Blade Runner 2019 # 3 Review – Ash visits Tyrell corp.

This Blade Runner 2019 # 3 of the comic sets off right after the last one stopped. After her spinner is attacked Ash manages to crash land it. Her injuries are severe and unfortunately her fellow Blade Runner colleagues discover her extensive body modifications.

Her boss pulls her off the case and she even loses her badge. Nobody wants to work with human-hybrid. No longer a Blade Runner but also unable to put the case aside Ash visits the Tyrell Corporation. Tyrell has already been looming over this comic as a dark shadow, but the visit proves their involvement in the case.

Once there Ash meets Ms. Elo, a Tyrell higher-up who wants to make a deal with Ash. Elo states that Isobel Selwyn is a replicant, Nexus 7. She was gifted to Mr. Selwyn after the real Isobel died the year before of illness.

The real revelation comes when Elo states that Selwyn’s daughter Cleo holds the key to longer Replicant life. Isobel is said to have abducted her daughter to obtain this secret. But Ash considers it is most likely Alexander Selwyn and Tyrell who want the girl.

Nonetheless Ash accepts a deal with the Tyrell Corporation. If she retrieves the wife and daughter she will receive the necessary body modifications. In the meantime Isobel and her daughter manage to evade to Mexico, now completely under control by drug cartels.

Ash revisits the replicant who pretended to be geriatric. She undercovers several drawings of the Baja coastline and sets off in pursuit of Isobel and Cleo.

Conclusion

This Blade Runner comic is a very fast-paced story. Considering the twists and turns we have already endured over just 3 issues. But I do like the pacing. Readers will already be aware of the Blade Runner world and so it is unnecessary to linger on plot details and exposition. I think this comic has managed to distill what makes Blade Runner so great. Ash has a conscious, an ability to feel empathy when other Blade Runner cannot not. Nonetheless, she also has personal problems that force her to perform the disgusting duties of being Blade Runner. It is as if someone had contrived her entire situation.

The nature of Cleo’s ability to extend Replicant live is not mentioned. We are made to assume it is some sort of genetic ability. However that does not really make sense. All replicant have limited lifespan to ensure they cannot forever outrun the law or turn on their creators. If the theme of the sequel movie is to be taken into consideration than what Cleo might offer are reproductive abilities. Perhaps Cleo is also a replicant, much like Ana Stelline in Blade Runner 2049.

Blade Runner 2019 # 4 will become available on October 16th. See you then for the review. This was my review of Blade Runner 2019 # 3. I hope you enjoyed it.