BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #9, from Titan Comics on February 16th, 2022, begins the battle for the sector as Ilora Stahl gives the order to eliminate everyone to hide the evidence of her project.
The Details
- Written By: K. Perkins, Mellow Brown
- Art By: Fernando Dagnino
- Colors By: Marco Lesko
- Letters By: Jim Campbell
- Cover Art By: Gene Ha (cover A)
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: February 16, 2022
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Was It Good?
Well, BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #9 improves on a flaw we noted in reviews of the previous issue. Here, the story feels like it’s building towards some goal with energy and intent rather than just gathering up a collection of moments without any clear sense of purpose.
As the blurb above points out, this is a battle for the sector. Ilana Stahl is cleaning house in the worst way, and the players gather for an all-out fight to survive, protect the innocent, and stop Stahl for good. This isn’t the last issue, so there’s more fighting to do, but you learn a lot in the process.
Readers get insight into the mindset of the replicants in their assorted makes and models. You get a philosophy lesson on why replicants are made the way they are. And, you see tons of action.
Do this issue’s answers pay off the grand mystery about Stahl’s project and Dr. Kine’s intentions? Not yet, but presumably, that will come shortly as the series reaches its climax.
Dagnino’s art is as gritty and noirish as ever in this issue. There’s plenty of action here, but Dagnino uses shadows and characters silhouettes to mesh the gritty noir feel with the high-paced action excitingly.
To answer the obvious question, this is a better-than-okay issue with some insights and great art, and long overdue momentum.
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]
If you need a refresher on the lead up to the battle, first read our BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #8 review.
We begin with forces gathering outside Sector-6B. Ilana Stahl has ordered her small army of enforcers to burn it all down, including any replicant or human that gets in their way. Det. cal Moreaux and the others arrive, prioritizing civilian rescues over taking out Stahl’s forces.
And then they fight.
Through the action, Nia, Cal’s sister in a replicant body, explains the nature of the replicants they’re fighting. Do they feel pain? Why do they obey? Can they be “awakened”? And more. The exposition gives readers plenty of insight into the replicant mentality, and it helps dictate the direction of the battle.
Meanwhile, Marcus kine is helping with the rescue efforts after realizing he shouldn’t have helped Stahl. We conclude the issue with dwindling forces on both sides, Marcus receiving bad news, and a “to be continued”.
Final Thoughts
BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #9 gives readers an all-out battle as Stahl seeks to bury the truth of her project forever. The action is fast-paced and tight. The exposition builds out the lore more than it reveals the answers to the mystery. And, the cliffhanger finish is strong.
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