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 captivating spin-offs and prequels. Their latest offering, *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, uncovering their creative process in bringing the iconic *Blade Runner* aesthetic to this new global setting. Explore the slideshow below for exclusive artwork showcasing the series' journey from script to stunning visuals.

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

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The choice of Tokyo, a city synonymous with cyberpunk in works like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, was intriguing. We asked the writers how they envisioned this alternate 2015 Tokyo, and how it differed from the rain-slicked, neon-drenched Los Angeles familiar to *Blade Runner* fans.

“Brainstorming Tokyo within the *Blade Runner* universe was incredibly fun!” Shore shared with IGN. “Having lived in Japan in 2015, and recently visiting future-focused exhibits in Tokyo, I aimed for a distinct feel from Los Angeles. Their histories and socioeconomics are vastly different. My goal was to create a hopepunk Tokyo.”

Brown added, “Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* is broken, decrepit, and fracturing, with neon masking its decay. Our Tokyo is a parallel: a beautiful utopia where people feel constrained. Disobey, and the ‘paradise’ consumes you. It’s just as terrifying, but in a different way.”

Intriguingly, both writers consciously avoided direct homage to *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, drawing inspiration from other media and contemporary Japanese life. Shore cited anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble* as influences, reflecting on how Japanese media portrays the future post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster. Brown aimed to avoid reiterating existing anime inspired by *Blade Runner*, instead focusing on current Japanese societal hopes and fears to shape their dystopian vision.

Set in 2015, preceding the original film, *Tokyo Nexus* sits within the broader *Blade Runner* timeline. We explored its connection to the franchise: would fans find familiar elements, or is it a wholly new experience?

“*Tokyo Nexus* is standalone in setting, time, and story,” Shore explained. “However, the omnipresent Tyrell Corporation and a compelling mystery remain. There are fun nods and easter eggs for fans, but the story is also accessible to newcomers.”

Brown added, “We're building on the story from *Blade Runner: Origins* and *Blade Runner: 2019*, exploring questions like the Kalanthia War and Tyrell Corporation's Replicant monopoly. This all leads to a massive, secret civil war between Blade Runner organizations vying for dominance. *Tokyo Nexus* reveals the origins of one of these organizations.”

*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 described. “They’ve been through hell, sharing pain and tears. Their goal is survival, requiring them to trust again.”

Brown added, “It’s beautiful in its unhealthy nature. We played with the ‘more human than human’ theme. Stix, a Replicant craving life, and Mead, a human worn down by systems, are codependent—a bond that could break them.”

The series features a conflict involving Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire—a company challenging Tyrell's Replicant market dominance. Cheshire's military-grade Replicants, built upon Tyrell's designs, are a key element.

Shore teased, “Cheshire is vying for the Replicant manufacturing market. Their newest Replicant is a military model, supposedly stronger and faster.”

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

*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.

Also featured at IGN Fan Fest 2025: an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.