"Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Unveils Cyberpunk Japan's Future at IGN Fan Fest 2025"

The *Blade Runner* franchise has breathed new life through the efforts of Titan Comics, expanding the cyberpunk universe with a variety of spinoffs and prequels. One of their latest ventures, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, marks a historic moment as the first *Blade Runner* story set in Japan. As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the privilege of engaging with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown to delve into the creative process behind this groundbreaking series. Take a look at our exclusive slideshow gallery below, which traces the journey from script to the vibrant artwork that brings the series to life, and continue reading for more insights:

Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Behind-the-Scenes Art Gallery

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Tokyo, a city often associated with iconic cyberpunk narratives such as *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, serves as the backdrop for *Tokyo Nexus*. We were eager to learn how the writers imagined Tokyo within this alternate universe set in 2015, and how it differs from the familiar, rain-drenched, neon-lit Los Angeles of the *Blade Runner* films.

“Brainstorming Tokyo in the *Blade Runner* universe was such a fun process!” Shore shares with IGN. “Having lived in Japan in 2015 and recently visited exhibits on envisioning the future, I wanted to craft a Tokyo that felt distinct from Los Angeles due to their different histories, experiences, and socioeconomics. My aim was to create a 'hopepunk' Tokyo.”

Brown elaborates, “Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* is portrayed as a broken, decaying city on the brink, with neon lights masking its true nature. Our Tokyo, however, is a utopia with a hidden edge. It's a beautiful place where the rules are strict, and stepping out of line can be deadly. It’s equally terrifying, but in a unique way.”

Interestingly, both writers consciously avoided drawing direct inspiration from *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, opting instead to delve into other media and contemporary Japanese life for their vision of Tokyo.

“While I did watch those classics for inspiration, it was crucial for me to understand how Japanese media envisioned the future post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster,” Shore explains. “So, I looked at anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble*.”

Brown adds, “My personal goal was to not iterate on anime already influenced by *Blade Runner*, such as *Bubblegum Crisis* or *Psycho-Pass*. When you write cyberpunk, you reflect on your own environment's future. The original *Blade Runner* captured the '80s fear of Japan's rise as a superpower. I wanted to reflect the hopes and fears of modern Japanese society, exploring what could go right or wrong if dangerous forces had their way.”

Set in 2015, *Tokyo Nexus* takes place a few years before the events of the original *Blade Runner* film. We were curious about the series' connection to the broader franchise and whether it offers familiar elements for fans or presents a completely new experience due to its Japanese setting.

“*Tokyo Nexus* stands alone in its setting, timeline, and story,” Shore says. “However, it wouldn’t be *Blade Runner* without the omnipresent influence of the Tyrell Corporation and a mystery to unravel. There are fun nods and Easter eggs to the films, but the comic is accessible even to those unfamiliar with *Blade Runner*.”

Mellow adds, “We're building on the story arc that started with *Blade Runner: Origins* and leads into *Blade Runner: 2019*. We're exploring complex questions like the Kalanthia War and why Tyrell is the sole Replicant manufacturer. All of this is leading to a massive, secret civil war among different Blade Runner organizations fighting for dominance. *Tokyo Nexus* introduces the origins of one such organization destined to become a global superpower.”

*Tokyo Nexus* stands out with its focus on the partnership between a human named Mead and a Replicant named Stix. Their dynamic forms the emotional core of the series, portraying them as battle-scarred veterans who rely solely on each other in this harsh world.

“Mead and Stix are best friends and platonic life partners,” Shore explains. “They’ve been through hell together, sharing blood and tears. Their primary goal is survival, which requires them to trust again.”

“Their relationship is beautifully unhealthy,” Brown laughs. “We wanted to explore the franchise's theme of 'More Human Than Human.' Stix, with her constant thirst for life, contrasts with Mead, who has been worn down by the system and acts mechanically. They need each other to survive, and their partnership has become a codependency that could break them both.”

As the story progresses, Mead and Stix find themselves entangled in a conflict involving the Tyrell Corporation, the Yakuza, and a Japanese organization called Cheshire. The writers hint that Cheshire plays a significant role in the *Blade Runner* universe, challenging Tyrell’s dominance in the Replicant market.

“Cheshire is trying to break into the Replicant manufacturing business,” Shore teases. “Their latest model is designed for military use, supposedly stronger and faster, built on Tyrell’s foundations.”

Mellow adds, “Cheshire is a crime organization with grand ambitions. When they acquire refugee Tyrell scientists who fled to Tokyo, their potential in this universe becomes limitless…”

*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.

In addition to *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, IGN Fan Fest 2025 offered an early glimpse at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.