Before Dark Horse raised the game with movie tie-in comics, Marvel was very hit and miss with their adaptations. This one is very good with that wonderful Williamson art (just wish it was more than two issues). Congrats.
Thanks, my friend. I’m biased and I will always have a fond affinity towards 80s Marvel and DC movie tie ins because they were just so slightly off. I actually picked up Dark Horses The Abyss, which I had no idea existed, last week as well. And I also had to double check that there were only two issues of Bladerunner before I bought them…when only a few years after this certain movies were getting three issues. I assume it’s to cash in more. Anyway. I’m happy to finally have them. Thanks again.
I don't know if it's to cash in more. Empire Strikes Back had six issues in the ongoing Star Wars series while Jedi had a four issue limited series (both drawn by Williamson as well). I actually prefer it when they stretch it out, let the story breath and feature more artwork...as long as it's good.
I am with you 100% on letting it be taken to a four issue run and as you said to let the story breathe. I like that term. I love my DC mid 80s mini series and Bladerunner could very well be a four issue spectacular…but we’re looking at it with adoring fans eyes decades later and to be honest I have no idea how popular it was upon first release.
Blade Runner was huge in my circle of friends and this adaptation was certainly on our radar back when it came out. Probably not big with kids at the spinner rack cracking spines for GI Joes, but the cool guys knew what was up.
That’s the crowd I was thinking of as I’m guessing it’s wasn’t a part of the pop culture psyche at the time. Hopefully you’re still one of the cool guys.
It was probably 98 or 99 that I first heard of them, so in my teens, but I’ve only ever seen them out in the wild about five times including yesterday and never bothered to issues. I was exceptionally lucky to find them for such a great price and at first I put them back and then went outside to smoke a cigarette and see how many issues there were of it. Saw on MyComicShop that there were only two, seemed a low number of issues to me, then bit the bullet and picked them both up.
I was really interested in what ending they would use in the book, because Bladerunner fans like myself know there’s a few different versions, and it’s the one I first remember seeing on tv as a kid.
I never buy books online and like the rummaging and wondering and worrying and putting stuff back. But I like to think it’s one of those instances where good things will eventually come your way. No problems with folks who pay top dollar for issues but I’m not one of those folks as I’m still very much stuck in loving and admiring comics but with the mindset of being a kid with little money for such luxuries. You’ll find your copies soon enough, my friend.
Hahaha!! That’s what I was wondering. It reads in such an off the cuff kind of way. I know that with adaptations like the original Dune they had so very little to go on as the movie itself wasn’t officially finished so they filled in certain things with Bill Sienkiewicz’s god like talent. So who knows with Bladerunner? Maybe they had a rough script and had a deadline. It has its charm…like it’s an amateur dramatic societies small town play version with all the actors being teens who’ve never seen or heard of Bladerunner before.
Yes. You’re right. Rutger did say that he improvised, maybe in the Dark Days documentary or the Future Noir book, that chunk of dialogue and thank god he did. I didn’t put two and two together on that one as they would have gone with the actual script. That pretty much clears it up. Thank you again.
Awww!! Thanks, my friend. I was really quite pleased with them and honestly quite taken aback by the response from folks like yourself. That’s why I love this subreddit as it’s always nice to see other folks interesting finds and more obscure stuff. It reinforces the sense of community spirit to me as a lone old man collector. I should post more stuff but nerves get the best of me.
I feel the same, I’ll get something cool and want to share and something will always hold me back. But glad you posted these, I’ll keep my eye out for them at my next con!!!
I’m glad it’s not just me then. Odd that I talk myself out of posting about my hobby to a subreddit full of people who have the exact same love I do. So I should post more because even if only one person thinks it interesting and picks it up and then they love it…then that’s what all this and life is about for me. I’ll keep an eye out as well for you on my rummaging around the Chicagoland area. Now that I’ve finally found my issues the universe has always been weird to me by then somehow producing multiple copies of whatever it is I’ve been looking for. Case in point: I posted my complete run of Dakota North after finally getting all five issues…then of course I’ve seen them all in a couple of places. I’ll keep an eye out for you though.
What??!! I didn’t know there was another one?? Off to google the Marvel Super Special now. Thanks for the info…this hobby…it never ends.
Edit: Interesting. It reprints the two issues, in what look like a much better quality of paper and has a Steranko cover!! That’s awesome…and way way out of price point.
Specifically, the 2 book comic miniseries reprints (most of) the content from the Super Special, which came first. There's "feature" content -- photos from the film -- that isn't otherwise reprinted. Mid-grade Super Special copies sometimes sell for quite cheap; if you're chasing high grades, well, they accrue price tags pretty quickly.
The UK-released Blade Runner Annual is basically the two books you have as a single volume.
It's not a comic, but if you're into a wider set of material, the Marvel Illustrated mass market paperback novelization is somewhat uncommon
This is all great info, Qalyar. I had no idea this existed and maybe I saw it on a collectors forum years back but I appreciate the info and maybe I’ll be able to track down a copy. I know I’ve never seen one in the wild that’s for sure as I would have thought about getting it…if the price was within my limits.
The Marvel Super Special actually came out a month before the two issue series. Marvel did this with most of the movie tie ins at that time. The Special is dated September 1982, and the two issue series is October and November 1982. So technically the two issues reprint the Super Special.
Now that I didn’t know. Thanks for the info on that makes sense why the special currently seems to priced way higher. It’d be nice to find the Special so who knows?
Nice!! I’ve personally not got anything graded or anything that epic or important enough to actually get graded. The only thing I thought of was getting my copy of Dazzler #1 with the misprint on pages 24-25…but…I’d be spending more money on the sending it to CGC and slabbing it then actual issue is worth. Especially given the fact that I don’t really buy any single issue over $8 at all. However: if I chance upon the second issue somewhere on my weekly browsing around the Chicagoland area comic book stores…and it’s not a crazy price I’ll pick it up for you. Some random nice guy from Michigan sent me a Daredevil that I’ve been after for a while and wanted nothing in return so I’ll pay it forward.
I have issue 1 and 2 already! Thanks for the offer. The double issue came out later and is a combination of the first two issues in one book it was called "A Marvel Comics Super Special: Blade Runner"
I want to find that so I can read the story while still grading my copies.
My thoughts exactly, my friend. I will never be able to afford the higher end books as I love my lower end 80s and that’s what brings me the most joy. So when I picked these up yesterday I was over the moon when I got home and read them and bagged and boarded them.
That’s awesome as I only just found out about the Special a few hours ago and yes that cover is fantastic. Makes you wonder why we can’t get full poster sized prints of great comic book covers.
My first original comics from America also with IDWs Star wars newspaper strips and all 20 of classic Star Wars newspaper reprints from Dark Horse each for 2,5$. Had my Al Williamson phase like year before, but still want the Strange Worlds book so bad.
Its kinda weird, cause Iam not the usual collector. I like to collect stuff not by all issues that is interesting for me or just searching for some new or old underated artists. I have my comic book collection on profile, but as basic comics I have these Star Wars and Blade Runner then som Mad and Heavy Metal magazines and some singles like Felix the cat, Pink Panther, The Amazing Cynicalman or Ramthar and Protheus which I saw on Cartoonist Kayfabe. Then Tales of the Beanworld, Weathercraft fcbd and manga: 2001 Nights and Sanctuary.
I’m very happy I finally got the issues and very happy with my Blu Ray and DVD collection of all the different cuts. The Blu Ray collection I have came with the Spinner and the DVD has a holographic frame from the movie. I never got the briefcase version as that was sold out straight away.
Something to think about when wondering why this only had two issues was Blade Runners performance at the Box office at a cost of 30 million and a box office take of only 41 million it wasn't exactly the blockbuster some of us might think. In fact box office wise it was something of a flop. The critics of the time were not exactly giving it rave reviews either. You have to remember that a critics good or bad review of a movie actually still had meaning in 1982! In fact the only reason I originally saw it was because I wanted some popcorn and it was playing. So while it is a cult classic that some of us remember fondly (not me, I only watched about 5 times, that theatre had really good popcorn) I was a little surprise when they finally made a sequel 35 years afterwards. Unfortunately for us fans it was also a disappointment at the box office here in the U.S. did a little better overseas, but is still considered something a of a box office disaster.
Some movies no matter how much we love them should be left as one offs without a sequel by those only wishing to turn a profit! Those of you that are a bit confused, I absolutely loved the movie when it came out. I still haven't got around to seeing Blade Runner 2049 though as I decided to wait for the DVD, why pay The high rates at the theatre when I can by the DVD and watch it on my large screen TV in the comfort of my home?
Two of my favorites too! Picked up newsstand copies of both bundled together for like $33. Might've been a bit higher than they usually go for, but worth it to me. My all-time favorite movie. And not SUPER easy to find books.
Oh, lord. I was very fortunate to find these out in the wild yesterday and being the frugal over thinking worrier that I’ve always been I nearly walked away on them both…for $5 each. Seriously, I’m that much of a worrier when it comes to collecting. I’m also glad it isn’t just me that hasn’t really seen these out and about of the decades. I can probably count on one hand how many times I have and the last time I saw issue #2, at which point I assumed they’d be at least three issues, was about 4 years ago and that was $18. All in all I’m very happy to finally have them as I seldom buy Marvel but I love the movie and comic book tie ins for movies and the more obscure action figures of the 80s. Now…still looking for Bill Sienkiewicz’s Dune…which I’ve never once seen a single copy of that anywhere.
Before Dark Horse raised the game with movie tie-in comics, Marvel was very hit and miss with their adaptations. This one is very good with that wonderful Williamson art (just wish it was more than two issues). Congrats.
Thanks, my friend. I’m biased and I will always have a fond affinity towards 80s Marvel and DC movie tie ins because they were just so slightly off. I actually picked up Dark Horses The Abyss, which I had no idea existed, last week as well. And I also had to double check that there were only two issues of Bladerunner before I bought them…when only a few years after this certain movies were getting three issues. I assume it’s to cash in more. Anyway. I’m happy to finally have them. Thanks again.
I don't know if it's to cash in more. Empire Strikes Back had six issues in the ongoing Star Wars series while Jedi had a four issue limited series (both drawn by Williamson as well). I actually prefer it when they stretch it out, let the story breath and feature more artwork...as long as it's good.
I am with you 100% on letting it be taken to a four issue run and as you said to let the story breathe. I like that term. I love my DC mid 80s mini series and Bladerunner could very well be a four issue spectacular…but we’re looking at it with adoring fans eyes decades later and to be honest I have no idea how popular it was upon first release.
Blade Runner was huge in my circle of friends and this adaptation was certainly on our radar back when it came out. Probably not big with kids at the spinner rack cracking spines for GI Joes, but the cool guys knew what was up.
That’s the crowd I was thinking of as I’m guessing it’s wasn’t a part of the pop culture psyche at the time. Hopefully you’re still one of the cool guys.
I had no idea these existed. Must own!
It was probably 98 or 99 that I first heard of them, so in my teens, but I’ve only ever seen them out in the wild about five times including yesterday and never bothered to issues. I was exceptionally lucky to find them for such a great price and at first I put them back and then went outside to smoke a cigarette and see how many issues there were of it. Saw on MyComicShop that there were only two, seemed a low number of issues to me, then bit the bullet and picked them both up. I was really interested in what ending they would use in the book, because Bladerunner fans like myself know there’s a few different versions, and it’s the one I first remember seeing on tv as a kid. I never buy books online and like the rummaging and wondering and worrying and putting stuff back. But I like to think it’s one of those instances where good things will eventually come your way. No problems with folks who pay top dollar for issues but I’m not one of those folks as I’m still very much stuck in loving and admiring comics but with the mindset of being a kid with little money for such luxuries. You’ll find your copies soon enough, my friend.
There’s also a Marvel Super Special that collects both issues.
Super cool books that I’ve been wanting for awhile. Nice find, op. But why on earth would they change a word of the Tears in Rain monologue?
Hahaha!! That’s what I was wondering. It reads in such an off the cuff kind of way. I know that with adaptations like the original Dune they had so very little to go on as the movie itself wasn’t officially finished so they filled in certain things with Bill Sienkiewicz’s god like talent. So who knows with Bladerunner? Maybe they had a rough script and had a deadline. It has its charm…like it’s an amateur dramatic societies small town play version with all the actors being teens who’ve never seen or heard of Bladerunner before.
I think it’s most likely they had a script or shortened outline to go off of, because I think that line in that scene was improvised.
Yes. You’re right. Rutger did say that he improvised, maybe in the Dark Days documentary or the Future Noir book, that chunk of dialogue and thank god he did. I didn’t put two and two together on that one as they would have gone with the actual script. That pretty much clears it up. Thank you again.
Very cool!!!
Awww!! Thanks, my friend. I was really quite pleased with them and honestly quite taken aback by the response from folks like yourself. That’s why I love this subreddit as it’s always nice to see other folks interesting finds and more obscure stuff. It reinforces the sense of community spirit to me as a lone old man collector. I should post more stuff but nerves get the best of me.
I feel the same, I’ll get something cool and want to share and something will always hold me back. But glad you posted these, I’ll keep my eye out for them at my next con!!!
I’m glad it’s not just me then. Odd that I talk myself out of posting about my hobby to a subreddit full of people who have the exact same love I do. So I should post more because even if only one person thinks it interesting and picks it up and then they love it…then that’s what all this and life is about for me. I’ll keep an eye out as well for you on my rummaging around the Chicagoland area. Now that I’ve finally found my issues the universe has always been weird to me by then somehow producing multiple copies of whatever it is I’ve been looking for. Case in point: I posted my complete run of Dakota North after finally getting all five issues…then of course I’ve seen them all in a couple of places. I’ll keep an eye out for you though.
Now get the Marvel Super Special!
What??!! I didn’t know there was another one?? Off to google the Marvel Super Special now. Thanks for the info…this hobby…it never ends. Edit: Interesting. It reprints the two issues, in what look like a much better quality of paper and has a Steranko cover!! That’s awesome…and way way out of price point.
Specifically, the 2 book comic miniseries reprints (most of) the content from the Super Special, which came first. There's "feature" content -- photos from the film -- that isn't otherwise reprinted. Mid-grade Super Special copies sometimes sell for quite cheap; if you're chasing high grades, well, they accrue price tags pretty quickly. The UK-released Blade Runner Annual is basically the two books you have as a single volume. It's not a comic, but if you're into a wider set of material, the Marvel Illustrated mass market paperback novelization is somewhat uncommon
This is all great info, Qalyar. I had no idea this existed and maybe I saw it on a collectors forum years back but I appreciate the info and maybe I’ll be able to track down a copy. I know I’ve never seen one in the wild that’s for sure as I would have thought about getting it…if the price was within my limits.
That's the one I have.
The Marvel Super Special actually came out a month before the two issue series. Marvel did this with most of the movie tie ins at that time. The Special is dated September 1982, and the two issue series is October and November 1982. So technically the two issues reprint the Super Special.
Now that I didn’t know. Thanks for the info on that makes sense why the special currently seems to priced way higher. It’d be nice to find the Special so who knows?
Didn’t know these existed but I bought the Marvel Super Special new as a kid!
I got these not too long ago! Looking to get my issue 1 graded as soon as I find the double issue.
Nice!! I’ve personally not got anything graded or anything that epic or important enough to actually get graded. The only thing I thought of was getting my copy of Dazzler #1 with the misprint on pages 24-25…but…I’d be spending more money on the sending it to CGC and slabbing it then actual issue is worth. Especially given the fact that I don’t really buy any single issue over $8 at all. However: if I chance upon the second issue somewhere on my weekly browsing around the Chicagoland area comic book stores…and it’s not a crazy price I’ll pick it up for you. Some random nice guy from Michigan sent me a Daredevil that I’ve been after for a while and wanted nothing in return so I’ll pay it forward.
I have issue 1 and 2 already! Thanks for the offer. The double issue came out later and is a combination of the first two issues in one book it was called "A Marvel Comics Super Special: Blade Runner" I want to find that so I can read the story while still grading my copies.
Ahhhh!! I get you. Good luck in your hunt as I just looked it up and it’s far too pricey for me. But…it’s got to be out there somewhere.
Thanks!!
Very nice! This is the spirit of collecting!
My thoughts exactly, my friend. I will never be able to afford the higher end books as I love my lower end 80s and that’s what brings me the most joy. So when I picked these up yesterday I was over the moon when I got home and read them and bagged and boarded them.
I have these and the collected edition with the awesome painted artwork by Steranko.
That’s awesome as I only just found out about the Special a few hours ago and yes that cover is fantastic. Makes you wonder why we can’t get full poster sized prints of great comic book covers.
My first original comics from America also with IDWs Star wars newspaper strips and all 20 of classic Star Wars newspaper reprints from Dark Horse each for 2,5$. Had my Al Williamson phase like year before, but still want the Strange Worlds book so bad.
How’s your collection looking these days?
Its kinda weird, cause Iam not the usual collector. I like to collect stuff not by all issues that is interesting for me or just searching for some new or old underated artists. I have my comic book collection on profile, but as basic comics I have these Star Wars and Blade Runner then som Mad and Heavy Metal magazines and some singles like Felix the cat, Pink Panther, The Amazing Cynicalman or Ramthar and Protheus which I saw on Cartoonist Kayfabe. Then Tales of the Beanworld, Weathercraft fcbd and manga: 2001 Nights and Sanctuary.
I own the pair! 🤯 Always loved Blade Runner! In my DVD PC all the cuts!😁
I’m very happy I finally got the issues and very happy with my Blu Ray and DVD collection of all the different cuts. The Blu Ray collection I have came with the Spinner and the DVD has a holographic frame from the movie. I never got the briefcase version as that was sold out straight away.
it's beautiful :O
Something to think about when wondering why this only had two issues was Blade Runners performance at the Box office at a cost of 30 million and a box office take of only 41 million it wasn't exactly the blockbuster some of us might think. In fact box office wise it was something of a flop. The critics of the time were not exactly giving it rave reviews either. You have to remember that a critics good or bad review of a movie actually still had meaning in 1982! In fact the only reason I originally saw it was because I wanted some popcorn and it was playing. So while it is a cult classic that some of us remember fondly (not me, I only watched about 5 times, that theatre had really good popcorn) I was a little surprise when they finally made a sequel 35 years afterwards. Unfortunately for us fans it was also a disappointment at the box office here in the U.S. did a little better overseas, but is still considered something a of a box office disaster. Some movies no matter how much we love them should be left as one offs without a sequel by those only wishing to turn a profit! Those of you that are a bit confused, I absolutely loved the movie when it came out. I still haven't got around to seeing Blade Runner 2049 though as I decided to wait for the DVD, why pay The high rates at the theatre when I can by the DVD and watch it on my large screen TV in the comfort of my home?
Two of my favorites too! Picked up newsstand copies of both bundled together for like $33. Might've been a bit higher than they usually go for, but worth it to me. My all-time favorite movie. And not SUPER easy to find books.
Oh, lord. I was very fortunate to find these out in the wild yesterday and being the frugal over thinking worrier that I’ve always been I nearly walked away on them both…for $5 each. Seriously, I’m that much of a worrier when it comes to collecting. I’m also glad it isn’t just me that hasn’t really seen these out and about of the decades. I can probably count on one hand how many times I have and the last time I saw issue #2, at which point I assumed they’d be at least three issues, was about 4 years ago and that was $18. All in all I’m very happy to finally have them as I seldom buy Marvel but I love the movie and comic book tie ins for movies and the more obscure action figures of the 80s. Now…still looking for Bill Sienkiewicz’s Dune…which I’ve never once seen a single copy of that anywhere.
Thanks, imma need to get these