I recently dove into “Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence,” and I must say, as a fan of sci-fi and noir genres, this graphic novel had me intrigued from the get-go. The combination of cyberpunk aesthetics and hardboiled journalism was a match made in dystopian heaven for me. The gritty atmosphere of Night City, with its infamous corruption and corporate misdeeds, hit just the right note of intrigue.
Written by Bartosz Sztybor, and illustrated by Giannis Milonogiannis, the artwork alone is striking enough to draw you in. The colors provided by Roman Titov further amplify the mood, adding layers of depth to an already compelling narrative. The premise revolves around Thompson, a drunk and cynical journalist determined to expose the carcass of corporate corruption in Night City. When news breaks that the legendary Johnny Silverhands may be dead and his body hidden in the rubble of a nuked corporate tower, Thompson’s relentless search begins. I found this to be a brilliant hook—enigmatic and just the right amount of mysterious.
Let’s talk about what the book nails and where it misses the mark. One of the highlights for me was the pacing; it kept my heart racing. Sztybor’s storytelling excels in blending action with noir elements, creating a moody atmosphere that kept me turning the pages eagerly. The dialogue flows naturally—each exchange felt like something you’d find in classic noir films, rich with cynicism and dark humor. Thompson’s character was fleshed out perfectly; I appreciated his stubbornness and willingness to go against the grain, trying to shake the populace from their complacency.
However, not everything was sunshine in Night City. A few readers have expressed that some character motivations felt somewhat thin. I can somewhat agree with this sentiment. While Thompson is fleshed out, a few supporting characters lacked a clear arc or depth, making their involvement in the story feel secondary at times. Additionally, the plot, while engaging, sometimes leaned into predictable territory. The twists didn’t always deliver the grand “aha!” moments I was hoping for, leading to some missed opportunities for deeper intrigue.
On the upside, the visuals were downright phenomenal—the gritty, cyberpunk art style complements the narrative perfectly. The details in the illustrations captured the essence of life in Night City vividly. I often found myself pausing simply to soak in the art.
As I reached the end, the conclusion felt satisfying yet left me yearning for more. I appreciated the hints of further exploration into the world of Cyberpunk 2077, and although I initially thought the book would stand alone, it appears to be part of a larger series. This discovery excited me, as I wanted to explore more stories from this electrifying universe.
In the end, “Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence” is a captivating, albeit flawed, exploration of a gritty world replete with complex themes of corruption and resistance. I would recommend it to fellow cyberpunk aficionados and graphic novel lovers alike, especially those who enjoy a blend of hard-hitting journalism and science fiction noir. While it might have its shortcomings, the overall experience of immersing oneself in Thompson’s world and the stunning artwork is well worth it.
To sum it up, I’d give this graphic novel a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s an engaging read that houses enough intrigue to keep you entertained, even if you might find some narrative threads lacking depth. If you’re looking for a gripping, visually arresting journey through a neon-drenched dystopia, I highly recommend giving this one a shot.