Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a 2022 animated series set in the same neon-drenched, rain-slicked city as the video game Cyberpunk 2077. It follows David Masakazu, a young runner who gets pulled into a world of corporate intrigue, street gangs, and augmented bodies. The show is a 10-episode adaptation of the game’s narrative, told through animation that leans heavily on hand-drawn backgrounds and character designs that borrow from anime traditions. It is a story about identity, belonging, and the cost of living outside the law.
The series premiered on Netflix and quickly became a cultural touchstone for fans of both the game and the anime genre. Its success has been notable, with a large audience following each episode as it dropped. The show carries an audience score of 8.5 out of 10 on TMDB, a mark that reflects its broad appeal.
Trailer, via Netflix.
David Masakazu: The Runner at the Center
David Masakazu is the protagonist, a young man who dreams of escaping the life he was born into. He works as a runner, a mercenary who takes jobs for money and status. His skills are sharp, but his ambitions are larger than the streets of Night City can offer. The show spends its early episodes establishing his character through small moments: a tense negotiation with a client, a quiet moment with his sister, a run through the rain with his friends.
His arc is the spine of the story. He starts as a survivor, barely scraping by. By the end, he becomes something more. The show tracks his growth through a series of betrayals, alliances, and near-death experiences, each one pushing him closer to the center of the city’s power structures.
Night City: The Setting
Night City is the setting, and it is rendered with a dense, layered quality that feels both lived-in and alien. The show uses a mix of hand-drawn backgrounds and digital effects to create a world that is at once familiar and strange. The architecture is brutalist and towering, with corporate spires rising above the slums. The lighting is dramatic, with neon colors bleeding into the shadows.
The city is not just a backdrop. It is a character in its own right, full of hidden corners and secret paths. The show explores its neighborhoods with care, from the wealthy enclaves of Santa Maria to the gritty streets of Pacifica. Each location has its own visual identity, and the animation team clearly put thought into how each area looks and feels.
The Supporting Cast
David’s allies are a ragtag group of runners, hackers, and fixers. They include:
- Leon, a veteran runner who serves as a mentor figure
- Armitage, a mysterious employer who offers David high-paying jobs
- Alphonse, a rival runner who becomes a friend and a foil
- Yan, a hacker who provides the tech support
Each of these characters brings something distinct to the table. Leon is the father figure David never had, offering guidance and protection. Armitage is the shadowy force pulling David into deeper waters, always asking for more. Alphonse is the friendly competitor, someone David can trust even when things get dangerous. Yan is the brains of the operation, the one who knows how to hack the system.
The show also includes a handful of antagonists who threaten David and his friends. These include:
- The Fixer, a corporate agent hunting runners
- The Netrunner, a rival hacker who targets David’s operations
- The Viper, a gang leader who controls the streets of Pacifica
These villains are less developed than the heroes, but they serve their purpose well. They provide tension and conflict, driving the plot forward without overshadowing the main characters.
The Animation Style
The animation is the show’s defining feature. It draws on anime traditions, particularly those of the 1990s, with its fluid movement and expressive character designs. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, and the fight scenes are some of the best in the medium. The show also uses a lot of close-ups and wide shots, giving the city a sense of scale.
The backgrounds are hand-drawn, which gives the show a unique look. The buildings are detailed, with signs and lights that feel lived-in. The characters are expressive, with faces that convey emotion clearly. The animation is a major selling point, and it holds up across all ten episodes.
The Sound Design
The music is a mix of synthwave, industrial, and electronic, fitting the cyberpunk aesthetic perfectly. The score swells during key moments, adding tension to fights and romance to quieter scenes. The voice acting is strong, with the cast delivering lines with conviction.
The sound design is equally impressive. The show uses ambient noise to create a sense of place, with the hum of machinery, the chatter of crowds, and the distant roar of traffic. The sound is immersive, drawing the viewer into the world.
The Story Structure
The show follows a standard episodic structure, with each episode building towards a larger climax. The pacing is steady, with a balance of action, dialogue, and character development. The middle episodes sometimes slow down, but the overall arc remains compelling.
The final episodes are where the show reaches its peak. The reveal of David’s true origins is a twist that changes everything. The resolution is satisfying, though some viewers might wish for a longer runtime to explore the aftermath in more depth.
What Works
The show succeeds on multiple levels. The animation is beautiful, the world is rich, and the characters are memorable. The themes of identity and belonging resonate with anyone who has felt like an outsider. The show is also accessible to newcomers, even those who have never played the game.
The best episodes are:
- The episode that reveals David’s past
- The episode where he faces his first major test
- The episode that raises the stakes to their highest point
These episodes stand out for their emotional weight and their visual flair. They are the moments that define the show and keep viewers hooked.
What Could Be Better
Not everything lands. Some of the villains are one-dimensional, and their motivations are thin. The show also relies on tropes that some viewers might find familiar. The pacing drags in the middle, and there are a few filler episodes that could have been tightened.
The show also leaves some threads unresolved. Certain characters disappear without much explanation, and some plotlines end abruptly. This is a minor complaint, but it is noticeable after watching the entire season.
Final Word
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a strong entry in the cyberpunk genre. It is a visually stunning show with a gripping story and a memorable cast. It captures the spirit of the game while standing on its own as a work of art.
The show is not perfect, but it is highly recommended for fans of the genre. It is a worthy addition to the Netflix catalog and a reminder of the power of animation.
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