Mass Effect Volume 4: Homeworlds

by Mac Walters

• ISBN10: 1595829555
• ISBN13: 9781595829559
• Publish Date: 6 November 2012
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Out of Print: 25 March 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Dark Horse Comics,U.S.
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 112
• Language: English

Reviews

[Rinn]

I received this book for free through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. It is also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

I'm a little bit of a Mass Effect fangirl. Which is something, since I never even finish most games that I buy, but I've completed and replayed all three games and I never get bored of them. I'm trying to read all the novels and graphic novels, since the trilogy is now over, so I grabbed this one from Netgalley when it appeared.

It covers the back stories of James, Tali, Garrus and Liara, which should potentially be fascinating for any fan. And whilst James' story captured his character slightly, and Garrus' covered his relationship with his father, I felt Tali and Liara's stories were a bit flat. Tali's ends very abruptly, and overall they don't explain much.

The images in between each story were beautiful though. The art of the comics wasn't quite as pretty, but caught certain scenes well - although I felt there were some issues. For example, James really doesn't look like himself. Quarians look pretty out of proportion, even for them. There is also one scene with a turian, where he looks really chunky - I know they are big creatures, but they have broad shoulders and narrow waists, and this guy was just built like a barrel. Of course, these sort of things don't necessarily detract from the enjoyment of the story for everyone.

At one point during his story, James is being pursued and stops to help out an old lady - which I thought really captured his character well. He may be a bit of a beef head, but he's got a good heart. It was also really great to see Garrus as a young turian, and learn a little about his father and relationship with him.

If Garrus, Tali, Liara or James are one of your favourites, then I would read this. I wouldn't say it was a great read for all fans, unless it covers the background of a particular character you like. I feel that it doesn't go into enough detail for the majority and leaves a few things unanswered. Personally, I enjoyed the story of Garrus' background the most - not only because he's my favourite character, but because it is also the one that felt the most linked to the games, as it is set around the time of Archangel.

[inlibrisveritas]

Calling all Mass Effect fans! If you love the series then you have to read this…even if you’re still made about ME 3′s ending, read it. This includes four stories about four different teammates, and they all touch on something that you’ve probably wondered about. For instance: What did Garrus really go through after ME 1? What was Tali’s story before you found her? How did Liara end up on Mars? Why is James Vega so committed and what is his story?

This gives light to all of those, and a little more in some cases. My personal favorite of the four is Garrus’ story, which should be no surprise since he was a constant teammate when I played the game. Shepard didn’t go anywhere without Garrus watching her back, if one was without the other…then I probably died or had a tough go at the mission. This story gives you insight on Garrus’ time in C-Sec, his family, and his stint on Omega as Archangel. It’s the kind of background that reenforces the fact that he’s my favorite; he’s tough, stubborn and caring…and even when the odds are against him he’s one badass Turian.

Liara and Tali’s stories are in a tie for second. I really liked finding out what exactly Tali went through on her pilgrimage and how much trouble she found herself in before Shepard showed up. There is also a good bit in it about her father that you never find out in the games, and that unfortunately she never got the chance to hear. It’s a touching story and if anything it made me proud of the character. Liara’s story goes through how she ended up on Mars looking through the Prothean data, and in the process you are introduced to something we didn’t get a chance to see in the games, a Drell city…it’s not much but it kind of broadens the ME horizons and makes that corner of the universe a bit more real. Vega’s story is also really good, but since I didn’t really delve too much into his character on the game I didn’t really get all that into his story. It does it explain why he’s so focused though, and you can’t help but feel for the guy…it’s nice insight on his life in the Citadel before he joined the military. I don’t think there is a person a live who would blame the guy for joining the military and getting as far as possible from his father.

I’d say this is a must for any hardcore ME fan out there. It holds details you won’t find in the games, and it makes the experience richer.

I received this from Dark Horse and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.