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 series, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, marks a significant milestone—the first *Blade Runner* story set in Japan.

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, we spoke with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown about this exciting new series, exploring how they translated the iconic *Blade Runner* aesthetic to a new global setting. See exclusive artwork showcasing the series' journey from script to stunning visuals in the gallery below, then read on to learn more:

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

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Given Tokyo's prominent role in seminal cyberpunk works like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, we were eager to learn how the writers envisioned this alternate-universe 2015. How does it compare to the rain-slicked, neon-drenched Los Angeles familiar to *Blade Runner* fans?

“Brainstorming Tokyo within the *Blade Runner* universe was incredibly fun!” Shore shared. “Having lived in Japan (coincidentally in 2015) and recently visited relevant Tokyo exhibits on envisioning the future, I aimed for a distinct feel from Los Angeles. Their histories and socioeconomics differ greatly. My goal was to create a 'hopepunk' Tokyo.”

“Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* is broken, decaying, and fractured, with neon masking its underlying hellscape,” Brown explained. “Our Tokyo is a parallel: a beautiful utopia where people feel constrained. Disobey, and the paradise consumes you. It's equally terrifying, just differently so.”

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

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

Brown added, “I aimed to avoid iterating on anime already inspired by *Blade Runner*, like *Bubblegum Crisis* or *Psycho-Pass*. Cyberpunk often reflects one's vision of the future. I wanted to reflect the hopes and fears of modern Japanese society and explore potential positive and negative outcomes.”

Set in 2015, preceding the original film, *Tokyo Nexus* sits within the larger *Blade Runner* timeline. We explored its connection to the franchise: Are there familiar elements for fans, or is this a wholly new experience?

“*Tokyo Nexus* is standalone in setting, time, and story,” Shore clarified. “Naturally, it wouldn't be *Blade Runner* without Tyrell Corporation's influence and a mystery to solve. There are fun nods and easter eggs, but it's also enjoyable for those unfamiliar with the films.”

Brown added, “We're building upon the story from *Blade Runner: Origins* and shortly before *Blade Runner: 2019*. We're addressing key questions like the Kalanthia War and Tyrell's Replicant monopoly. This all builds towards a massive, secret civil war between Blade Runner organizations vying for dominance. *Tokyo Nexus* reveals the origins of one such organization.”

*Tokyo Nexus* centers on Mead, a human, and Stix, a Replicant, a battle-scarred duo relying solely on each other. Their dynamic forms the series' core.

“Mead and Stix are best friends and platonic life partners,” Shore explained. “They've been through hell, bled and wept together. They protect each other, sometimes from themselves. Survival is their goal, requiring them to trust again.”

“It’s beautifully unhealthy,” Brown laughed. “We played with the franchise's 'More Human Than Human' theme. Stix, a Replicant, thirsts for life, while Mead, a worn-down human, is mechanical and pragmatic. They need each other, their survival creating a codependency that could break them.”

The series features a conflict involving Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire, a Japanese company challenging Tyrell's Replicant market dominance.

“Cheshire competes in Replicant manufacturing,” Shore teased. “Their latest model is a military Replicant, supposedly stronger and faster, built on Tyrell's foundations.”

Brown added, “Cheshire's ambitions extend beyond petty crime. Acquiring escaped Tyrell scientists in Tokyo unlocks incredible potential…”

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

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