Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ Official Prequel Is Officially Available in the U.S. After 4 Years

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Four years after the anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners became incredibly popular, fans can now explore the world of Night City even further. The official prequel manga is finally available in English in the United States, offering a fresh look at the gritty, futuristic setting that made the anime so groundbreaking.

The manga Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS Volume 1 builds on the emotional impact of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime while also showcasing its intense and violent side. Published by Dark Horse Comics, this 200-page, black-and-white volume tells a character-focused story that adds to and deepens the anime’s already heartbreaking themes.

A Blood-Soaked Origin Story in Night City

Instead of retelling the story of David Martinez, the series MADNESS focuses on Rebecca and her brother, Pilar. They want to become famous edgerunners like their father, seeking recognition in the dangerous city of Night City. Their story embodies the desperate drive that characterizes life there.

The prequel, written by Bartosz Sztybor – also a screenwriter for the anime – feels true to the original story. It captures the same mix of fast-paced action and heartbreaking moments, making the intense violence feel deeply personal. We learn more about what shaped Rebecca’s unpredictable nature and Pilar’s confidence through glimpses of their history together.

I’m seriously blown away by the artwork in this! Asano, who did the manga for BNA: Brand New Animal – and is amazing at capturing that Studio Trigger style – really brings Night City to life. Their lines are so crisp and the characters are incredibly expressive, it feels like the anime but with its own unique flair. Every panel just moves with energy, perfectly showing off how wild and unstable the city is, especially with all the neon!

Why Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS Matters Four Years Later

The release of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners in 2022 brought renewed attention to the Cyberpunk world and quickly made its characters popular with fans. Rebecca, especially, became a standout. Now, MADNESS expands on her history, developing her from a memorable and exciting character into a complex and heartbreaking one.

The prequel also delves into how the violent environment of Night City impacts young people trying to make a name for themselves. Rebecca and Pilar aren’t just looking for excitement; they’re shaped by widespread corruption, unfair business practices, and the lasting effects of past trauma. Their journey into riskier and riskier jobs mirrors the hopeless cycle that was central to the anime’s story.

Now available in paperback for just $14.99, this English edition makes the story easier to enjoy than ever before. At 200 pages and suitable for ages 16+, it’s a concise but impactful addition to the Night City universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, it’s a gripping reminder that in Night City, the line between ambition and insanity is often blurred.

Now that the novel Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS is available in the U.S., the gritty world of the edgerunners feels fresh and exciting again. The book doesn’t shy away from the dark themes of the original; instead, it intensifies them. For those still affected by the emotional ending of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime, this return to Night City shows that the story’s impact will last.

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2026-02-25 22:24