Blade Runner has always had more in its storytelling arsenal, a fact made possible by its multi-layered arcs and how the story has naturally gravitated towards Denis Villeneuve’s masterpiece. It’s a journey not without its occasional rough spots, such as how it navigates its character development, or its formulaic tendency to conclude each saga with a rushed ending. However, while regular Blade Runner scribe Mike Johnson may have used the series’ 9th issue as another reset, in setting the expectations to come, it does promise something exciting on the horizon. The 9th issue is brimming with surprises, so much so that even readers will find themselves caught off guard.
Gaff’s cameo is not the only familiar face to grace the comics. For instance, we’ve seen Sapper Morton (and he also makes a brief return here) and Niander Wallace himself (still lit in the shadows as if Roger Deakins himself was orchestrating the comic’s cinematography). But we’ve been so used to Blade Runner forging its own storytelling path that it is easy to forget who else would have been operating in those circles! Such is the confidence of its output, the previous issues never presented a need to do so, but here Gaff’s re-introduction never feels like it is part of a cheap gimmick. Its purpose is intentional, with the former Blade Runners getting acquainted over the loss of their friend and recognising the dangerous challenge ahead in going after Wallace. In typical fashion, Gaff provides advice, and nothing is more pleasing to the eye than seeing him still crafting his origami animals as Ash’s parting gift.
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Whilst Luv gets an expository scenario which relieves her of her policing duties, Johnson uses the remaining pages to examine Ash’s encounter with her Replicant doppelganger. Ash still shows she’s two steps ahead, and the pair still can’t trust each other, but that is beside the point. The fascination comes from watching two characters from opposite sides of the spectrum interact. In a throwback to how Ash’s story began, Rash undergoes the same ‘change of heart’, and is now eagerly wanting to learn more from her original maker. In hindsight, you wished we saw more of this realisation, knowing the pair share the same commonalities. It’s healthy character development knowing Rash was built for a purpose, now demonstrating that Wallace’s code is flawed by design. But it still sets up an engaging tangent, with Rash becoming a weapon against Wallace.
That is one of many things it sets up nicely, and if executed well, 2039’s final chapter promises to be something special. Despite the air of inevitability in knowing how 2049’s world came to be, it’s off to a tantalising start. Its final panel confirms that with another familiar face entering the arena, as a just reward and faith for following its comic book journey. And in seeing how everything comes together, this is where Blade Runner shines the brightest.
Blade Runner 2039 #9 is out now from Titan Comics.
