BLADE RUNNER 2039 #9, by Titan Comics on 1/24/24, enters the last act of the volume wherein Ash hatches a plan to get to Niander Wallace before he finds the secret of Replicant fertility.
The Details
- Written by: Mike Johnson
- Art by: Andres Guinaldo
- Colors by: Marco Lesko
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Alan Quah (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: January 24, 2024
Is BLADE RUNNER 2039 #9 Good?
We’re in the home stretch in Mike Johnson’s take on the next era of Blade Runner lore, and BLADE RUNNER 2039 #9 gets the festivities going with cameos fit for comic and film films alike. In truth, the last act gets moving with a sedate few steps forward, but the potential of the cameos makes a big promise for what’s to come in the exchange.
When last we left Ash, she barely escaped alive from a shootout against Luv and Rash. Isobel Selwyn made the escape possible, leading to a “mother”/daughter reunion and recognition that Niander Wallace’s hunt for Isobel Selwyn and the secret she supposedly possesses will never stop. Now, Ash sets a trap for her replicant “sister” to reveal what Wallace does and doesn’t know, prompting Ash to chase additional leads from a former cop with a penchant for origami and a former Blade Runner who made the record books.
Yes, that’s right. An elderly Gaff (played by Edward James Olmos in the original Blade Runner (1982) film) makes an appearance to provide Ash with some sage advice. As for the second big cameo, we’ll leave that one as unspoiled, but this character’s arrival could be more than just a simple cameo.
What’s great about BLADE RUNNER 2039 #9? Despite the lack of big plot developments, this issue has weight and importance for two reasons. First, Ash is committed to the insurmountable task of getting to Niander Wallace before he gets to Isobel Selwyn. Given the disparity of resources between the two adversaries, Ash’s goal seems impossible, so Johnson gives readers a lot to root for.
Second, the second cameo (no spoilers here) instantly adds a generational aspect to this story that makes the plot seem bigger and mythic.
What’s not so great about BLADE RUNNER 2039 #9? While Johnson goes a long way toward building anticipation for where this maxi-series is headed, this issue is more setup and introduction without the presence of a big idea to make it as memorable as it could be. It’s fair to say Johnson didn’t hit the ground running heading into the last act.
How’s the art? Andres Guinaldo’s art is a blessing to this series. Guinaldo’s attention to detailed inks and subtle gestures make all the difference, a benefit that’s sorely needed in a dialog-heavy issue.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s BLADE RUNNER 2039 #9 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BLADE RUNNER 2039 #8 review to learn how Ash got away from Luv and Rash.
We begin with Ash paying a visit to Wojciech at her retirement home. Unfortunately, Wojciech passed away in Ash’s absence, but a fellow resident, Gaff, recognizes Ash for who she is and passes on words of wisdom when it comes to dealing with corporations that make Replicants.
Later, Ash stops for a bowl of noodles when Rash takes a seat next to her. Rash is curious to know about her “sister,” and Ash agrees to a private conversation someplace more quiet. Ash leads Rash into a trap where she’s captured and eventually interrogated about Niander Wallace’s plans.
We conclude the issue with a conflict of interests, an idea, and an old face.
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 #9 starts the last act of the maxi-series with a quiet, sedate issue that moves the players in place, makes plans, and throws in a couple of cameos to get Blade Runner fans excited for the future. Johnson’s plotting, pacing, and dialog are excellent, and Guinaldo’s art is outstanding, but this issue is more setup with potential than a comic that will knock your socks off.
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