At long last,Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, the long-awaited sequel toCyberpunk: Edgerunners, is confirmed for development. The series will be more of a new adventure in the same world than a full-fledged sequel to the original anime, but considering how season 1 ended, that’s probably the best way to avoid tarnishing the original’s legacy.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2will also be great for having most of the principal staff from Studio Trigger returning, although there’s already a major shakeup in how Hiroyuki Imaishi, the director of season 1 and founder of Studio Trigger, won’t return for season 2. That’s definitely disappointing, but with the new director replacing him, season 2 can still be even better than season 1.
Why Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ New Director Will Be Great For The Anime
Everything To Know About Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' New Director
While Hiroyuki Imaishi won’t return forCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, the new director, Kai Ikarashi, is plenty great, as well. Ikarashi has worked as an animator for over a decade now and has not only contributed to every Studio Trigger project, but he’s also done great cuts on shows likeBocchi the Rock!andMob Psycho 100, andDevilman Crybaby.
For a good look at Kai Ikarashi’s current work, one needs to look no further thanEnishiya’sTakopi’s Original Sin. Ikarashi was a key animator for episode #4, probably the most creative and visually striking episode of the series, and if any of that energy makes its way toCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, it will be a truly amazing watch.
Ikarashi’s biggest claim to fame, however, is directingCyberpunk: Edgerunnersepisode #6. Episode #6 is largely regarded as the best episode for its incredible visuals and how well they sell the sudden, tragic turn for David and his friends, so with that in mind,the incredible quality ofCyberpunk: Edgerunnersepisode #6 makes Kai Ikarashi perfect forCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2.
Why Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Is Exciting, Regardless Of Who’s In Charge
Why Everyone Needs To Watch Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2
Kai Ikarashi is the perfect director to succeed Hiroyuki Imaishi, butCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2probably would have been great, regardless. What drew people to the original anime wasn’t just the stunning visuals and direction, but how well it sold itself on the unforgiving and largely depressing aesthetic of a cyberpunk world, arguably even better than the game it spawned from.
With that in mind,Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2will be great simply for carrying on season 1’s aesthetic, and ifthe teaser forCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2is to be believed, it will probably go even further with things. There’s plenty of reason to be excited aboutCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, and hopefully, Kai Ikarashi will know exactly how to deliver on the hype.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 follows a young street kid struggling to survive in a high-tech, dystopian future. As desperation mounts, he embraces life as an edgerunner—a rogue mercenary who defies societal norms in a world driven by body modification and technology.
