The *Blade Runner* universe has expanded significantly thanks to Titan Comics, offering fans a wealth of new stories through spin-offs and prequels. Their latest venture, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus*, marks a significant milestone: the first *Blade Runner* narrative set in Japan.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided a unique opportunity to delve deeper into *Tokyo Nexus* with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown. The following slideshow showcases exclusive artwork, illustrating the series' journey from script to stunning visuals:
Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Behind-the-Scenes Art Gallery
6 Images
Given Tokyo's prominent role in cyberpunk classics like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, we were eager to learn how the writers envisioned this alternate 2015. How does their Tokyo compare to the iconic, rain-soaked Los Angeles of the original films?
"Brainstorming Tokyo within the *Blade Runner* universe was incredibly fun!" Shore shared with IGN. "Having lived in Japan (in 2015, coincidentally) and recently visited future-focused exhibits in Tokyo, 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, decrepit, and fracturing—the neon hides the hellscape beneath," Brown explained. "Our Tokyo parallels this. It's a beautiful utopia, but 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 from other media and contemporary Japanese life instead.
Shore noted, "While I drew inspiration from classics, understanding how Japanese media depicts the future post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster was crucial. I watched anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble*."
"I personally aimed to avoid iterating on anime already inspired by *Blade Runner*, like *Bubblegum Crisis* or *Psycho-Pass*," Brown added. "Cyberpunk often reflects one's vision of the future. So, I wanted to reflect the hopes and fears of contemporary Japanese society—what could go right or wrong if dangerous elements gained control."
Set in 2015, within the broader *Blade Runner* timeline, *Tokyo Nexus* intrigued us with its connection to the larger franchise. Would fans find familiar elements, or is it a completely new experience?
"*Tokyo Nexus* is standalone in setting, time, and story," Shore clarified. "Of course, it wouldn't be *Blade Runner* without Tyrell Corporation's influence and a mystery to solve. There are nods and easter eggs for fans, but newcomers can enjoy it equally."
Brown added, "We're building on the story from *Blade Runner: Origins* and *Blade Runner: 2019*. We're addressing questions like the Kalanthia War and Tyrell's Replicant monopoly. It all builds towards a massive, secret civil war between Blade Runner organizations. *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 in this harsh world.
"Mead and Stix are best friends, platonic life partners," Shore described. "They've been through hell, bled and wept together. They protect each other, sometimes from themselves. Survival is their goal, but that requires trusting again."
"It's beautiful in its unhealthy nature," Brown laughed. "We played with the 'More Human Than Human' theme. Stix, a Replicant, thirsts for life; Mead, a human, is mechanical and pragmatic. They need each other to survive, a codependency that could break them."
The series unfolds with Stix and Mead caught in a conflict between Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire—a Japanese company challenging Tyrell's Replicant market dominance.
"Cheshire competes in Replicant manufacturing," Shore teased. "Their new model is military-grade, supposedly stronger and faster, built on Tyrell's foundation."
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.
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also previewed IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.
