Blade Runner 2019: Vol. 1: Los Angeles (Graphic Novel)

Harrison Ford allegedly complained that in the original “Blade Runner” script his character, Deckard, was a detective that doesn’t detect. If we are to believe the now legendary origins of “Blade Runner” and the gossip of its cast, crew, and sycophants, what resulted is the addition of scenes like Deckard discovering photos in the replicant Leon’s hotel room, which led to more clues that propelled the plot.The original “Blade Runner” (1982) and its slightly sturdier sequel “Blade Runner 2049” (2017) are glorious cinematic achievements that, despite occasional flaws and persistent exposition, transcend the sum of less-than-perfect parts through “mise-en-scène.”From the films he has written or doctored (“Blade Runner 2049” and “Logan” among them), Michael Green clearly believes that a child at the center of a dilemma is required to elicit sympathy in today’s audiences. The insertion of this crutch into “Blade Runner 2019” is absurd and insulting enough, but Green’s dismissal of the most basic rules and simple pleasures of a detective story – and the legends of the “Blade Runner” property itself – is inexcusable. Per S.S. Van Dine’s “Twenty Rules for Writing Detective Stories”: “a detective is not a detective unless he/she detects.”Michael Green must know that the medium of sequential art has no way to “influence the verisimilitude or believability…in the eyes of its” readers like the power of cinema; yet, “Blade Runner 2019,” a “tech noir” detective story, lazily jumps from set piece to set piece with only monologuing exposition to connect-the-dots.Far be it for me to critique Green or pretend to have anything more than rookie knowledge of navigating the groupthink minefield of creating by committee on a Hollywood property; but, it seems to me that second only to a third-person novel, if any medium could afford an Oscar-nominated writer the opportunity to let a story unfold at its own pace with the details to allow the “reader…equal opportunity with the detective [to solve] the mystery,” it's graphic storytelling.Not only does Green fail to deliver a satisfying detective story, his characters are inconsistent, his plotting contrived, and his dialogue is weak. Sadly, the exceptional artwork and layouts cannot compensate for Green’s total failure to script what amounts to nothing less than a calculated fanboy/girl cash grab.

There is something about the original Blade Runner film that I just love. I can't quite put my finger on what that is, but I want more of it.There have been a few attempts at bringing "more". Jeter wrote three continuation novels that were more like the film than Dick's original story, but they were so-so (I haven't read the third one). Then, the sequel film came out, and it gave us something interesting and something new, but the film is so damn slow that nobody cares. There have been a few other attempts--a computer game, Marvel's adaptation of the first film, a graphic novel adaptation of the original book, word for word.But, nothing, so far--in my opinion--has scratched that particular itch that the Ridley Scott film has left on me.Until now.This comic is fantastic. It's got that feel! It gives me "Blade Runner", and it gives me something new.I am so impressed with the story. It's addicting. I can imagine it as a motion picture or, better yet, as a streaming series on Prime or Netflix. This is what I want to see. The main character is definitely no Rick Deckard, but she's interesting in her own right.Great story. Great main character. Great visuals (with blinding lens flares).I want more!

2019 was the setting for the original Blade Runner.Published to coincide with this inceptive anniversary date, Titan Books' Blade Runner 2019 is a the timely mid-quel between Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049.In the past few years Titan has really made a name for themselves as a comics publisher. Various Doctor Who projects, Blacklist, Penny Dreadful, Pacific Rim and original titles have shown mastery of writing and modern visual sequential art storytelling.2019 is by far the most fulfilling. It tells a story parallel to Deckard's, introducing us to a new master blade runner and new replicant issues. It expands and compliments on the world of the films.At least in the northeast corner of the United States, the individual issues we're almost impossible to find. This collection conveniently remedies that problem. Vol 1 collects the first half of the masterfully drawn story and leaves it's audience heady with anticipation for vol 2.2020 may be hell, it can successfully be argued. But this sidestep into a dystopian alternate 2019 provides welcome respite.Ridley did it first.Villeneuve did it best.2019 comes by it honestly.

don't click helpful on the whiny reviews here about "no sex appeal" or it not following rules about storytelling. it's fine the way it is in those terms, it just needs to not feel like it's trying so hard.that's how I felt from the start, but i kept reading and i feel like I'm at the very least on board for volume 2 to see what happens. but if it can get out of its own way, it will be an awesome addition to the franchise. but for now, out the gate it isn't giving me the "feels" like the movies did. so if that's what you are expecting, it's not that. maybe not yet.

What a disappointment. As a fan of both movies and the original book and also a comic book fan, I thought I'd give this series a try. It's very 'meh' and presents a new set of characters that are too cliched/stock to really care much about. Nor is the story that interesting so far. The art is quite good, but that is about it.This seems like the result of studio heads deciding to leverage the BR IP in the comics world, and not of any real creative inspiration on the part of the writer(s).Ah well.

With modern politics being the cesspool that it is in this modern era, it's still galling to find writers that do the whole gender swap, "BesTEsT EvaAaaHh !" protagonists thing. I know we're not supposed to talk about it when it occurs, mainly because the people that create the discussions no one wants to talk about... Don't ever want to discuss the discussions they want to lecture you on.... But there you go.... It's getting to be a little boring tbh (Think Star Wars, Think Star Trek, Doctor Who, Oceans 8, Marvel & DC comics. Think, the whole "get woke go broke" thing and you're close to what you're getting in terms of characterisation and progression etc).That said, despite these low-brow, trendy flaws to characterisation and design. Bladrunner 2019 isn't half bad. Held together by a decent story, nice artwork and some exceptional lighting. Fair enough it's digital, but isn't everything now ? Could've done with larger prints of Syd Meads alternate covers in the back, also. A tiny quarter page just doesn't do them justice, and tbh is probably the best thing to come out of this whole series... Wonderful stuff !

I enjoyed the first volume of the series. Good artwork and good story. I would have liked a bit more action, but this is a great start to the series.I liked Ash's character, it always interesting to have a character that is an out cast from both side. I have always liked the old lone wolf private detectives. Most of whom started out as police. There is a lot of story to explore on Ash's peraon and professional history. On the artistic side something I did like was Ash's injuries were kept for the reminder of the series.I am very interested in see where the series goes from here. Ash has burned many bridges, but has an interesting future.

As a fan of the films and cyberpunk in general, this was a nice treat. Read in one sitting because I always read comics fast.Nice pacing and interesting angle on the concepts and themes explored in the movies.If you’re a fan of the films and want to explore the world a little more then this is for you.

Good

Only purchased this as a fan of BR universe.