BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8, from Titan Comics on 10/25/23, brings the first volume of the 2039 saga to a close when Ash and Mack reach Isobel Selwyn’s home, only to find pain.
The Details
- Written by: Mike Johnson
- Art by: Andres Guinaldo
- Colors by: Marco Lesko
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Piotr Kowalski (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: October 25, 2023
Is BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8 Good?
BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8 brings the first volume of the 2039 saga to a close with an ending that isn’t so much an ending as it is a “to be continued…” Mike Johnson mixes action, strong plot developments, and eyes to the future in a reasonably satisfying issue that leads into a hiatus.
When last we left Ash, she and Mack found Isobel Selwyn’s San Francisco home. The place was abandoned, but Luv and Rash were waiting. Now, the fight is on to survive, escape, and find Isobel Selwyn before Niander Wallace’s forces do. In the end, only one side gets what they want… for now.
To be clear, the end isn’t really an ending. Think of it as an intermission before the next act of the story gets going. Niander Wallace still wants Selwyn’s research, Ash is still running and fighting, and Luv and Rash are still eager to hunt. However, the pieces are in place to start a new phase of the adventure when the title returns in 2024.
What’s great about BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8? Mike Johnson’s dramatic tension is through the roof when Ash is forced to fight for survival against Rash and Luv. When an unexpected ally joins the fight, it’s anyone’s guess how the conflict will turn out.
What’s not so great about BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8? The ending is clearly setting up a “to be continued…”, but the ending lacks a strong cliffhanger to grab you and carry you through the hiatus. Ash makes her next move clear, but it’s not a surprising move.
How’s the art? Andres Guinaldo’s art is tremendous. Most of this series has focused on gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and dramatic dialog delivery. Here, Guinaldo gets a chance to go bigger with spinner chases, big gunfire, and more. Guinaldo continues to prove he’s a great pick for this title.
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What’s BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BLADE RUNNER 2039 #7 review to find out how Ash and Mack reached Selwyn’s house.
We begin mid-cliffhanger with Luv and Rash holding Ash and Mack at gunpoint. With Mack injured from a shoulder wound, Ash has no choice but to drop her weapon. Rash applies painful pressure to Ash to force her to disclose Isobel’s location.
Suddenly, bright lights shine through the home’s bay window. Isobel Selwyn commandeered Luv’s spinner and opened fire on the house with the spinner’s guns. Mack charges back into the fight, buying Ash time to get to the spinner and escape.
We conclude the issue with daring aerial maneuvers, arguments, and deadly plans.
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Final Thoughts
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BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8 brings the first act of this saga to a close, before a hiatus, by pitting Ash and Mack against Rash and Luv. The action is grounded, gritty, and intense, and the soft cliffhanger promises big things when the title returns.
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