What is cyberpunk manga?

Cyberpunk manga is a subgenre of science fiction manga that emerged in the 1980s, influenced by cyberpunk literature, films, and popular culture. It typically features dystopian, high-tech settings, often in a near-future Tokyo or other large cities, where technology and society have merged, and cybernetic enhancements and virtual reality are commonplace.

The themes of cyberpunk manga generally revolve around the dangers and ethical dilemmas of advanced technologies, corporate greed, and government control over individuals' lives. Common tropes include underground movements fighting against oppressive systems, AI and androids struggling with their own identity and rights, and hackers using their skills to disrupt and expose corruption.

Some notable cyberpunk manga include Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo, Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow, Battle Angel Alita by Yukito Kishiro, Appleseed by Masamune Shirow, and Blame! by Tsutomu Nihei.