During a trip to my local comic book store, I was searching for Mass Effect: Redemption #1. The first issue came out prior to the game and I was initially on the fence about buying a video game comic book.
However, just a few hours into Mass Effect 2, my enjoyment of the Mass Effect world had grown into an intense love. So, obviously, I wanted anything that would expand my knowledge of the universe.
I casually searched…and searched…and searched.
Nothing.
“I know I saw it in here the other week.” I said to myself. I’m sure I did.
Unfortunately, I had underestimated how popular the comic would become.
Mass Effect: Redemption #1, was released in early January, and sold out in three weeks. The second issue, released on February 3rd, sold out in six days.
The four issue mini-series follows the exploits of Liara T’Soni, former SSV Normandy crew member, as she investigates Commander Shepard’s disappearance. The series aims to bridge the event of Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.
Upon Mass Effect 2’s release, and subsequent critical acclaim, the comics have been in even higher demand. Following Dark Horse’s announcement of a second printing earlier this week, Mass Effect 2 lead writer Mac Walters, who penned the story for Mass Effect: Redemption, said he was “ecstatic” to hear about the consecutive sell-outs:
Script write John Jackson Miller and artist Omar Francia talked with Comic Book Resources about Redemption’s success.
“I love our fans…they’re so passionate about the games we make and the stories we tell through them. I hope the story we told in ‘Redemption’ lives up to their high expectations. And I hope the Dark Horse fans are equally excited to be introduced to our game in a brand new format.”
Miller:
Francia:
“It’s a good feeling, because it comes directly from reader demand. Retailers have a very difficult job, ordering in advance. With so many new titles coming out, information is vital. Knowing that the first two issues of Mass Effect: Redemption have sold out and gone to a second printing shows that we’ve found a good market to tap.”
This only further solidifies my trust in the work and decision-making of Bioware and those involved in the crafting of the Mass Effect world. It seems that anything inside the cluster of the game is destined to be rich with resources to probe the curiosity of those not yet into the game while satisfying Shepards everywhere.
“It feels great! The quick success of issue #2 was really, surprisingly wonderful. I think it might come directly from the enormous success of the game. The game is so well crafted artistically; the writing, the acting and the visual designs are so amazing that it makes the gamers feel deeply connected to the characters and it develops a hunger to know more about this universe. I’m glad that the mix of our talents could fulfill that need so well!”
Think you’ll try and snag a copy of the Mass Effect: Redemption comics?
Source: Comic Book Resources