Keelah Se'lai
Recently, we looked into my love of Mass Effect with another issue of Mass Effect: Homeworlds. Last time, we explored the back story of one of my favorite characters, Garrus Vakarian. Today's outing allows us to explore another one, Tali'zorah vas Normandy, or Tali for short. Tali is a Quarian, a nomadic alien race with extremely weak imune system, hence the attractive suits they all wear. Tali in particular is a gifted engineer and expert on the Geth, the race of sentient machines her people created centuries ago.
One of the beautiful things about the Mass Effect series is the fact that you can choose from any number of your teammates to act as your love interest. When I first played through as Male Shepard, the decision to make Tali my love interest was an easy one. Ashley's annoying and racist, Liara's a bit too cliche, Jack terrifies me, and there is no amount of perfect ass that can make me tolerate Miranda's personality more than I have to, so in the end, Tali was the only choice. Between the inexplicable Russian accent, the mystery surrounding her hidden appearance and the fact that she's probably the most fun drunk in the galaxy, she's easily my favorite love interests and one of my favorite characters in the series.
We open with Tali entering Dr. Michelle's clinic prior to the events of ME1. The rest of the issue is a Flashback to Tali and her team on her pilgrimage studying the Geth. Whilst on this mission, she learns that the Geth are secretly being controlled by a group of mercenaries in the employ of Saren, the main villain from the first Mass Effect game. The Mercenaries chase Tali and the others all over the galaxy until they reach the Citadel.
Though both of her friends are killed, Tali manages to evade the bad guys and locks the last one in a heat trap. The finale shows clips from the Climax's of the first two games while a recording from her father plays. He ends the message, and the issue by telling her that he loves her.
What Works:
Tali is written well within character and though this is early on, we can still see some of her spunk that will make her such a likable character. It's also nice to see her relationship with her father fleshed out, though not to the extent of Garrus's relationship with his family.
What Doesn't:
I really don't care for this artwork. At least with the Garrus issue, it was able to stay consistent. Also, I feel as though this issue didn't go as in depth into Tali's character.
Overall:
4/5
I still enjoyed this issue, but not as much as Garrus's story. Mostly because it felt like a retread of information we've already been given with nothing new. Oh well, still always great to read about Tali.
Keelah Se'lai