Blade Runner 2019 #1 Review

Titan Comics has released the first edition of the Blade Runner 2019 comic book series. The series is written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson, with the art created by Andres Guinaldo. The series takes place in the year 2019 of the Blade Runner universe, the same year as the original movie. Detective Ash, who is Los Angeles’s top Replicant hunter, is under pressure to investigate the disappearance of the wife and daughter of billionaire Alexander Selwyn.

The story of Blade Runner 2019

What follows is Ash’s unrelenting investigation: she uses violence, coercion and subtle interrogation to question people in the vast metropolis about the case. The city is faithfully re-created through artwork inspired by Syd Mead. However, the story briefly takes place outside the city in a scene more reminiscent of the sequel movie. And yet, despite impressive art work the focus remains on Ash as she continues her investigation.

Detective Ash

This first edition offers us just a glimpse of what Ash is all about. She has been a successful Blade Runner for a long time, as long as anyone can remember. She has a side hustle as a anatomical scavengers. The parts she collects from dead replicants allow her to pay off her debts accrued through extensive body modification.

As such Ash cannot say no to the demand of finding Selwyn’s family. Just like Deckard could not refuse Captain Bryant in the original movie. One question that will be asked is if Ash is herself a replicant. I tried to look for clues in the first edition and my money is that she is a replicant.

Conclusion

Sadly, at just 27 pages of actual story-telling this first edition is over far too quickly. Readers will have to wait until next month for the second edition. However, the Blade Runner 2019 has all the trappings of a very worthwhile read. Especially is you cannot get enough of Blade Runner. There are plenty of references to the wider franchise: Tyrell Corporation, off-world colonies etc.

Blade Runner 2019 issue 1 is purchasable from Comixology for just 4 $.