AceShowbiz - It has been five years since the original release of Cyberpunk 2077, yet the game continues to captivate fans through ongoing updates and expansions. Despite a rocky start in 2020, CD Projekt RED's RPG has steadily grown in popularity, largely due to major patches and the release of its first DLC, Phantom Liberty. As part of the ongoing fifth anniversary celebrations of the title, fans have been treated to an exciting new announcement from the official Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Twitter account.

Back in September 2022, Netflix partnered with CD Projekt RED to launch the animated series Cyberpunk Edgerunners. Set within the same dystopian universe as the game but following a new cast of characters, the anime quickly became a fan favorite. With a second season currently in production, the worlds of game and animation are converging once more with a fresh addition that expands the lore and depth of the franchise.

This new release, titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS Volume 1, is now available in English, courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. Serving as a prequel to the animated series, the comic was penned by Bartosz Sztybor, the Franchise Creative Director at CD Projekt RED. The artwork was created by Asano, who also illustrated the cover, contributing to the visually striking presentation of this installment.

Fans of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners will quickly recognize that the storyline focuses on beloved characters Rebecca and her brother Pilar. The siblings are driven by their ambition to become legendary edgerunners like their father. Set against the backdrop of Night City—a place rife with violence and corruption—they are forced to abandon their former selves and navigate a dangerous, chaotic world filled with strife and upheaval.

The narrative intensifies when a mysterious figure enters the siblings’ lives, altering the course of their future amid the madness of Night City. The comic promises a thrilling journey as Rebecca and Pilar strive to prove themselves in the harsh environment of the city’s underworld.

Released earlier this week, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS Volume 1 marks the beginning of what is expected to be a long-running saga. Its connection to the popular anime characters makes it a must-read for fans eager to delve deeper into the universe. As an enthusiastic follower of Cyberpunk 2077 and its extended media, the arrival of this prequel comic is sure to inspire renewed interest and, undoubtedly, prompt a rewatch of the Netflix series.

Since its original launch on December 10, 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved significantly. Despite initial criticisms due to performance issues and bugs, the game now enjoys a strong reputation supported by a 76/100 top critic average on OpenCritic and a 66% critic recommendation rate. Rated M for Mature, the game includes content involving blood, intense violence, nudity, strong language, sexual content, and drug use, catering to an adult audience.

Developed and published by CD Projekt RED and powered by the REDengine 4, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a benchmark in RPG and action genres. The continued expansion of its narrative universe through projects like the Edgerunners MADNESS comic demonstrates the franchise’s enduring appeal and rich storytelling potential.

For fans eager to explore more of Night City’s dark and thrilling world, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS Volume 1 is now available and promises to be the first chapter in an exciting, ongoing saga that bridges the game and the anime, enriching the overall experience for enthusiasts of the franchise.