Enlarge The popular video game gets the comic-book treatment. For more information: Visit Dark Horse Comics at www.darkhorse.com. Mac Walters occupies an enviable place in pop culture. Not only was he the lead writer for the story featured within the best-selling Mass Effect 2 video game, but he's also the creative force behind the ongoing Mass Effect comic books. For those who aren't gamers, Mass Effect is one of the most popular role-play action titles in recent memory. As with most successful video game titles, the story featured within the game-play experience is usually fleshed out in other media, including back-story webisodes, animated features, and — in the case of Mass Effect— comic books. For fans of the video game, these additional stories and details add to the thrill of the game. Walters is thrilled with the fan reaction to the comic books. As a writer, he has made an effort to invite readers in who might not be familiar with the Mass Effect universe while not alienating the core gaming fans. The USA TODAY-exclusive story Mass Effect: Inquisition is an example of how the creative team is trying to reach an expanding audience. "By and large this story is appealing to anyone who likes exploring the Mass Effect universe," Walters explains. "It crosses over borders. One thing we've always been cognizant of is providing a view of this universe outside of (main character) Shepherd's vantage point — which is how you play the game. With Inquisition, you get to see that world through the eyes of a more blue-collar-type beat cop character named Captain Bailey." (Commander Shepherd has been the main game character, an elite human soldier and galactic hero.) In the eight-page story included this week as part of the USA TODAY/Dark Horse Comics/Toshiba DH:HD program, Walters examines the Bailey character. "This is more a character study of one of the more interesting figures that occupies this universe. Captain Bailey's a captain within the Citadel (the center of galactic civilization in this distant time). This is a very personal story for this character." Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more