The excitement continues to grow with Blade Runner 2039. The series rests on a delicate knife edge: the narrative plates are spinning, the characters are taking their fates into their own hands, and this reader is smiling her way through it all! That’s a testament to writer Mike Johnson, who steadily ramps up the stakes with each issue, taking the Blade Runner mythology to compelling new heights.
The reason for the excitement is the return of Cal Moreaux, last seen in Blade Runner: Origins. Its integral look at the birth of the first-ever Blade Runner was a fantastic entry into the universe with its mixture of racial and socio-political pressures in a society on the verge of technological change. It gave the series a distinct identity, naturally overcoming any prequel scepticism, and now – with Cal’s return for the series’ final adventure – we see this journey come full circle.
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The years have caught up with Cal. He’s older, out of the Blade Runner game, running an underground network – now about to reunite with his former friend. But as Ash kindly reminds him at every juncture, this is not a socialising moment, and the question she will ask him sets her on a path into dangerous territory. She needs a way “in” to see Niander Wallace, and Cal “owes her one”.
It’s fun to read Ash and Cal’s back-and-forth exchanges as the former Blade Runners get reacquainted. Yet the moment carries a whiff of ‘shoehorned energy’ in how Johnson incorporates their intertwined backstory. Part of you does wonder what Cal has been up to. What about the fate of Asa, the Replicant formally known as Dr. Kine? While the success of Origins is anchored on the prior knowledge of how everything turned out (think of the impact with Better Call Saul), there are notable gaps in the story here.
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It further begs the question: why wait for this precise moment to call on Cal’s help, especially with his connections underground? Could he have been introduced sooner into this series? Other characters – such as Mack, the Replicant who was nearly “retired” by Ash in her former life – have had the luxury of a flashback. Sadly, Johnson is not interested in that, showing more concern and emphasis on getting the characters from A to B. But as a minor quibble, you wish there was more time to delve deeper.
If the reunion raised more questions, Johnson does find its writing feet in exploring other character dynamics within the issue. Special mention for Luv who becomes a source of tension throughout, determined to find her missing Replicant partner, Rash. And yet, it is Rash who steals the show.
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Again, you wish there was more time to unlock Rash’s newfound personality (and her motivation), but her evolving arc continues to be a fascination. Niander Wallace prided himself on technological perfection. Rash was designed to be superior to the original, but that has not been the case. Rash has gone against her programming code and rebelled against the system and its author. She wants her freedom and will take whatever route and opportunity possible to ensure it becomes a reality.
There’s still an element of “Can I trust you?” with Rash. Her desire to assimilate with Ash and Freysa’s crew is laid bare and showcases the ultimate gesture of her loyalty. Could there be a last-minute twist in the fold? Johnson keeps those cards close to his chest for that one, but it sets up a dramatic conclusion for the series.
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Amidst all the dramatic twists and turns throughout issue #10, what has remained constant is Andres Guinaldo’s outstanding artwork and Marco Lesko’s colouring. It’s simple and effective colour theory at work which is particularly noticeable in its characters: shades of purple light up Cal’s world, typifying his wisdom and independence from the corrupt Blade Runner world. The earthy tones of green/grey inhabit Luv’s reality and her professionalism, whereas the muted tones of yellow accompany Isobel and co, signifying caution as they guard their Replicant guest. These visual environments feel incredibly distinct, and each story segment has its own voice in shaping the mood of its characters. But it is the occasional punch of red that breaks up the mood-setting scheme with its violent depiction of action.
With only two issues left, the expectations are naturally high. Not everything will inevitably be resolved. The only hope is that it can conclude the elements that do matter, and if it manages to do so, the payoff will be immense.
Blade Runner 2039 #10 is out now from Titan Comics.
