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Interview: Braindancing with Cyberpunk 2077's Judy Khuu

Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

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For 35 years, the world of Cyberpunk has entertained gamers. First with tabletop and then with video games. But in recent years, comic readers have also found themselves pulled into this vast and sprawling universe (and we do mean "vast and sprawling"), as well. Thanks to an expanding line of titles, the "braindance" doesn't have to end when the game is over. Welcome to Dark Horse Comics' Cyberpunk 2077.   

In the following interview, Editor Judy Khuu takes us through the life of a Corpo (no offense, Judy) tasked with navigating the narratives within the Cyberpunk 2077 books.

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So you’re the editor for Cyberpunk 2077 at Dark Horse Comics. What does that entail?

I working closely with CD Projekt Red’s Editorial team, in particular, Comic Book and Animation Narrative Director, Bartosz Sztybor, who is also the brilliant writer behind our Cyberpunk 2077 comic miniseries You Have My Word and Blackout, as well as our current miniseries XOXO. We work closely with the writer, artist, colorist, and letterer to create great comics. Combining the layers that build each story from script, layouts, inks, colors, and letters—each comic comes together to create a vision that’s true to the franchise and respectful to the source material, that’s also refreshing and new. We truly work with the best in the industry, with our creative teams tailored to each specific story.

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Dark Horse Comics has Cyberpunk statues, artbooks, collections, and so much more. How does an editor keep pace with a massive license like this?

With the diverse catalog of Cyberpunk 2077 items Dark Horse offers, we have a group of talented folks that oversee each category. Our products such as figures, art prints, puzzles, and more are developed by our amazing Product Development team. On the comics publishing side, part of editing is finding the balance between perfecting the story and published work and meeting the enthusiasm and expectations of the readers, which includes completing each comic by the print deadline to make the announced release dates. Collaboration is most definitely the number one reason why the pace for these comics is incredibly streamlined.

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Let’s talk about the current series XOXO. What corner of the 2077 world does it expose?

Cyberpunk 2077: XOXO zooms in closely through to the beating heart of one of Night City’s citizens. Between the gangs, The Mox and Maelstrom, this is a wild journey smack in the center of violence, ruthless scavengers, and those searching for something worth dying for. It is, at its core, a love story.

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Looking forward, what can readers expect from Cyberpunk 2077 in 2024?

We have so much in the works. You can be sure you’ll see more stories from all walks of life within Night City and perhaps some old friends and familiar faces. All I can say is, with what comes next—you might want to brace yourself.

If there is one thing that you want people to know about Dark Horse Comics’ Cyberpunk 2077 line, what would it be?

Just as our comics explore various lives throughout Night City, one thing about our Cyberpunk 2077 line is that so too do these stories speak to all readers and those whose interest it piques—from fans of the video game, to those who are fans of the anime Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunners, and those who have yet to dive into Cyberpunk 2077 and the recent expansion Phantom Liberty. Our comics are carefully crafted with the utmost respect to the franchise and its worldbuilding, and showcases perspectives that’ll have you experience a rush of emotions, high adrenaline, and excitement that can also be read as some of the best standalone cyberpunk science fiction stories.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to talk Cyberpunk 2077 comics.

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Dark Horse Comics' Cyberpunk 2077 comics and more are available now at your local comic shop. Reserve your copy with PREVIEWSworld Pullbox. 

Keep an eye on PREVIEWSworld.com's TwitterFacebookYouTube, or Instagram for more artist spotlights! 

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 YOU HAVE MY WORD TP
(W) Bartosz Sztybor (A/CA) Jesus Hervas
A new urban development proposal is being pushed through city council-a flagrant infraction on those safeguarded by the Valentinos gang-one to indulge the selfish and decadent lifestyles of the wealthy and displace the eldery in a historic housing block. They enlist the services of three cyberpunks to discreetly and strategically terminate the project. With a mole on the inside, a waitress who dishes out more than meals, a government official with a fetish-everyone has their secrets, and each one is about to get exposed.  

Collects issues #1-#4 of the miniseries.

"Cyberpunk's latest game might be rife with problems, but its world certainly isn't, and You Have My Word is another testament of just how rich the universe can be." -Comicbook.com
In Shops: Feb 22, 2023
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #101

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 BLACKOUT TP
(W) Bartosz Sztybor (A/CA) Roberto Ricci
It hurts. Night City hurts. The suffering runs deep and the deeper one falls, the longer the self-prescribed dreams play. Fortune, hope, love- all made possible by DMS technology. But not everyone desires a happy ending. A braindance repairman soon discovers the answer to pain . . . comes in a blackout. Collects the four-issue miniseries.
In Shops: Jan 04, 2023
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #150

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 YOUR VOICE TP
(W) Aleksandra Motyka, Marcin Blancha (A/CA) Danijel Zezelj
During a routine shift, a lonely maintenance worker encounters an altercation between a mysterious woman and the Maelstrom gang. As the woman attempts to escape, she hands him a chip. To find her and uncover the data, he sets off on a wild journey through the city's seedy mecca and dangerous wastelands where he meets a sly new client, crazy cyberpunks, and the infamous Johnny Silverhand. He'll finally discover what true love is and why it'll never be possible, not in a place like Night City.
In Shops: Jul 07, 2021
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #83

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 TRAUMA TEAM TP (MR)
(W) Cullen Bunn (A/CA) Miguel Valderrama
Nadia, an Assistant EMT for a privately owned business known as Trauma Team International, is the sole survivor of a failed rescue mission turned shootout. After she agrees to continue work for an upcoming extraction mission, Nadia discovers that her new extraction subject is Apex-the man who's responsible for Nadia's former team members' deaths. A hundred floors high in a skyscraper filled with members of Apex's rival gang, Nadia and her team must complete the extraction.
In Shops: Mar 17, 2021
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #75

DARK HORSE COMICS
WORLD OF CYBERPUNK 2077 HC DLX ED
(W) Marcin Batylda
Dark Horse Books and CD Projekt Red present The World of Cyberpunk 2077-an extensive examination of the rich lore of a dystopian epic. Learn all about the history of the neon-tinted districts of Night City! Examine cybernetics, weapons, characters and more in this intricate fusion of art and lore that's a necessity for fans of the hit RPG video game, Cyberpunk 2077!
The deluxe edition features:
o An exclusive cover and slipcase.
o A set of four Night City Autos postcards.
o Temporary Night City gang tattoos.
o A Jonny Silverhand fan poster.
In Shops: Jul 29, 2020
SRP: $99.99
PREVIEWS Page #89

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 WHERES JOHNNY HC
(W) Bartosz Sztybor (A) Giannis Milonogiannis (CA) Sean Phillips
A hardboiled journalist bent on taking down the corrupt corporations of Night City finally gets his chance to do it. Somebody nuked the headquarters of a major corporation and rumor has it, it was the infamous Johnny Silverhands. The streets are buzzing that he's dead and his body remains at the bottom of the nuked tower. His job: find the body. But is he dead or is it just hearsay? The streets of Night City talk and a corporate downfall is just the beginning.  

Original hardboiled graphic novel from CD Projekt Red!
In Shops: Oct 20, 2021
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #124

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 V-FEMALE 10 IN FIG
This version of V, is the female alternative to Male V, the player-controlled protagonist of Cyberpunk 2077. Our highly detailed version features the V that you as a player start with in the game in her shiny high heeled boots, Samurai Jacket, and smart rifle ready for action.
Figure is approximately 8.5" tall on the Samurai Base.
In Shops: Mar 24, 2021
SRP: $49.99
PREVIEWS Page #103

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 JACKIE WELLES 10 IN FIG
Jackie is a former member of the Valentino gang and is driven by friendship, loyalty and family ties. He becomes a companion for the protagonist, V, early in the game and will be a much-needed muscle when dealing with all the dangers and intrigue of Night City. This solid Jackie figure stands a bit above the rest at approximately 9.75" tall on the Samurai base, and features his signature tattoos, Samurai jacket, and golden guns.
Figure is approximately 9.75" tall on the Samurai Base.
In Shops: Mar 24, 2021
SRP: $49.99
PREVIEWS Page #103

DARK HORSE COMICS
CYBERPUNK 2077 PANAM PALMER FIGURE (RES)
Dark Horse and CD PROJEKT RED partner for our latest additions to our hit figure line for the award-winning game of Cyberpunk 2077, and the highly anticipated expansion Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. In a game that features an expansive roster of intriguing characters, our newest figures are proven fan favorites. If you think Night City is dangerous, just wait 'till you get to the Badlands. No one knows this more than ex-nomad of the Aldecaldo family, Panam Palmer. Locked in a bitter feud with the current tribe leader, she left to try her luck as a merc in Night City. Panam has her hands full as she fights for a better future for herself and those she cares about. This beautifully detailed figure stands approximately 9" including base.
In Shops: Mar 06, 2024
SRP: $59.99
PREVIEWS Page #208

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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the Consumer Marketing Manager for Diamond Comics Distributors and PREVIEWSworld.com. He is also the Consumer Marketing Manager for Geppi Family Enterprises. Troy's work includes MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalypse '91: Revolution Never Sleeps, O.D.B.: Lyrical Ruckus in the City, and the Glyph Award-nominated Fight of the Century.

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