Comic Book Review - Blade Runner Origins #3

Rob reviews Blade Runner Origins #3...

"2009...A Tyrell Corporation scientist is DEAD - the victim of an apparent suicide.

But when LAPD Detective Cal is called in to investigate, he uncovers secret documents revealing a new kind of replicant and a conspiracy that could change the world."

Bladerunner Origins #3 kicks off shortly after the crash that ended issue #2. With Marcus and his mysterious Replicant saviour now missing, Tyrell summons Ilora Sthal to explain what happened - and it's not looking good! 

Meanwhile, we catch up to Marcus and his "saviour" who happens to be someone from the characters past. It's a pretty big revel and is one that's bound to have a lot of ramifications moving forward. Naturally, Marcus has his suspicions and doubts but blindly follows the Replicant into the unknown. We next catch up with Moreaux and Effie as they're hiding in one of Moreaux' safe houses. There's some nice to and fro as Effie tries to persuade Moreaux that by helping her this puts the Detective at risk from both the rogue elements in the LAPD and the Tyrell Corporation. This dialogue then leads to a parting of ways as each venture out with their plan in mind. Effie decides to head home to expose Tyrell's plans. Cal however heads off to Doctor Kline's apartment in search of means to stop the Nexus 5 Replicant. 

So Blade Runner Origins #3 gives us some answers but throws more questions our way. The reveal of who exactly was Marcus' rescuer was a clever twist and harkens to so many other sci-fi stories. While it's a tried and tested story trope, Perkins and Brown deliver it with a punch that's reminiscent of the Blade Runner ethos that anyone can be a Replicant.

The action comes quick and fast with some brilliant linework from Fernando Dagnino. The end scene is particularly brilliant as Moreaux fends off a group of stealthy assassins with the help of a sprinkler. Both Dagnino and colourist, Marco Lesko work wonders to bring the scene to life and is filled with some amazing illustrations and extremely clever use of red & black colours. 

Blade Runner Origins is a pretty decent tie-in to the world created by Ridley Scott. There's plenty of mystery as Moreaux, Marcus, and Effie get caught up in the machinations of the Tyrell Corp. While this issue has quite a few talking head moments, it never feels worn out or unwanted. The artwork is fantastic and draws your attention to all the right places. And that final fight is a thing of beauty! 

Rating 8/10 

Rob Lake  - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev