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

The *Blade Runner* franchise has experienced a vibrant revival through Titan Comics, expanding the cyberpunk universe with spinoffs and prequels. One of the latest additions, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, marks a significant milestone as the first story set in Japan. As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the privilege of speaking with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown to explore the creation of this new series and their approach to adapting the *Blade Runner* aesthetic to a Japanese setting. Dive into the slideshow gallery below to view exclusive artwork that traces the journey from script to stunning visuals, and continue reading to delve deeper into their creative process.

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

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Tokyo has long been a backdrop for iconic cyberpunk narratives like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, yet *Blade Runner* had never ventured there until now. We asked the writers about their vision for Tokyo in this alternate universe set in 2015, and how it contrasts with the familiar neon-drenched, rain-soaked Los Angeles.

“Brainstorming Tokyo in the *Blade Runner* universe was such a fun process!” Shore enthused to IGN. “Having lived in Japan in 2015 and recently visited exhibits on envisioning the future, I wanted Tokyo to feel distinct from Los Angeles. Their histories, experiences, and socioeconomics are different, so my aim was to create a hopepunk version of Tokyo.”

“In *Blade Runner*, Los Angeles is a broken, fracturing place masked by neon. Turn off the lights, and it's a hellscape,” Brown explained. “Our Tokyo is a beautiful utopia where people feel controlled. Disobey, and this 'paradise' can be lethal. It's just as terrifying, but in a different way.”

Interestingly, both writers chose not to directly homage *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, instead drawing inspiration from other media and contemporary Japanese life to craft their version of Tokyo.

Shore shared, “While I watched classics for inspiration, I focused on how Japanese media depicted the future post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster, looking at anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble*.”

Brown added, “I aimed not to iterate on anime already influenced by *Blade Runner*, like *Bubblegum Crisis* or *Psycho-Pass*. Cyberpunk often reflects one's vision of their environment's future. I wanted to capture Japan's current societal fears and hopes, and what could go awry or right if dangerous individuals took control.”

Set in 2015, *Tokyo Nexus* precedes the original *Blade Runner* film. We were curious about its connections to the broader franchise and whether fans would find familiar elements or encounter a completely new experience due to the Japanese setting.

“*Tokyo Nexus* stands alone in setting, time, and story,” Shore noted. “It wouldn’t be *Blade Runner* without the Tyrell Corporation’s influence or a mystery to solve. There are nods and easter eggs to the films, but it's accessible to newcomers too.”

Brown continued, “We're building on the narrative from *Blade Runner: Origins* and leading into *Blade Runner: 2019*. We're answering big questions like ‘What was the Kalanthia War?’ and ‘Why is Tyrell the only Replicant manufacturer?’ These elements are leading to a secret civil war among Blade Runners, and *Tokyo Nexus* introduces the origins of a key organization in that conflict.”

*Tokyo Nexus* centers on the partnership between human Mead and Replicant Stix, exploring their deep, battle-scarred bond in this dystopian world.

“Mead and Stix are best friends and platonic life-partners,” Shore explained. “They’ve been through hell together, and their primary goal is survival, which requires trust.”

“It's a beautiful, unhealthy dynamic,” Brown laughed. “We play with the franchise's ‘More Human Than Human’ theme. Stix craves life, while Mead, ground down by systems, is mechanical in her thinking. They need each other to survive, forming a codependent relationship that could break them.”

As the narrative unfolds, Stix and Mead become embroiled in a conflict involving Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and a Japanese group called Cheshire, which is attempting to break Tyrell's monopoly on the Replicant market.

“Cheshire aims to compete in Replicant manufacturing,” Shore teased. “Their latest model is a military one, designed for war, built on Tyrell's innovations.”

Brown added, “Cheshire is a crime organization with grand ambitions. When they acquire refugee Tyrell scientists in Tokyo, their potential expands dramatically.”

*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 offered an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.