Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a ten episode anime series from Netflix. It premiered worldwide on September 13, 2022, after promotional teasers. Studio Trigger produced it, with Hiroyuki Imaishi directing all episodes. The story expands Cyberpunk 2077's universe, not adapting its game. Set in Night City during 2076, it follows David Martinez. David is a teenager living in Night City with Gloria. He attends the prestigious Arasaka Academy despite severe financial pressure. After Gloria dies, David implants the military-grade Sandevistan she possessed. The cyberware grants extraordinary speed but strains his human body. He meets Lucy, a netrunner who dreams of reaching Moon. Lucy introduces David to Maine's edgerunner crew outside corporate control. Maine serves as the crew's leader and David's early mentor. Notable members also include Dorio, Kiwi, Pilar, Falco, and Rebecca. The team accepts increasingly dangerous jobs for clients and fixers. David's dependence on Sandevistan increases as his reputation grows rapidly. Corporate conflict intensifies when Arasaka and Militech pursue competing interests. The series treats cyberpsychosis as a consequence of excessive augmentation. Maine's deterioration shows danger before David experiences related symptoms himself. Lucy conceals critical information about Arasaka's interest in David personally. Their relationship develops amid betrayal, grief, violence, and conflicting ambitions.

The anime uses Trigger's exaggerated motion and saturated colors throughout. It also incorporates interface graphics resembling Cyberpunk 2077's gameplay presentation. Game locations, including Afterlife, connect the anime to established lore. The story remains accessible without playing CD Projekt Red's game. Its soundtrack combines licensed songs and an original score throughout. Franz Ferdinand performs opening theme, "This Fffire," for the series. Walton and Coggins perform a recurring song associated with Lucy. The opening and ending songs reinforce the show's emotional contrast. CD Projekt Red announced the anime in June 2020 during Night City Wire event. Its production involved CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger directly. The ten episodes were released simultaneously rather than weekly worldwide. The series received English dub featuring Zach Aguilar as David. Emi Lo voices Lucy in the English dub itself throughout. Kenn voices David, while Aoi Yuki voices Lucy in Japanese. The narrative ends before the game's events begin in 2077. Its finale depicts the consequences of corporate power and sacrifice. David's final confrontation involves Arasaka forces and Adam Smasher directly. The ending also explains why Lucy's lunar dream matters emotionally. Edgerunners became a success and renewed interest in the franchise worldwide. Its story remains a tragedy within Cyberpunk's larger shared setting.