Anime auteur Shinichirō Watanabe, renowned for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, returns with Lazarus, a 13-episode sci-fi action series that premiered in April 2025 on Adult Swim's Toonami block and is available for streaming on Max. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, Lazarus melds high-octane action, philosophical undertones, and a distinctive musical score.
Plot Overview
Set in 2052, Lazarus unfolds in a world reeling from the revelation that a miracle painkiller, Hapna, developed by neuroscientist Dr. Skinner, will lethally affect its users three years post-consumption. Skinner, having vanished, resurfaces to announce this grim side effect, offering a cure only if he is found within 30 days. In response, a global task force named "Lazarus" is assembled to locate him and avert a mass extinction event .
Visuals and Animation
The series boasts dynamic animation courtesy of MAPPA, known for Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Action sequences, choreographed with input from John Wick director Chad Stahelski, are fluid and intense, enhancing the show's kinetic energy . The visual aesthetic combines neon-lit cityscapes with a cyberpunk flair, creating an immersive futuristic setting.
Music and Sound Design
Music plays a pivotal role in Lazarus, featuring compositions by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, electronic musician Bonobo, and producer Floating Points. The soundtrack, including tracks like “Vortex” and “Dark Will Fall,” enriches the narrative's emotional depth and complements the series' thematic complexity .
Character Development
The ensemble cast includes Axel Gilberto, a Brazilian escape artist; Doug Hardine, a Nigerian physicist; Christine, a Russian firearms expert; Leland, a Canadian drone specialist; and Eleina, a Hong Kongese teenage hacker. Each character brings unique skills and backgrounds, contributing to the team's dynamic . While some viewers find the characters' development compelling, others feel they lack the depth seen in Watanabe's previous works.
Reception and Critique
Lazarus has garnered mixed reviews. Critics praise its animation quality and musical score, noting the series' ambitious storytelling and thematic depth . However, some viewers express concerns over pacing and dialogue, suggesting that the series occasionally prioritizes style over substance . Despite these critiques, many agree that Lazarus offers a unique viewing experience that stands apart from conventional anime narratives.
Conclusion
Lazarus is a visually stunning and musically rich series that explores profound themes within a sci-fi framework. While it may not fully recapture the essence of Cowboy Bebop, it establishes its own identity through a blend of action, philosophy, and artistry. For viewers seeking an anime that challenges conventions and offers a thought-provoking narrative, Lazarus is a commendable addition to the genre.
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Anime Review