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

The Blade Runner franchise has truly found new life in the world of comics, with Titan Comics expanding the cyberpunk universe through various spinoffs and prequels. Their latest offering, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, marks a historic first for the franchise by setting a story in Japan, a fitting choice given Tokyo's prominence in seminal cyberpunk narratives like Akira and Ghost in the Shell.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the privilege of speaking with the series' writers, Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown, to delve into how they crafted this unique addition to the Blade Runner saga. Dive into the slideshow gallery below to explore exclusive artwork that showcases the journey from script to stunning visuals, and continue reading to uncover more insights into the creative process:

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

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Tokyo, despite its iconic status in cyberpunk lore, had never been explored within the Blade Runner universe until now. We were eager to learn how Shore and Brown envisioned this alternate 2015 Tokyo, and how it would differ from the familiar, neon-drenched, rain-soaked Los Angeles of the original films.

“Brainstorming Tokyo in the Blade Runner universe was incredibly exciting!” Shore shares with IGN. “Having lived in Japan during 2015, and recently visiting exhibits on envisioning the future, I aimed to craft a Tokyo that feels distinct from Los Angeles. Their histories and socioeconomics are vastly different, so I envisioned a hopepunk version of Tokyo.”

“Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* feels broken and on the brink, with neon masking its decay,” Brown explains. “In contrast, our Tokyo presents as a utopia, but with a tight leash. Disobey its laws, and it can turn into a nightmare just as terrifying as Los Angeles, though in a different way.”

Interestingly, both writers consciously avoided drawing direct inspiration from Akira and Ghost in the Shell, choosing instead to look at other media and contemporary Japanese life.

“While I drew inspiration from classics, I wanted to understand how Japanese media depicts the future post the 3.11 Tohoku Disaster,” says Shore. “Anime like Your Name, Japan Sinks 2020, and Bubble influenced my vision.”

“I aimed not to iterate on anime already inspired by Blade Runner, such as Bubblegum Crisis or Psycho-Pass,” Brown adds. “When writing cyberpunk, you reflect on your environment's future. My focus was on capturing Japan's current societal fears and hopes, and what might happen if dangerous elements had their way.”

Set in 2015, *Tokyo Nexus* precedes the events of the original film. We were curious about its connection to the broader Blade Runner universe and whether it offered familiar touchpoints for fans.

“*Tokyo Nexus* stands alone in setting, time, and story,” Shore clarifies. “However, it wouldn't be Blade Runner without the Tyrell Corporation's influence or a mystery at its core. We've included nods and easter eggs for fans, but newcomers can enjoy the series without prior knowledge.”

“We're building upon the stories started in *Blade Runner: Origins* and *Blade Runner: 2019*,” Mellow adds. “We're tackling complex questions like the Kalanthia War and Tyrell's monopoly on Replicants. This series lays the groundwork for a looming civil war among Blade Runners, with *Tokyo Nexus* introducing one of the key organizations destined for global influence.”

*Tokyo Nexus* uniquely centers on the partnership between human Mead and Replicant Stix, portraying them as battle-scarred veterans deeply reliant on each other in a harsh world.

“Mead and Stix are best friends and platonic life-partners,” Shore explains. “They've endured unimaginable trials together, and their primary goal is survival, which requires them to trust each other deeply.”

“Their relationship is beautifully unhealthy,” Brown adds with a laugh. “We play with the franchise's theme of ‘More Human Than Human.’ Stix, with her thirst for life, contrasts with Mead, who's been worn down by the system and thinks mechanically. Their codependency is both their strength and potential downfall.”

As the narrative progresses, Mead and Stix become entangled in a conflict involving the Tyrell Corporation, the Yakuza, and a new player, Cheshire. The writers hint at Cheshire's significant role in the Blade Runner universe, as they attempt to break Tyrell's Replicant market dominance.

“Cheshire is venturing into Replicant manufacturing,” Shore teases. “Their latest model is a military-grade Replicant, built to surpass Tyrell's designs.”

“Cheshire is more than just a crime organization,” Mellow elaborates. “With the acquisition of refugee Tyrell scientists in Tokyo, they unlock unprecedented potential, setting their sights on the stars.”

*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.

As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also provided an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.