Titan Comics is releasing a black & white Artist's Edition collecting the first four issues of Blade Runner 2019, an officially licensed sequel to Ridley Scott's landmark 1982 original film. Written by Blade Runner 2049 co-writer Michael Green and Mike Johnson, the Artist's Edition fully showcases the pencils and inks by fan-favorite comic book creator Andres Guinaldo in a stark, evocative format along with layouts and never-before-seen sketches and cover designs in a gorgeous hardcover format.

In an exclusive interview with CBR, Guinaldo spoke about blending his own artistic sensibilities with that of the original film's concept artist Syd Mead, designing the series protagonist Ash and how his work takes on a new life in the Artist's Edition format.

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CBR: Andres, how was it getting to dive into the world of Blade Runner with this project?

Andres Guinaldo: It was a real challenge. I’ve always been a fan of the movie and when I had the chance to join this project, I jumped in headfirst! I thank David Leach, my editor, and Mike Johnson and Michael Green, my writers, for trusting me. This has been an incredible adventure.

Syd Mead defined the vision of the film and its dystopian take on Los Angeles. How was it breathing new life into those designs while making it your own?

Guinaldo: I always have Syd Mead in my head when I start every page. The movie has been my main reference when trying to get its atmosphere, and move it to the comic. And Mead’s designs are so important to try and achieve that. Obviously, I try to add my own vision and to add some personal elements to the pages, but I always come from a position of utmost respect to the original creators.

In developing the look for Ash, what did you want to bring to the character's design in contrast with the Blade Runner world?

Guinaldo: It was a joint effort with Mike and Michael. We wanted that our lead character represented that future world with that rich mix of races and cultures. We wanted to create a character who knew how to move; to be a part of those chaotic streets. That she would be able to blend in so she could do her job in the most efficient way. I believe we’ve been able to give life to a really solid and enticing character.

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With this Artist's Edition, your work in its captivating black & white pencils and inks is fully showcased. What do you think this black & white collection really accentuates? What sequences are especially effective in this format?

Guinaldo: The truth is that I’ve started to play with half and greytones a lot more with this project than I ever did with my former ones. I guess I’ve tried to get closer to the somber, gritty mood of the movie. When a reader peeks at our graphic novel, they are transported to the frames of the 1982 Blade Runner movie. The color has been instrumental to achieve that, of course, but the intention was there since the beginning in the way I decided the inks would remind [readers] of the movie’s atmosphere. I hope I’ve achieved that, and that this Artist’s Edition is as liked as our comic-book series has been. I am truly, really excited to see the fans’ reactions to the Artist’s Edition, honestly.

How was it working with Michael Green and Mike Johnson on this project?

Guinaldo: I think we connected really fast. As an artist, I always try to follow the script as closely as I can to respect the writers’ vision so that the art enhances it in the most accurate way. In the end, they create the story, and then I try to, in a way, make it real, if that makes any sense. They haven’t complained too much. [Laughs] So I hope they’re happy with my work. Everything I add to the art, every small nuance, is always thought out as trying to enhance what the writers have created.

Looking back at this project, especially in this format, what are you most proud of being able to bring to the world of Blade Runner?

Guinaldo: Above all, trying to keep the spirit of the movie alive in my small, personal way. I know it doesn’t need it, of course. It’s a mythical, cult classic masterpiece. But it really suggests such a rich universe. I hope my work is also serving as an honest, sincere homage to the movie. I really believe our comic graphic novel series works when you look at it from all those points of view.

Illustrated by Andres Guinaldo and written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson, Blade Runner 2019: Artist's Edition goes on sale Jan. 26 from Titan Comics, and can be ordered via Amazon, Forbidden Planet (UK & Europe) or via digital download.

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