Hello, Nerd Daily readers! My name is Kianna Shore. I am the author of the new comic series Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus that is published by Titan Comics. While envisioning BR: Tokyo, I set out to make something new and interesting in this version of Blade Runner. I wanted to entertain Blade Runner fans while also bringing in a new audience to the Blade Runner comics.

There were a lot of things I had to think about while creating this new story, such as techno-orientalism, previously created Blade Runner media, and how Japanese media depicts the future after the 3.11 Tohoku Disaster. Not only was Blade Runner heavily influenced by Japan, but BR: Tokyo is the first time that the Blade Runner franchise is set outside of the United States… Plus I wanted to bring my own spin to the franchise, as a writer.

As I wrote, a lot to consider! Here are five perhaps unexpected pieces of media that helped shape my vision for Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus.

Crier’s War by Nina Valera

Crier’s War is a beautiful YA fantasy duology about love between two girls, one human and one Made. It stole my breath from the very first page and would not let me go. I am a sucker for queer enemies to lovers stories, and this one was everything that I could ever hope for. It explores themes such as war, power, and oppression and opened my eyes to another side of the human / automaton dynamic.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood based on the manga by Arakawa Hiromu

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a wonderful, magical beast of an anime and anyone with an ounce of interest in fantasy, worldbuilding, memorable characters, and extraordinary story should watch it. It’s one of the most exemplary works in steampunk. I love how characters drive the story and the plot reveals character. I would say give it at least four episodes to really grab you. Literally a perfect show, no notes!

Monstress by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

Monstress is a beautiful epic fantasy on-going comic series. The art is utterly gorgeous and I want to devour it as quickly as possible. Monstress aptly deals with the themes of war, racism, and slavery. Each page is filled with magic, deep lore, and mayhem. The worldbuilding is expansive and feels like there is just so much to explore. It showed me the brilliance and potential of comics as a medium.

Wolf’s Rain by Nobumoto Keiko

Wolf’s Rain is one of those anime that I originally watched as a young child, perhaps a little too young. Nevertheless, it was instrumental to me as both a wolf-lover and storyteller. It was my first foray into a world at the end of its rope, the hard trodden characters fighting for their future, and their hope leading the way. I latched onto the strong visual imagery and its theme of existentialism. It may not be the most popular or well known work of Nobumoto Keiko’s (of Cowboy Bebop fame), but it’s one anime not to be missed.

Your Name by Shinkai Makoto

Last, but certainly not least, is the one and only Shinkai Makoto’s Your Name. This was a pivotal movie for me in narrative structure and showed me the influence of the 3.11 Tohoku disaster on Japanese consciousness. While watching the movie, the gravitas of the disaster weighed on me… but it also showed me hope. It is a wonderful film that everyone should visit at least once, but bring tissues! You will need it.

Even if you never read Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus in your life, I hope you find something new to obsess over! Feel free to hit me up on the socials so that we can scream into the abyss together!

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