Titan Comics has breathed new life into the *Blade Runner* universe, expanding its cyberpunk world through compelling 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. The slideshow below showcases exclusive artwork, tracing 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 as a setting is intriguing, considering its prominent role in other seminal cyberpunk works like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*. We were eager to learn how the writers envisioned this alternate 2015 Tokyo, and how it differs from the rain-slicked, neon-drenched Los Angeles of the original films.

"Brainstorming Tokyo within the *Blade Runner* universe was incredibly fun!" Shore shared with IGN. "Having lived in Japan (coincidentally in 2015) and recently visited relevant exhibits in Tokyo, 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."

"I appreciate how Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* is broken and decaying, with neon masking its underlying hellscape," Brown explained. "Our Tokyo parallels this. It's a beautiful utopia, but one where people feel constrained. Disobey, and the 'paradise' will consume you. It's equally terrifying, just in a different way."

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, it was crucial to understand how Japanese media portrays the future after the 3.11 Tohoku Disaster. I watched anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble*."

"I personally aimed to avoid reiterating anime already inspired by *Blade Runner*, like *Bubblegum Crisis* or *Psycho-Pass*," Brown added. "Cyberpunk often reflects anxieties about the future. I wanted to reflect the hopes and fears of modern Japanese society, and explore potential positive or negative outcomes based on the actions of powerful individuals."

Set in 2015, a few years before the original film, *Tokyo Nexus* occupies a specific point within the *Blade Runner* timeline. We explored the series' connection to the broader franchise. Would fans find familiar elements, or is this a wholly new experience?

"*Tokyo Nexus* is standalone in setting, time, and story," Shore confirmed. "Of course, it wouldn't be *Blade Runner* without the Tyrell Corporation's influence and a compelling mystery. There are nods and easter eggs for fans, but newcomers can easily enjoy it too."

Brown added, "We're building upon the narrative established in *Blade Runner: Origins* and *Blade Runner: 2019*. We're addressing key questions like the Kalanthia War and Tyrell Corporation's replicant monopoly. This all contributes to a larger, secret civil war among different Blade Runner organizations, with *Tokyo Nexus* revealing the origins of one such organization destined for global dominance."

*Tokyo Nexus* centers on the partnership between Mead, a human, and Stix, a replicant. Their bond forms the heart of the series, portraying them as battle-hardened veterans relying solely on each other in a harsh world.

"Mead and Stix are best friends and platonic life partners," Shore explained. "They've been through immense hardship, sharing pain and tears. They only want to protect each other, sometimes from themselves. Their goal is survival, requiring them to trust again."

"It's beautiful in its dysfunction," Brown laughed. "We explored the 'more human than human' theme. Stix, a replicant, craves life, while Mead, a human, is hardened and pragmatic. They need each other to survive, their partnership bordering on codependency that could ultimately break them both."

The series unfolds as Stix and Mead become embroiled in a conflict involving Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire, a Japanese corporation challenging Tyrell's replicant market dominance.

"Cheshire is vying for a share of the replicant manufacturing market," Shore teased. "Their latest model is a military-grade replicant, supposedly stronger and faster, built upon Tyrell's designs."

Brown added, "Cheshire's ambitions extend beyond petty crime. Acquiring escaped Tyrell scientists in Tokyo unlocks incredible potential within this 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.

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.