Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a Netflix series that is part of the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, the video game by CD Projekt Red. Before diving into the game, I decided to watch the series to learn a bit more about the world of Night City. While I didn’t find it to be a masterpiece, it did its job by helping me connect with the atmosphere and complexities of the city. The series has an atmosphere filled with advanced technology, corruption, and inequality, elements that make the cyberpunk universe both fascinating and disturbing.
Credits for the adult anime
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an animated series produced by Trigger, the renowned Japanese animation studio, in collaboration with CD Projekt Red, the creators of Cyberpunk 2077. The series was directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, known for his work on other projects such as Tenga Toppa Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. The script was written by Yoh Yoshinari, who was also involved in the creative direction. Series is an adaptation of the Cyberpunk 2077 universe and offers an expansion of the story that complements the video game, delving deeper into the world and the people living in Night City.
The music was composed by Akira Yamaoka, famous for his work in the Silent Hill series. And he perfectly captures the tense and dystopian atmosphere of the cyberpunk world.
Connecting with the city and its dilemmas
The series is filled with philosophical reflections on the impact of technology on humanity, a central theme in understanding Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Characters undergo cybernetic implants to gain superhuman abilities, but this also raises a key question: To what extent is technological enhancement truly an advancement, or does it make us less human? This dilemma is one of the main driving forces of the series, as it not only affects the protagonists but also the society of Night City as a whole. The use of technological implants is essential for surviving in such a competitive and dangerous world. But it also has a personal and emotional cost.
Moreover, there is a constant power struggle between the corporations that dominate everything and the cybercriminals who live outside the law, stealing and exchanging information for money. The series shows us how these factions constantly clash in a city where the system is designed for the powerful, and the weak must adapt in their own way, often through illegal acts. This dichotomy between corporate control and individual freedom is one of the series’ most notable social critiques.
Philosophical reflections and identity in a cybernetic world
One of the most interesting aspects of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is the way it tackles big philosophical reflections on human identity. The series delves into the question of what it means to be human in a world filled with cybernetic implants, where the boundaries between flesh and machine blur. The idea that characters can modify their own bodies through technology opens up a profound reflection on whether identity remains the same when you completely change who you are inside and out.
Alienation is another major theme, as the characters, though deeply connected to technology, increasingly feel empty and lost. Through the story of David Martínez, the protagonist, we see how technology not only changes the way the characters interact with the world, but also how they perceive their own existence. This focus on dehumanization and alienation is especially interesting because it invites the viewer to question how our current society is becoming more immersed in technology, and to what extent that can be dangerous to our humanity.
A complex plot: Stay alert! (Spoiler Alert!)
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is not easy to understand. The plot is complex and often leaves many loose ends that are only explained by paying close attention to the details. There are moments where everything seems to happen very quickly, and if you’re not focused, you might miss some of the important twists in the story. The series doesn’t spoon-feed you everything but requires the viewer to actively engage with the plot.
Spoiler Alert: The story of David Martínez, the protagonist, is a clear example of how decisions and impulses can have fatal consequences. As the series progresses, David becomes increasingly obsessed with gaining more power and revenge, leading him to make drastic decisions. This obsession consumes him, taking him down a path of self-destruction that affects those around him. It’s a narrative that plays with the idea of fatalism and how the choices we make can define our fate in ways we can’t always control.
Scenes that don’t shy away from censorship
Another point that surprised me was the absence of censorship in the sexual scenes. Despite being an animated series, there are moments so explicit that at times they reminded me of the hentai genre. This uncensored approach is rare in Western animation and definitely makes a difference by offering a more adult and realistic view of this cyberpunk world.
Although it may be a topic not to everyone’s liking, I think it’s a point in favor of the authenticity and atmosphere of the series. In a world like Night City, where morality and privacy are almost nonexistent, human relationships are also affected by technology and personal interests. The sexuality in the series is not presented in a traditional way, but is integrated into the widespread dehumanization that characterizes the world of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. This might be uncomfortable for some, but it’s an intrinsic part of the culture of Night City. A place where morality is constantly challenged.
A series for cyberpunk genre fans and video game enthusiasts
While the series didn’t leave a transcendental impression on me, it serves its purpose of immersing the viewer in a dystopian world full of advanced technology, power struggles, and inequality. It’s a good way to connect with the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, although the series’ plot is more of an introduction to the world and its characters, without delving into many details of the video game. For those already familiar with the game, watching the series will be a great way to learn a little more about the city and the philosophical dilemmas its inhabitants face.
Conclusion: Is it worth watching Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
In summary, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an animated series that isn’t for everyone. Its adult themes, striking visual style, and complex narrative make it a unique offering in modern animation. The plot can be hard to follow if you’re not paying attention, and the explicit scenes may be a controversial point for some.
If you’re a fan of the cyberpunk genre or interested in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, you should definitely give it a chance. Although it’s not a masterpiece, it allows you to immerse yourself in Night City and understand a bit more about the complexities of its universe. It’s a series that, though not always clear or simple, offers plenty of material for reflection…
