Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Reveals a New Vision of Cyberpunk Japan - IGN Fan Fest 2025

Titan Comics has breathed new life into the *Blade Runner* universe, expanding its cyberpunk world through compelling spin-offs and prequels. Their latest venture, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, marks a significant milestone—the first *Blade Runner* story set in Japan.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided a unique opportunity to delve into the series with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown, exploring their creative process in bringing the iconic *Blade Runner* aesthetic to a new global setting. The slideshow below showcases exclusive artwork, illustrating the journey from script to stunning visuals.

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

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Tokyo, a city synonymous with cyberpunk in works like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, serves as the backdrop for this unique *Blade Runner* tale. We were eager to learn how the writers envisioned this alternate 2015 Tokyo, and how it differs from the rain-soaked, neon-drenched Los Angeles familiar to fans.

“Developing Tokyo within the *Blade Runner* universe was incredibly enjoyable!” Shore shared with IGN. “Having lived in Japan in 2015 and recently experiencing Tokyo's future-focused exhibits, I aimed to create a Tokyo distinct from Los Angeles, reflecting its unique history, experiences, and socioeconomics. My goal was to craft a 'hopepunk' Tokyo.”

“Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* is a broken, decaying city, with neon masking its underlying decay. Switch off the lights, and the hellscape is revealed,” Brown explained. “Our Tokyo mirrors this; a beautiful utopia where citizens feel constrained. Disobey, and the paradise turns deadly. It's terrifying, just in a different way.”

Intriguingly, both writers consciously avoided direct homage to *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, instead drawing inspiration from other media and contemporary Japanese life.

Shore noted, “While I drew inspiration from classic works, I focused on how Japanese media depicts the future post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster, exploring anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble*.”

Brown added, “I aimed to avoid reiterating anime already inspired by *Blade Runner*, such as *Bubblegum Crisis* or *Psycho-Pass*. Cyberpunk often reflects the writer's vision of the future; Los Angeles' 80s aesthetic and fear of Japan's rise in the original series illustrate this. I wanted to reflect the hopes and anxieties of modern Japanese society and explore potential positive and negative outcomes.”

Set in 2015, preceding the original film, *Tokyo Nexus* occupies a specific point in the *Blade Runner* timeline. We explored the series' connection to the broader franchise, questioning whether fans would find familiar elements or if the Japanese setting creates a wholly new experience.

“*Tokyo Nexus* stands alone in setting, time, and story,” Shore clarified. “However, it wouldn't be *Blade Runner* without the pervasive influence of Tyrell Corporation and a compelling mystery. There are subtle nods and easter eggs referencing the films, but the comic is enjoyable even without prior *Blade Runner* knowledge.”

Brown added, “We're building upon the narrative established in *Blade Runner: Origins* and shortly before *Blade Runner: 2019*. We're addressing significant questions within the universe, such as the Kalanthia War and Tyrell Corporation's replicant monopoly. This all builds towards a large-scale, secret civil war among different Blade Runner organizations vying for dominance. *Tokyo Nexus* unveils the origins of one such organization that will rise to global power during this conflict.”

*Tokyo Nexus* centers around Mead, a human, and Stix, a replicant, a battle-hardened duo relying solely on each other in this harsh environment.

“Mead and Stix are best friends, platonic life partners,” Shore described. “They've endured hardship together, sharing both tears and blood. Their bond centers on mutual protection, sometimes even from themselves. Survival is their goal, but achieving it requires them to trust again.”

“Their relationship is beautifully unhealthy,” Brown chuckled. “We explored the franchise's ‘More Human Than Human’ theme. Stix, a replicant, craves life, while Mead, a jaded human, is pragmatic and calculating. Their interdependence is a codependency that could ultimately break them both.”

The series unfolds with Stix and Mead caught in a conflict between Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire, a Japanese organization challenging Tyrell's replicant market dominance.

“Cheshire aims to compete in replicant manufacturing,” Shore teased. “Their latest model is a military-grade replicant, supposedly stronger and faster, built upon Tyrell's foundation.”

Brown added, “Cheshire's ambitions extend beyond petty crime. Acquiring refugee Tyrell scientists in Tokyo opens up unprecedented possibilities within the universe…”

*Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Vol. 1 - Die in Peace* is available now in comic shops and bookstores. You can also order the book on Amazon.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also previewed IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.