Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus Unveiled at 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. We spoke with writers Kianna Shore and Mellow Brown at IGN Fan Fest 2025 to delve into this exciting new chapter.

Below, you'll find an exclusive art gallery showcasing the series' journey from script to stunning artwork. Then, read on to learn more about how Shore and Brown brought the iconic *Blade Runner* aesthetic to a new, captivating setting.

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

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Tokyo, a city synonymous with cyberpunk in works like *Akira* and *Ghost in the Shell*, finally takes center stage in the *Blade Runner* universe. We were eager to understand the writers' vision of this alternate 2015 Tokyo, and how it contrasts with the rain-slicked, neon-drenched Los Angeles we know so well.

“Brainstorming Tokyo within the *Blade Runner* universe was incredibly fun!” Shore shared with IGN. “Having lived in Japan (coincidentally in 2015) and recently visiting relevant exhibitions in Tokyo, I aimed to create a Tokyo distinct from Los Angeles, reflecting its unique history, experiences, and socioeconomics. My goal was a ‘hopepunk’ Tokyo.”

Brown added, “Los Angeles in *Blade Runner* is broken, decrepit, and fractured—the neon masking its hellscape. Our Tokyo parallels this; a beautiful utopia where people feel constrained. Disobey, and the paradise consumes you. It’s just as terrifying, but 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 cited anime like *Your Name*, *Japan Sinks 2020*, and *Bubble* as influences, focusing on post-3.11 Tohoku Disaster depictions of the future. Brown aimed to reflect contemporary Japanese societal hopes and fears, exploring potential positive and negative outcomes.

Set in 2015, preceding the original film, *Tokyo Nexus* occupies a specific point in the *Blade Runner* timeline. We asked about its 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 explained. “However, the omnipresent Tyrell Corporation and a compelling mystery remain core *Blade Runner* elements. There are Easter eggs for fans, but the story is also accessible to newcomers.”

Brown elaborated, “We build upon the narrative 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 larger, secret civil war between different Blade Runner organizations. *Tokyo Nexus* reveals 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 is central to the series, portraying them as battle-hardened veterans reliant on each other in a harsh world.

“Mead and Stix are best friends, platonic life partners,” Shore described. “They've endured hardship together, sharing both tears and blood. Their goal is survival, requiring them to trust again.”

Brown added, “It's beautiful in its dysfunction. We played with the ‘more human than human’ theme, exploring how that manifests. Stix, a replicant, craves life, while Mead, a jaded human, is pragmatic and mechanical. Their codependency, forged in horrific shared experiences, is both their strength and potential downfall.”

The series features a conflict involving Tyrell Corp, the Yakuza, and Cheshire, a Japanese company challenging Tyrell's replicant market dominance. Shore and Brown hinted at Cheshire's significance in the *Blade Runner* universe, particularly their new military-grade replicant.

“Cheshire aims to compete in replicant manufacturing,” Shore teased. “Their latest model is a military replicant, supposedly stronger and faster, built upon Tyrell's designs.”

Brown concluded, “Cheshire's ambitions extend beyond petty crime. Acquiring escaped Tyrell scientists in Tokyo unlocks unforeseen 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.

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