By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Synopsis:
A Street Kid trying to survive in a technology and body modification-obsessed city of the future. Having everything to lose, he chooses to stay alive by becoming an Edgerunner, a Mercenary outlaw also known as a Cyberpunk.
Based on CD PROJEKT RED’s video game Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is Created by Rafal Jaki and produced by Studio Trigger (Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Star Wars: Visions). This Netflix Original anime does not hold back in terms of themes, gore, or sexual content, so be prepared to watch a very mature animated series. But what I liked about this, was that while these elements are turned up to eleven, they are not gratuitous! There is rhyme and reason for everything they present on the screen.
What I loved most about this series was the aesthetic and art style. Studio Trigger has such a unique flavour to its anime offerings and one that really strikes a chord with me. While this has Trigger’s fingerprints all over it, there are overtones of classic eighties and nineties anime, such as Akira and Ghost in The Shell, that filter through into the modern style and this fusion of eras creates some truly astonishing and unique visuals.
In terms of the story, I didn’t think I would click with David, the protagonist, as he actually starts off as a pretty unlikeable character! However, his personal journey throughout the series was a delight, and his character completely evolves beyond what I thought possible. You do not need to have played Cyberpunk 2077 to enjoy this series, as the story foundations are quickly established that there are zero accessibility issues – you can easily watch this series with no prior knowledge of the game or what it is about.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners features the voice talents of Giancarlo Esposito (Faraday), Emi Lo (Lucy), Zach Aguilar (David), Matthew Mercer (Falco), Marie Westbrook (Dorio), Alex Cazares (Rebecca), William C. Stephens (Maine), Stephanie Wong (Kiwki), Ian James Corlett (Pilar) and Gloria Garayua (Gloria), Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is overflowing with outstanding voice artists! With Esposito, you always know what you are going to get! Likewise, with the more anime-focused performers – each and every performance is exceptional and really brings life to all of these amazing, complex, and unique characters!
As for the soundtrack, the original music is composed by Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill franchise). Yamaoka’s talents are well executed as he combines futuristic tones with an eighties vibe that matches the animation style. There are a few songs that appear in the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, which is a nice touch, however, it is the choice of intro song that really took me by surprise! I can’t remember the last time I thought about Franz Ferdinand, let alone listened to them, but they take us into every episode with their song ‘This Fire. Very leftfield for a brutal sci-fi anime, however, there are some thematic elements that make the song a subtle choice.
As for the negatives… I’ve struggled to find any, without being very, very nit-picky! The fact is, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a balls-to-the-wall sci-fi actioner that is a tonne of fun, with an aesthetically stunning art style!
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a batsh*t crazy sci-fi action sensation, combining mind-blowing animation infused with a classic twist, and with an incredible story that will have you on the edge of your seat! This is one of the greatest Netflix anime offerings to date! Speechless…
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