The latest chapter in the epic sci-fi multi-media saga continues in Cyberpunk 2077: You Have My Word. 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 service 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.
Cyberpunk 2077 is getting some renewed popularity thanks in large part to the tremendous Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime series on Netflix. Beyond being personally overlooked by CD Projekt Red, Bartosz Sztybor – who is the writer for this comic – was one of the main writers on the show, so you know you’re going to be in safe hands going in. Like the aforementioned anime, You Have My Word’s main goal is to expand on the Cyberpunk world. But this series chooses to focus on the seedier criminal underbelly of Night City, particularly the Valentino crime family – who play a big part in the main Cyberpunk 2077 story.
Protagonist Teresa is drawn away from her quiet civilian life as a waitress and back to her former life as an assassin as she seeks revenge for the murder of her daughter. The contrast between how we are introduced to the character as a patient and hardworking employee to a ruthlessly efficient killing machine is staggering. Sztybor does fill the gaps in though as we see how she gained fear and respect amongst the underworld – particularly the Valentino family. It all comes together for a gritty revenge story that takes many twists and turns.
Jesus Hérvas is perfect on the art front. He excels at depicting the grimy nature of Night City and the sort of criminals who operate in it. The main highlight though is his depiction of Teresa. Her guise as a lowly waitress at the start lulls you into a false sense of security which is then yanked out from under you when you see her in action. The fight sequences interplaying between guns and knives are particularly stunning.
This is a strong addition to the Cyperpunk franchise and a solid revenge story to boot. Fans of the series will be more than satisfied with this collection.
Cyberpunk 2077: You Have My Word is out 21 March from Dark Horse (9781506725666, p/b, £18.99)
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