Shinichirō Watanabe's Latest Anime, Titled Lazarus, Delivers the Excitement
In the year 2052, a world transformed by a drug called Hapna promises peace and stability. However, this utopia is short-lived, as anyone who takes Hapna mysteriously dies within three years, putting humanity on the brink of destruction. This is the premise of the highly anticipated anime series "Lazarus," created by Shinichirō Watanabe, the mastermind behind the iconic "Cowboy Bebop."
The creative team behind "Lazarus" is a powerhouse of talent. Watanabe himself serves as the original story writer and director, while animation duties are handled by MAPPA, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. The planning production is Sola Entertainment, and the scriptwriting team includes Dai Sato, Takahiro Ozawa (Ume), and Tsukasa Kondo, alongside Watanabe. Action supervision is by Chad Stahelski, director of John Wick, and character design is by Akemi Hayashi. The musical accompaniment for "Lazarus" is a fusion of jazz and electronica, featuring Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points.
"Lazarus" is a high-profile anime series, funded largely by Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, allowing for a bigger budget and more time to complete production. The series premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo in April 2025 and will air on Adult Swim’s Toonami block in the United States starting July 12, 2025, with all 13 episodes planned for a marathon airing, including English subtitles. "Lazarus" is also available on Max (formerly HBO Max), as it is a streaming hit there, with Adult Swim playing a key role in its U.S. distribution and survival.
The series incorporates creative typographical eye-catchers midway through its episodes, a Cowboy Bebop opening, and a provocative closing theme animation. A special task force called Lazarus is assembled to find Dr. Skinner and uncover a cure to stop the apocalypse. The animation of "Lazarus" is grounded and Hollywood-level, with a feast for the eyes comparable to its animation quality. The sound effects are realistic and immersive, with punch sounds, echoing voices, clanking keys, and gun rounds in a dense city street.
The closing theme of "Lazarus" is accompanied by 90's Britpop band the Boo Radleys' "Lazarus." As for the characters, they are designed with care and attention to detail, bringing a unique charm reminiscent of classic anime. The action choreography is handled by Chad Stahelski, director of John Wick, adding an extra layer of excitement to the series.
However, "Lazarus" has experienced a mixed reception critically, with some praising its animation and music, and others criticizing its writing and plot development. Nonetheless, the series is a must-watch for anime fans and newcomers alike, offering a compelling narrative, stunning animation, and a memorable soundtrack. Tune in to Adult Swim on July 12, 2025, to witness the thrilling journey of "Lazarus."
- Gizmodo and io9 have both reviewed "Lazarus," praising its stunning animation and memorable soundtrack, despite the mixed reception critically.
- The creative team behind "Lazarus" includes Dai Sato, Takahiro Ozawa (Ume), and Tsukasa Kondo, alongside Shinichirō Watanabe, who also serves as the original story writer and director for this high-profile anime series.
- Korean animation studio MAPPA, known for their work on Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, is responsible for the animation duties of the upcoming "Lazarus" series, airing on both TV Tokyo in Japan and Adult Swim's Toonami block in the United States.
