Written by Mike Johnson

Art by Andres Guinaldo

Titan Comics, out now

Los Angeles 2039 and the reunited Ash and Cleo prepare to meet Niander Wallace’s ‘First Angel’, Luv. 

Issue #5 in the Blade Runner sequel marks the beginning of a new arc in the story, and just in case you’re a new reader to the story, this is a perfect jumping on point. In pages of flashbacks we learn that a new replicant has been created from former Blade Runner Ash’s DNA, codename RASH. She doesn’t share Ash’s memories or personality, but is superior in every physical aspect, following every command from Luv, bar one – she cannot kill a human.

Half of the issue is spent setting up the background to this killer duo, and the remainder is spent catching up with the real Ash and travelling companion Cleo. They’re trying to travel under the radar on their journey to San Francisco, but this draws the attention of bandits who see them as easy prey.

Writer Mike Johnson continues to make our journey in the Blade Runner universe feel authentic and fresh, pulling in movie characters and those created in previous volumes. It’s no mean feat spinning all those plates so successfully.

Verdict: By the end of the issue, you’re up to speed and begging for the next instalment. 9/10

Nick Joy