Night City isn't a place for heroes, and MADNESS doesn't pretend otherwise. This manga takes the visual language of the Studio Trigger anime—known for its kinetic, almost overwhelming action—and translates it into black-and-white ink. It’s gritty, it’s fast, and it’s deeply cynical.

The story serves as a prequel, fleshing out the world before David Martinez and his crew hit the scene. For a teen who is already deep into the lore of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, this is essential world-building. It explores the concept of "Cyberpsychosis"—a mental break caused by over-modifying the body with machinery—in a way that feels visceral and tragic.

In some manga, a "teen" rating is a bit of a stretch. Here, the 16+ tag is doing heavy lifting. You aren't just looking at stylized action; you're looking at the consequences of a world where human life is cheaper than a chrome upgrade.

If your kid is asking for this specific volume, they likely aren't just looking for a random comic. They are likely fans of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners show or the Cyberpunk 2077 game.

The franchise has seen a massive resurgence lately, and MADNESS is the missing piece of the puzzle for many fans. It provides context for the setting and the "rules" of the world. Engaging with this isn't just about the gore; it's about participating in a massive, interconnected cultural moment that spans games, TV, and literature.

If your teen has finished Volume 1 and is looking for more "high tech, low life" stories that hit the same notes (but maybe offer a different perspective), check these out:

The gold standard for cyberpunk manga. If they can handle the intensity of Edgerunners, they are ready for the masterpiece that started it all. It’s a massive epic about biker gangs, secret government projects, and psychic powers.

While Edgerunners is about the chaos of the streets, Ghost in the Shell is a more philosophical look at what it means to be human in a digital world. It’s a great "next step" for a teen who is starting to ask deeper questions about the tech in their stories.

For fans of the "body-swapping" and "living forever through tech" aspects of Cyberpunk, this show offers a noir detective vibe set in a similarly bleak future.

If they love the "die and try again" struggle and the high-energy character designs of the anime, this game hits a similar dopamine button, even though the setting is Greek mythology rather than a neon future.

The most interesting conversation you can have about this book isn't about the violence—it's about the "chrome" (the cybernetic enhancements). In the Cyberpunk world, people sacrifice their humanity to be faster, stronger, or better at their jobs.

The Conversation Starter: Ask them, "At what point does the character stop being human and start being a machine?" It sounds like a sci-fi cliché, but in a world where kids are constantly managing their "digital selves" on social media, the metaphor of "modifying yourself until you break" is actually pretty relevant.

Q: Is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS appropriate for a 13-year-old? Generally, no. The 16+ rating is accurate due to the graphic nature of the violence and the mature, nihilistic themes. For a younger teen, you might want to look at our best books for kids list for something with a bit more hope.

Q: Do you need to play the Cyberpunk 2077 game to understand the manga? No, you don't. While it's set in the same world, MADNESS is a standalone prequel. It might actually be a better entry point for some than the massive, 100-hour video game.

Q: How violent is the manga compared to the anime? It’s a different kind of intensity. The anime uses color and sound to overwhelm the senses; the manga uses detailed, frozen moments of gore that the reader can linger on. If they handled the show, they can handle the book, but the book feels more "intimate" with its violence.

Q: Are there any positive messages in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS? Cyberpunk as a genre is intentionally bleak. The "positive" elements usually revolve around loyalty to friends and standing up to corrupt systems, even when you know you're going to lose. It’s about grit, not sunshine.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS Volume 1 is a well-executed, unapologetically adult expansion of a beloved franchise. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for an older teen who enjoys complex world-building and doesn't mind a bit of blood on the page, it’s a compelling read.