'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' Anime Review- Sleek, Tragic, and Noir

This was originally published in 2023

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an anime spin-off of the CD Projekt Red video game Cyberpunk 2077. It was produced by the Japanese animation studio Studio Trigger with Netflix releasing all ten episodes in the USA in 2022. The show was directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi. I have a few thoughts.

After the death of his EMT mom, David Martinez (Zach Aguilar) finds cybernetic hardware among her belongings. Being impoverished, he has a friend attached to him, giving him incredible power. He discovers that his mom was selling items to a local criminal named Maine (William C. Stephens), who deals in the black market. Maine takes a liking to David, as does his gang member Lucy (Emi Lo). Martinez works with other gang members Rebecca (Alex Cazares), her brother Pilar (Ian James Corlett), Maine's girlfriend Dorio (Marie Westbrook), and others. Their biggest client is corporate headhunter Faraday (Giancarlo Esposito), but as David and the gang do more jobs for him, it becomes clear he has his own agenda.

I want to say upfront that this show is not safe for work and that it is not a kid's cartoon. This is for mature audiences. It has strong foul language, bloody violence, sexual content, and substance abuse.

Cyberpunk is an interesting genre. It combines science fiction with elements of noir, creating some tragic characters and worlds. Done correctly, the media based on this concept can bring out something impressive. This anime is definitely done correctly.

To start with, Studio Trigger rules when it comes to the animation for the show. It was impressive how their animators drew character designs, backgrounds, and action sequences. I was mesmerized at times by how sleek it looked and could not have been more impressed.

I also want to applaud the cast. I watched it in English and I was impressed with how they dove into the characters. The one that stands out as a breakout role is Alex Cazares as Rebecca. Apparently, the Karens at Netflix wanted this character redesigned or cut, but Studio Trigger declared, "The Loli stays!" I find that hilarious because she is the best secondary character in part because of Cazares.

The story is also impressive. I have not played the game as of the writing of this review, but I can say the show had me hooked.

David is a relatable player as is Lucy. You connect with their wants and desires, watching as they fall further into the life of being an "edgerunner" not just for themselves, but for their friends. Watching David grow from a street punk to a hardened mercenary was difficult to watch, but you had empathy for his plight. Watching Lucy go from a hardened mercenary to rediscovering her humanity is another story you had sympathy for and connected with.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is truly a tragic and brutal anime to watch. It tells a very human story of trial, hurt, loss, and hope, set in the world of a video game, making it achieve something special as an animated show.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Strong violence, Sexual content including nudity

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.