Cyberpunk 2077 #1: Under Pressure

Cullen Bunn’s first issue of Cyberpunk 2077 takes us into the headspace of a medic of sorts named Nadia. It shows us the human size of inhuman conflict and makes us inquire just what it takes to keep cool in the line of fire without losing hope. It begs the question can idealism survive in the face of trauma and what does that look like when it does….or doesn’t.

The art by Miguel Valderrama is exquisite– bold in action, especially when bolstered by the phenomenal colors rendered by Jason Wordie and metallic, almost sterile when it needs to be as well. As you’d expect from a gritty tale set in a cyberpunk setting the art bounces back and forth between screaming yet clear neon aesthetics and fierce cybernetic coolness but the art team doesn’t just clinge to cliche or count on your expectations to fill in the gaps. The vibe hits with almost Akira or Tank Girl-esque energy but still something totally it’s own. A lot of readers will come for the connection to the game but stay for the quality of the comic on it’s own deserved merit.

Which is a fantastic achievement in itself because let’s be real with very, very few exceptions comics or Manga based on video games (much like movie adaptations) tend to be pretty lackluster and only really appeal to diehard fans of whatever said franchise. With Cyberpunk 2077 you get a fantastic introductory comic into the franchise (for a game that’s not even out yet, bold points there) that doesn’t feel like it’s missing something or like a 32 pages ad to just snake your interest to grab the game. What you get instead is just a great comic made with love from a fantastic team, basically everything one should expect from a Cullen Bunn book and an art team this good.