Writers: Michael Green & Mike Johnson

Artist: Andres Guinaldo

Titan Comics

Los Angeles 2019: ‘Blade Runner’ Detective Ashina is investigating the disappearance of the wife and daughter of business tycoon Alexander Selwyn.

After the exciting first issue launched us back into the comic book world of Blade Runner for the first time in 37 years, it feels like we’ve never been away. A dedication at the start of this edition thanks Syd Mead for creating the world that the writers and artists now have the joy of playing in, and it’s quite true that the designer’s much-copied world truly defined a look and feeling all of its own.

The detective noir thriller goes deeper as Ash continues her pursuit of the Selwyns, and even if the source is hardly reliable, she can’t ignore the question that a psychotic replicant asked of her – just why does the tycoon want his own daughter dead? The Blade Runner goes from one grimy Downtown LA locale to the next, taking in the animated billboards and towering skyscrapers that defined Ridley Scott’s original film. Guinaldo’s colourful panels carry us from one side of town to the other, Mikes Green and Johnson filling us in on the Detective work.

Verdict: Titan’s invitation to take us back to the future noir of Blade Runner continues to thrill with familiar landscapes, Easter eggs for the initiated and a twisting old school mystery that refuses to give too much away. Crank up the Vangelis, kick back and savour the nostalgic glow. 9/10

Nick Joy