Though the Mass Effect 2 debut teaser claims that ME1 protag Commander Shepard is dead, it looks like BioWare has released the first evidence that he is (predictably) still alive. No, seriously, look at this concept art.

The new picture, added to the ME website today, looks like the beginnings of a battle. Two gun-wielding fellows - one of whom resembles a certain Commander - are on board a space station or ship and two figures are entering the door on the far side of the room. We're looking at "Shepard" and his companion from the back so it sort of resembles the standard third-person perspective from the first ME.

Screenshots and gameplay footage, please. Mass Effect 2 will hit the PC and Xbox 360 in 2010. Supposedly we'll get more information on the game this month. If not, E3 should provide an abundant supply.