Review Lazarus 🔫 Was it Based on Cowbow Bebop?

Welcome to another art post here in the community.

Lazarus is the kind of anime that grabs you from the very first minute not just because of the incredible visuals, but also due to the weight of the story and the heart-pounding pace of the action. Ever since I saw the trailer for the first time, I had that gut feeling this was going to be something big (supposedly, this sounds weird in writing...). And honestly, it didn’t disappoint. In fact, if you enjoy something with a similar vibe to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, or Psycho-Pass, get ready, because this anime delivers all of that and then some.

Year 2052.

Humanity is living in a golden age, apparently free from wars, crises, and diseases. All thanks to a miraculous drug called Hapuna, created by a brilliant scientist named Dr. Skinner. This drug was sold as a revolution for everyone:

It eliminated diseases.
It gave more energy and made life seem perfect.

But of course, anything that seems too good to be true usually is.

Three years later, in 2055, Dr. Skinner himself reappears, this time with a shocking revelation: everyone who took Hapuna is simply going to die. It’s not a "maybe," it’s a certainty. According to him, the drug was designed with that purpose from the beginning, and now the clock is ticking. Humanity has 30 days to find a cure or it’s the end.

That’s where the group Lazarus comes in a special ops squad formed by ex-secret agents, soldiers, and experts in combat and science.

Their mission is clear.
Find Dr. Skinner, discover how to reverse the effects of Hapuna, and save the world. Sure, it sounds like your typical action plot, but the way it’s told, the direction, and the pacing make all the difference.

The direction comes from none other than Shinichirō Watanabe, the same genius behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. He brings that signature style that blends music, philosophy, and action like few others can. And speaking of music, the soundtrack is out of this world. Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points created a soundscape that flows from jazz to electronic with incredible smoothness. It’s impossible not to feel that the music is in sync with every scene.

The animation is handled by MAPPA, known for animes like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: Final Season. In Lazarus, they deliver jaw-dropping work. The details in the futuristic settings, the vibrant colors, the fluid character movements… everything feels alive. The action scenes are spectacular and for good reason: they were choreographed by none other than Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick franchise. So yes, expect well-choreographed, intense, and visually impactful fights.

But Lazarus isn’t just stylish fights as I’ve been describing here its plot raises important questions. What makes us human? How far are we willing to go for survival? How do we trust a system that once offered a miracle and then reveals it was all a trap? The social commentary here is strong. You can draw parallels with current issues like drug dependency, extreme capitalism, and the blind search for quick fixes that just mask deeper problems. The Lazarus team is made up of charismatic characters, like the silent strategist Kane, the rebellious hacker Sophie, the brutal fighter Goro, and others we get to know and grow attached to over time. Each one has a dark past and personal motivations. That gives the story depth it’s not just about saving the world, it’s also about redemption, guilt, and hope.

The anime slowly unveils these layers, without rushing, making us care about each team member.

One detail I really liked was how the anime mixes advanced technology with a lifestyle that still feels very human. The futuristic setting isn’t just an excuse for robots and neon it serves as a backdrop to show how, even with all technological progress, human nature remains the same full of flaws, doubts, and selfishness, but also capable of compassion and sacrifice.

Visually speaking, Lazarus reminded me a bit of Blade Runner, with those cities full of lights, shadows, fog, and that constant feeling that something’s about to go wrong. The art direction is outstanding. You could pause any scene and use it as a wallpaper.

And if you’re thinking this might be just another anime with a promising start and a bland ending, don’t worry (or rather, stay hopeful). From what I’ve seen so far, the story is being well-built, taking its time, but always keeping the tension in the air. You’ll want to binge-watch episodes, because each ending leaves you curious for what’s next. And of course, there are some “wow” moments that feel pure cinema.

If I had to summarize the anime in a few words, I’d say it’s a show that blends style, action, and thought-provoking themes into a high-quality futuristic package.

It respects the audience, doesn’t underestimate the viewer’s intelligence, and still delivers top-tier entertainment.

For anyone who enjoys stories that go beyond eye-candy and offer a compelling plot, this one is a perfect choice.

It’s the kind of anime that reminds me why I fell in love with this world in the first place.

Not just for the insane action or cutting-edge animation, but for the complete experience it delivers. Personally, I have a greater appreciation for animes that get straight to the point I’ve had my share of frustrations watching episodes where nothing happens. Just the same old sad childhood trauma story and things like that.