Shinichiro Watanabe, the legendary director behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, returns with Lazarus, a thrilling cyberpunk anime that premiered on April 5, 2025. This 13-episode series, produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, blends high-octane action, a gripping sci-fi narrative, and a stellar soundtrack, making it one of the most exciting anime releases of 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about Lazarus and why it’s a must-watch for anime fans.
What Is Lazarus About?
Set in 2052, Lazarus unfolds in a utopian world transformed by Hapna, a miracle drug developed by Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. This pain-relieving wonder drug has eradicated suffering, ushering in an era of unprecedented peace. However, three years after its introduction, Dr. Skinner vanishes, only to reappear in 2055 with a chilling announcement: Hapna is a deadly poison with a three-year half-life, and millions who took it will die within 30 days unless a cure is found.
To combat this global crisis, a special task force named “Lazarus” is assembled. This team of five diverse agents—each with unique skills and troubled pasts—must track down Dr. Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out. Led by the agile and charismatic Axel Gilberto, a Brazilian parkour expert and former prison inmate, the team navigates a futuristic world filled with danger, conspiracies, and high-stakes action.
Why Lazarus Stands Out
1. Shinichiro Watanabe’s Signature Style
Watanabe’s knack for blending genres, vibrant characters, and immersive worldbuilding shines in Lazarus. While it echoes the cool, jazzy vibe of Cowboy Bebop, the series carves its own path with a grounded cyberpunk aesthetic inspired by Watanabe’s work on Blade Runner: Black Out 2022. The anime’s visual storytelling, paired with MAPPA’s fluid animation, creates breathtaking cityscapes and intense action sequences that feel both futuristic and relatable.
2. High-Octane Action by Chad Stahelski
Lazarus boasts action sequences choreographed by Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick franchise. His influence is evident in the dynamic fight scenes, blending martial arts, gunfights, and parkour in a cinematic style that elevates the anime’s adrenaline-pumping moments. Watanabe himself has praised Stahelski’s choreography, noting its seamless integration with the anime’s narrative.
3. A Stellar Soundtrack
The music of Lazarus is a highlight, featuring contributions from jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, electronic producer Bonobo, and Floating Points. The opening theme, “Vortex” by Kamasi Washington, and the ending theme, “Lazarus” by The Boo Radleys, create a futuristic jazz-electronic fusion that perfectly complements the anime’s cyberpunk tone. The soundtrack enhances the emotional depth and intensity of every scene.
4. A Diverse and Compelling Cast
The Lazarus team is a ragtag group of misfits, each with distinct personalities and backstories:
- Axel Gilberto: A Brazilian parkour master with a carefree attitude and a knack for escaping trouble.
- Christine “Chris” Blake: A cheerful Russian gun specialist with a bold, big-sister personality.
- Doug Hadine: A Nigerian intellectual and team coordinator with a calm demeanor and a past tied to Dr. Skinner.
- Eleina: An introverted genius hacker raised in a cult, grappling with her identity.
- Leland Astor: A young petty thief hiding surprising maturity and connections to the team’s leadership.
These characters, voiced by a talented cast including Mamoru Miyano (Axel) and Koichi Yamadera (Dr. Skinner), bring depth and relatability to the high-stakes mission.
Where to Watch Lazarus
Lazarus premiered on April 5, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami block in the U.S. and on TV Tokyo in Japan on April 6, 2025. Episodes are available for streaming on Max the day after their TV broadcast, with English subtitles and dubbed versions. Crunchyroll also streams the series weekly with subtitles, making it accessible globally.
Critical Reception
Lazarus has garnered positive reviews, earning a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praise its stunning visuals, engaging action, and atmospheric soundtrack, though some note that the narrative leans heavily on style over substance in its early episodes. The English dub has received mixed feedback due to localization issues, but the Japanese version with subtitles is recommended for a more immersive experience.
Why You Should Watch Lazarus
If you’re a fan of cyberpunk anime like Akira or Ghost in the Shell, or if you love Watanabe’s genre-defying storytelling, Lazarus is a must-watch. Its blend of dystopian themes, thrilling action, and a multicultural cast makes it both a nostalgic nod to Cowboy Bebop and a fresh addition to the cyberpunk genre. With only 13 episodes, it’s a concise yet impactful series that’s perfect for binge-watching.
Final Thoughts
Lazarus is Shinichiro Watanabe’s triumphant return to sci-fi action, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant anime that lives up to his legacy. Whether you’re drawn to its cyberpunk aesthetics, pulse-pounding action, or jazzy soundtrack, this series is poised to be a standout in 2025’s anime lineup. Don’t miss the chance to follow the Lazarus team’s race against time to save humanity.
Stream Lazarus on Max or Crunchyroll, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
