cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ Success Fuels New Prequel Manga
The 2022 Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Trigger, reignited interest in the video game Cyberpunk 2077 following its troubled 2021 launch. The anime’s remarkable success,culminating in a 2023 Crunchyroll Anime of the Year award—besting competitors like Attack on Titan,Demon slayer,and Spy x Family—has fueled further expansion of the franchise. While CD Projekt Red has stated there are no plans to make a sequel season
,the universe continues to grow.
This expansion includes Lucy’s appearance as a guest character in Guilty Gear Strive,a tabletop epilogue,and a new spin-off animated series currently in production at Netflix. But before these projects arrive, fans can delve into a new prequel manga series, Cyberpunk: edgerunners Madness.
Published by Kadokawa, a prominent Japanese manga publisher, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness offers a fresh outlook on the cyberpunk universe. Manga writer Bartosz Sztybor explained the project’s genesis: There are many stories not only in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners but in the whole Cyberpunk 2077 universe. Our idea for the whole franchise is to show that this is a big, authentic, and believable world and you can achieve that through complex characters and grounded stories.
He highlighted the importance of showcasing characters with depth and history, citing examples of character crossovers between the game, comics, and the anime itself, such as Doc from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners appearing in Cyberpunk 2077: XOXO and Cormac from Cyberpunk 2077: You Have My Word appearing in Cyberpunk: edgerunners and Cyberpunk 2077: Blackout, even being mentioned in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
Sztybor further explained the decision to focus on Rebecca and her brother,Pilar: david and Lucy were out of the picture…but there were other characters with amazing stories. Becca as a fan favorite seemed the best idea, but I already knew that it shouldn’t be just about her.As one of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ themes is parent-child relationships, we needed to add Becca’s brother Pilar to the story and explain how their childhood traumas made them who they are.
He described the manga’s tone as a dark comedy…something more fun, but still brutal, of course.
The series explores themes of morality and the complexities of human nature, consistent with the overall Cyberpunk ethos.
The manga, illustrated by Asano, has been in advancement for almost two years. Sztybor highlighted the differences between creating an anime and a manga: In anime, you talk with many more people…making manga/comic books is more introverted; it’s about a spark between the writer and the artist and fortunately that spark happened pretty early while working on Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS. So making anime is a team effort,it’s a football match. Making a manga is a date, sitting on the beach, looking at the ocean, and holding hands.
While the initial plan is for two books,each with six chapters,Sztybor expressed openness to continuing the series if there’s sufficient reader demand: If the readers will demand more,then I’m ready. I could write stories about Becca forever!
He also explained the decision to focus on Rebecca: Of course, but it was also the idea to create something more light and action-packed, and the manga format seemed perfect for telling a story about a very manga-esque character.
He considered other characters,including Maine and Falco,but ultimately Rebecca and Pilar’s popularity and the storyline possibilities made them the ideal choice.
The first book of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness, encompassing the first six chapters, will be released this summer by dark horse Comics, a few weeks before the third anniversary of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
A tweet in Japanese from @comic_alive, February 14, 2025, announcing the release of episode 3 (part 1) of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness.
Cyberpunk Enthusiasm: How “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” Continues the Legacy and Expands the universe
Editor: What fuels the continued success and expansion of the “Cyberpunk” universe,and how does “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” contribute to this legacy?
Expert:
The “Cyberpunk” franchise has always thrived on its vast and meticulously crafted universe. its success stems from the ability to blend rich narrative elements with engaging storytelling across various mediums. The 2022 Netflix anime “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” was a pivotal moment,reviving interest in the game “Cyberpunk 2077” after its tumultuous launch. This anime not onyl captivated audiences, culminating in a 2023 Crunchyroll Anime of the Year award, but it also paved the way for future expansions.
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness,” the new prequel manga series, is a testament to this continued success. by exploring untold stories, it enriches the “cyberpunk” universe with fresh perspectives. This manga injects new life into the narrative through a unique blend of dark comedy and action, further illustrating the franchise’s themes of morality and human complexity.
The manga’s focus on characters like Rebecca and her brother, Pilar, adds depth by delving into themes of parent-child relationships and personal history, elements that resonate deeply with fans. This narrative choice, described vividly by manga writer Bartosz Sztybor, shows a commitment to exploring complex characters and grounded stories, which have become hallmarks of the series.
Editor: How does the creative process differ between making an anime and crafting a manga version of the “Cyberpunk” universe?
Expert:
The creative processes for anime and manga differ significantly but share a common goal: storytelling excellence. in the case of “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” the anime production involved extensive collaboration among multiple teams,likened to a football match by Sztybor. This approach ensures a dynamic and multifaceted production, accommodating various artistic inputs and technical considerations.
Conversely, creating a manga, such as “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness,” is more of an intimate partnership between the writer and illustrator. sztybor described this process as a “date,” highlighting the personal and creative synergy required. It involves a direct dialogue between the story and the visual portrayal, creating a more focused and cohesive narrative form.
This difference allows for exploring new storytelling methods, giving the manga format the flexibility to portray action-packed and lighter tones, allowing characters like rebecca to shine in a distinctly “manga-esque” way. Additionally, the serialized nature of manga favors episodic storytelling, which can effectively sustain reader interest over time.
editor: With the manga set for release in two books, what potential do you see for its future beyond the planned chapters?
Expert:
The potential for “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” to extend beyond its initial two-book release depends largely on reader response.Sztybor has expressed openness to continuing the series if there is sufficient demand,illustrating a commitment to fulfilling audience expectations and interests.
manga series benefit from the flexibility in narrative arc advancement. If the characters resonate with readers and the thematic exploration of the “cyberpunk” ethos continues to captivate,there is significant scope for further storytelling. The exploration of Rebecca’s journey, alongside other beloved characters like Maine and Falco, creates a treasure trove of narrative possibilities that can be expanded in subsequent books.
Editor: What unique elements does “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” bring to the franchise, and why should fans be excited about this new addition?
Expert:
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” introduces several unique elements that greatly enhance its appeal. Firstly,the prequel aspect allows fans to explore the backstory of beloved characters,enriching their understanding and attachment to the universe. This aligns perfectly with the “cyberpunk” ideology of creating a believable and expansive world.
The inclusion of dark comedy adds a distinctive flavor to the series, providing a lighter, albeit brutal, narrative experience that complements the existing tone of the franchise.This allows readers to engage with the story on multiple emotional levels.
Fans can also look forward to seeing familiar characters like Doc and Cormac in new contexts. These crossovers not only provide continuity but also celebrate the diversity of stories within the “Cyberpunk” universe.
Ultimately, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” is a perfect blend of familiar elements and new adventures, offering an accessible entry point for new fans while providing depth and additional layers to long-time followers. Its engaging storytelling, dynamic character development, and thematic exploration make it an exciting addition to the “Cyberpunk” franchise.
Final Thoughts from the expert:
As the “cyberpunk” universe continues to expand, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness” serves as both a bridge to the past and a gateway to new adventures. With its rich narrative layers and engaging character arcs, it promises to be a significant contribution to the franchise.
Engage with Us: Have you had the chance to explore “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness”? Share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below or on social media. Your insights help build our community of “cyberpunk” enthusiasts!