Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

As one of the best animes by Trigger Studio, the anime delves deep into the underbelly of a cyberpunk world, challenging the boundaries of human will and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.

In the dystopian landscape of Night City in the anime "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners," a futuristic Californian metropolis, dreams are often destined to wither and fade. Among the denizens of the city's sprawling slums, a young man named David Martinez strives to honor his mother's lifelong ambition by ascending the ranks of Arasaka, the preeminent global security corporation. As he enrolls in the prestigious Arasaka Academy, his mother toils relentlessly to sustain their family amidst the urban decay.

However, David's life takes a tragic turn when a violent encounter with a street gang leaves him in ruins. In a twist of fate, he stumbles upon the Sandevistan cyberware, a prosthetic implant that endows its bearer with superhuman speed. Driven by anger and vengeance, David makes the decision to integrate this device into his being, using its newfound power to exact retribution on one of his tormentors. This choice carries dire consequences, leading to his expulsion from the academy and shattering his aspirations of earning his mother's pride.

Amidst the ruins of his hopes, David's path converges with that of Lucy Kushinada, a data thief who extends an invitation to redemption. Yet, this alliance thrusts David into the shadowy realm of "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" - cybernetically enhanced criminals who defy the law for monetary gain. The life of an Edgerunner is fraught with peril, where survival comes at a steep price, and the line between man and machine blurs dangerously. Nevertheless, David's pursuit of survival within a corrupt system compels him to take risks and confront the very essence of his humanity.

Release: 2022

MyAnime List Score: 8.6/10