Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus: Die in Peace is written by Kianna Shore and published by Titan Comics. Artwork is by Mariano Taibo, colours by Marko Lesko and letters by Jim Campbell.
Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus: Die in Peace is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Sickened by the seemingly never-ending war on the far-off planet of Kathanlia, a squad of 12 Nexus 6 Combat Replicants, led by their human NCO, go AWOL in an attempt to escape and live out their days in peace, preferably on some sun kissed outer world colony. To finance their dream, they plan to rob a corrupt Tyrell syndicate Executive and erase their records before disappearing. Learning of their desertion and theft, the CEO sends out a team of Corporate Blade Runners to retire them all with extreme prejudice.
Review
Since the release of Blade Runner 2049 in 2017, the franchise has seen many expansions in the form of TV shows, VR games and comics. Now, with the introduction of Tokyo Nexus: Die In Peace we get the first mini-series in a set of three that dive further into the Blade Runner universe than we’ve seen before.
Firstly, Kianna Shore’s writing is great for the Blade Runner setting. She has a clear understanding and appreciation for this world which is evident right from the opening pages. She keeps within the neo-noir genre of the films whilst introducing elements that seem perfect for this setting and story. For instance, the choice to focus on a pair of private investigators instead of an individual feels like a no-brainer thing to do for a Blade Runner story and it really works wonders here.
This comic takes environmental and story elements from other media set within this universe and makes them all work within the context of the story that is being told here and giving it a unique, Tokyo centric personality. There is also a greater emphasis here on the wider implications and replicant war that is established very early on. In other Blade Runner media, this is usually the backdrop to the world whilst the core investigation only contains small links to that greater story at play in the background. Tokyo Nexus on the other hand finds multiple ways to have both the self-contained story and the political implications of this world as whole merge into one.
One thing that has to be mentioned is Mariano Taibo’s artwork. There is a manga-influenced approach to his illustrations as expressions and movements can feel exaggerated at many points throughout the comic. Marko Lesko’s colouring compliments this style quite well but there are some instances where their can be a slight hinderance because of this despite how impressive it is. This aesthetic captures the neon lit world of Blade Runner perfectly as well as realising the characters personalities, but when it comes to the more darker and violent moments, this visual style can take away some of the intensity that these parts so desperately need.
However, Mead and Stix as a central duo is where the comic really comes into its own and where Shore truly shines as a writer. Their journey further into this investigation is where their relationship as partners is tested and Shore squeezes every instance of tension and drama from this as she can, leading to a final few pages that are genuinely gripping. They have their own narratives that converge in a manner that ties up loose ends but still leaves a lot on the table.
Some elements here can feel a little disjointed in the moment but for the most part everything on display is still worth your time. The character work, storytelling and worldbuilding all look and feel like Blade Runner which, despite its shortcomings, is what you’re going to read this comic for in the first place.
Verdict
Tokyo Nexus: Die in Peace is a welcome if slightly messy inclusion to the Blade Runner world. The intrigue and neo-noir storytelling are all here in its typical neon drenched glory, but something does feel as if it is missing.
⭐⭐⭐.5
