Unfortunately, the second issue is not as strong as the first. It starts off with some awkward second person examination of the empath. I can’t remember if I’m supposed to remember his name. The story’s split between three plots–the renegade androids, the “blade runner” and the empath who are pursuing them and a scientist who will probably get more important later. Right now, she’s Roberson’s way of presenting information to the reader in narrative.

What goes wrong is the lack of wow factor. Roberson isn’t showing off how well he can do a prequel to a classic work, he’s trying to tell a story. And a lot of stuff has entered into the cultural consciousness since the novel was published. For whatever reason, I kept getting reminded of Terminator 2 while reading this issue.

It’s still good. There’re some great scenes, but the gilding is chipping fast.

I’m rather bummed.