the Turian military forces and are lead to the secret location. The story is interesting and action packed from the get-go. The pacing is good, and art is beautiful. The panels are extremely well organized and compelling. 
 

The Bad 

There isn't a lot of history given to the reader initially, and I have a problem with that. If you don't know you will be reading about The Illusive Man's back story, then you will be totally lost. Nowhere does it specify in this first issue that the story is about The Illusive Man, the future Cerberus Group leader. This comic is clearly written for the fan of the Mass Effect video game franchise, and if you have a limited amount of knowledge regarding that universe, then chances are you'll have a hard time relating to the events and character interaction in this first issue. My advice: familiarize yourself with concepts from the Mass Effect Franchise (i.e.: The First Contact War, Turians) and you'll have an enjoyable reading experience.  
 

The Verdict  

Launching almost immediately into a war in its first few pages, this action packed comic does it's duty and leaves the reader wanting more. The catch? You really have to be previously invested in the game story (Mass Effect 1 and 2) in order to appreciate this story and it's characters. For Mass Effect fans, this is a win. For everyone else, you may way to pick up a more new reader friendly title this week.