BLADE RUNNER 2039 #3, from Titan Comics on February 8th, 2023, slowly peels back the layers on Arthur Selwyn’s research as anyone connected with it is in deadly danger.
The Details
- Written by: Mike Johnson
- Art by: Andres Guinaldo
- Colors by: Marco Lesko
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Jesus Hervas (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: February 8, 2023
Is It Good?
It’s starting to get a little complicated but in a good way. BLADE RUNNER 2039 #3 leans fully into the detective noir aspects of Blade Runner canon when a secret file turns up, and power brokers are willing to kill to get their hand on it. This is the type of mashup, blending dystopian cyberpunk with old-school detective noir, that made Blade Runner so unique, and it works like a charm.
Mike Johnson efficiently packs in as many twists and turns as humanly possible in a single issue to keep Ash on her toes. The story keeps you guessing about who can or can’t be trusted, and once you start to see where certain characters’ loyalties lie, the threat level jumps up significantly. Even the quiet moments in Johnson’s script add to the tension because every character has one or more hidden agendas, evident through their words and deeds.
That said, a lot happens in this issue, so you may need to take a note or two to keep track of what’s happening. For example, Cleo Selwyn returns to Earth looking for someone, and her presence plays a major part in the plot, but this is the first time we’ve seen Cleo in a major appearance, so readers have to quickly get on board with her character to follow along. Johnson’s efficient packing in of twists, turns, and revelations risks overstuffing the issue.
Guinaldo and Lesko are a powerhouse team for their rich, detailed envisioning of the Blade Runner universe. The figure work, costume designs, building sets, and vehicles match the world to a tee, so it’s fair to say Syd Mead would be proud of how authentic this comic looks. If you enjoy the Blade Runner aesthetic as much as the story, this issue nails it.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BLADE RUNNER 2039 #2 review to find out how badly Luv’s first visit with Hythe went.
We begin with Wallace’s men arriving to collect Luv from Arthur Selwyn’s old mansion. Fearing Wallace will be disappointed in her progress, Luv is surprised to learn Wallace is very pleased with her first meeting with Hythe.
Later, Ash walks the city streets, pondering how to draw Luv out and sabotage her performance as the first replicant Blade Runner. If Luv fails, Ash believes Wallace will reconsider delivering more. Suddenly, Ash realizes she’s being followed, and quickly reverses her path to corner her tail.
Later still, Ash sits in a diner waiting for an old contact to show up for a meeting. The contact doesn’t arrive, but Hythe sits down in the contact’s place with an important request. We conclude the issue with a handoff, a gunfight, and an unwelcome visit.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BLADE RUNNER 2039 #3 embodies the strongest aspects of detective noir from the original film in the best way possible. The story hits you rapid fire with twists, turns, and revelations to keep Ash on her toes, and every character has something to hide, so you’re constantly guessing what will happen next. Coupled with fantastically authentic art, this issue is a winner.
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