The Blade Runner franchise has truly flourished in the realm of comics, with Titan Comics expanding its cyberpunk universe through various spinoffs and prequels. Among these, Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus stands out as the first series set in Japan, bringing the iconic aesthetic to new territory. As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the privilege of speaking with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown to delve into how they've crafted this unique addition to the franchise. Below, you can explore an exclusive slideshow gallery showcasing the journey from script to stunning artwork, and then continue reading for more insights:
Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Behind-the-Scenes Art Gallery
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Setting the story in Tokyo, a city iconic in cyberpunk narratives like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, presented a unique challenge. The writers aimed to differentiate Tokyo's portrayal from the well-known, neon-drenched, rain-soaked Los Angeles of the original Blade Runner.
"Brainstorming Tokyo in the Blade Runner universe was an exhilarating process!" Shore exclaimed to IGN. "Having lived in Japan in 2015 and recently visiting exhibits on envisioning the future, I wanted Tokyo to have a distinct feel from Los Angeles, reflecting different histories and socioeconomics. My aim was to create a 'hopepunk' Tokyo."
Brown added, "Los Angeles in Blade Runner is depicted as broken and on the brink, with neon masking its decay. In contrast, our Tokyo is a beautiful utopia where people feel restrained. Step out of line, and the 'paradise' can be terrifying. It's just as intense, but in a different way."
Rather than drawing directly from Akira and Ghost in the Shell, both writers sought inspiration elsewhere. Shore mentioned, "I looked into how Japanese media portrays the future post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster, watching anime like Your Name, Japan Sinks 2020, and Bubble."
Brown echoed, "I intentionally avoided reiterating anime influenced by Blade Runner, such as Bubblegum Crisis or Psycho-Pass. When crafting cyberpunk, you're often reflecting on your current environment's future trajectory. I wanted to capture Japan's contemporary societal fears and hopes."
Set in 2015, a few years before the events of the original film, Tokyo Nexus stands as a standalone story within the broader Blade Runner timeline. Shore explained, "It's a unique setting, time, and narrative, yet retains the essence of Blade Runner with the influence of Tyrell Corporation and mysteries to unravel. There are nods to the films, but it's enjoyable even without prior knowledge."
Brown added, "We're building on the narrative from Blade Runner: Origins and just before Blade Runner: 2019. We're exploring deeper questions like the Kalanthia War and Tyrell's monopoly on Replicants. Tokyo Nexus lays the groundwork for a looming civil war among various Blade Runner organizations."
Central to Tokyo Nexus is the partnership between human Mead and Replicant Stix, two battle-weary veterans relying solely on each other in a harsh world. Shore described them as, "Best friends and platonic life-partners who've been through unimaginable trials together. Their survival depends on their ability to trust again."
Brown added a nuanced perspective, "Their relationship is beautifully unhealthy. We play with the franchise's theme 'More Human Than Human.' Stix's thirst for life contrasts with Mead's mechanical, survival-driven mindset. They need each other to navigate life, forming a codependent bond that could be their undoing."
As the narrative progresses, Mead and Stix find themselves entangled in a conflict involving Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and a new player, Cheshire. Shore teased, "Cheshire aims to challenge Tyrell's Replicant monopoly with a new military model, supposedly superior in strength and speed."
Brown elaborated, "Cheshire isn't just another crime outfit; they're ambitious. When they secure refugee Tyrell Scientists in Tokyo, their potential skyrockets."
Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Vol. 1 - Die in Peace is now available in comic shops and bookstores. You can also order the book on Amazon.
Also as part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we got an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peak of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.
