Let’s get something out of the way first. Yes, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is a beautiful-looking show, but that’s par for the course with Studio Trigger. Even before the studio was formed, shows like “Gurren Lagann” had a unique and distinct visual style that was unlike anything else in anime, and the creative team hasn’t stopped. The bright colors, immediately recognizable character designs, silhouettes, and fluid animation all combine to deliver a fully fleshed-out world and a world that feels real and tactile.
Hence, the first thing that makes this show special. From the very first episode, the world of Night City feels lived-in, like it existed before the show began, and expands beyond what the characters live through. From the neon lights that cover the hundreds of skyscrapers, to the seedy alleys and decadent establishments those without wealth and power go to, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” paints a picture of a world where money is everything, and where those who don’t have it suffer in every conceivable way, but that also makes any human connection all the more special.
This makes the chemistry between the characters stand out even more, and this is a show with an incredible ensemble of characters. From David and his love interest Lucy, to his teammates like Maine, Dorio, Falco, and the breakout hit character, Rebecca, everyone in the show, no matter how small their role or arc, feels real. That’s because Studio Trigger manages to design the hell out of the characters to the point where the visuals tell you more about who they are as people than any piece of dialogue or side story could.
