The Blade Runner universe has experienced a remarkable resurgence in print, thanks to Titan Comics’ ambitious expansion through a range of prequels and spinoffs. Among these, *Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus* stands out as a groundbreaking entry—it’s the very first story set in Japan, bringing the franchise into fresh and uncharted territory.
As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the chance to speak with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown about how they translated the iconic Blade Runner aesthetic into the neon-drenched streets of Tokyo. We also gained exclusive access to behind-the-scenes concept art that reveals how the series evolved from script to stunning visuals. Keep reading for insights straight from the creative minds behind this futuristic tale:
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Art from Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus
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While Blade Runner is most closely associated with the rain-soaked sprawl of Los Angeles, *Tokyo Nexus* reimagines the franchise in a city that has long served as a visual touchstone for cyberpunk storytelling—Japan’s capital. We asked Shore and Brown how they approached crafting their version of 2015 Tokyo, and how it contrasts with the familiar dystopia of Blade Runner’s original setting.
“Designing Tokyo in the Blade Runner universe was an exciting challenge,” Shore explains. “I lived in Japan during 2015, which gave me a strong cultural foundation, and I also attended futuristic-themed exhibits in Tokyo. I wanted to create a vision of Tokyo distinct from LA—more hopepunk than noir.”
Brown adds, “Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* feels like a decaying utopia masked by neon lights. But our Tokyo presents a different kind of fear—one where everything seems perfect on the surface, but obedience is non-negotiable. It’s a paradise with teeth.”
Interestingly, both writers avoided direct references to classic Japanese cyberpunk works like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, instead drawing inspiration from modern Japanese life and post-disaster narratives.
“I looked at how recent Japanese media portrays the future after events like the Tohoku Disaster,” Shore says. “Anime such as *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble* helped shape my understanding of contemporary Japanese futurism.”
Brown agrees: “I wanted to reflect current societal concerns rather than revisit stories already influenced by Blade Runner. Cyberpunk often mirrors the fears of its creators, so I focused on what could go wrong—or right—in a future shaped by today’s Japan.”
Set in 2015—several years before the events of the original film—*Tokyo Nexus* expands the Blade Runner timeline while standing as its own self-contained narrative.
“It’s a standalone story in time and place,” Shore clarifies. “But you’ll still find Tyrell Corporation pulling strings behind the scenes, along with mystery elements that fans will recognize. There are plenty of Easter eggs, but newcomers can enjoy it without prior knowledge of the films.”
Brown elaborates: “This series builds upon earlier comics like *Origins* and *2019*. It explores key questions—like the Kalanthia War and why Tyrell dominates Replicant production. These threads lead toward a larger global conflict between competing Blade Runner factions, with *Tokyo Nexus* marking the rise of one organization destined for power.”
At the heart of *Tokyo Nexus* is the bond between Mead—a jaded human—and Stix—a Replicant driven by a relentless desire to live. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the series, offering a unique lens into the world of Blade Runner.
“Mead and Stix are more than partners—they’re best friends and platonic soulmates,” Shore says. “They’ve endured trauma together, shared grief, and survived impossible odds. Their only real goal is to protect each other—even if that means protecting one another from themselves.”
Brown describes their dynamic as “beautifully toxic.” He continues, “We wanted to explore the idea of ‘More Human Than Human.’ Stix may be synthetic, but he craves life passionately. Mead, on the other hand, has been worn down by systems and now sees the world through cold logic. They balance each other—but their bond is fragile, built on survival and codependency.”
As the plot unfolds, Mead and Stix become entangled in a dangerous struggle between Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire—a mysterious Japanese syndicate aiming to break Tyrell’s monopoly on Replicant manufacturing.
“Cheshire wants to disrupt the Replicant market,” Shore teases. “Their latest creation is a military-grade model—stronger, faster, built on the legacy of Tyrell’s designs.”
Brown adds, “Cheshire started as a criminal outfit, but now they have bigger ambitions. When they acquire rogue Tyrell scientists who fled to Tokyo, their potential skyrockets—and suddenly, the rules of the game change forever.”
*Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Vol. 1 – Die in Peace* is now available at comic shops and bookstores nationwide. You can also order your copy on Amazon.
As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also got a sneak peek at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline—stay tuned for more updates!
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