Interview: Braindancing with Cyberpunk 2077's Judy Khuu
Jan 30, 2024
Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen
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.
Chip in...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dark Horse Comics' Cyberpunk 2077 comics and more are available now at your local comic shop. Reserve your copy with PREVIEWSworld Pullbox.
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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
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.
Original hardboiled graphic novel from CD Projekt Red!
Figure is approximately 8.5" tall on the Samurai Base.
Figure is approximately 9.75" tall on the Samurai Base.
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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.
