LAZARUS Anime Review: Style, Substance, and Sci-Fi Chaos

Just when the anime world was getting boring, LAZARUS suddenly appeared—a futuristic action thriller that MAPPA and Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe brought together to create a different experience. And if we say that the action choreography was done by John Wick director Chad Stahelski, then you can understand what a blast it is.

Plot

The year is 2052. The world has a magical medicine—Hapuna, which removes all pain and disease from the body. Everyone lives and is happy. But the fun ends when the inventor of this medicine, Dr. Skinner, announces—Hapuna will kill everyone within 3 years! Meanwhile, people have already eaten it in droves.

From here begins the campaign of a special task force called “Lazarus”. They will stop Skinner. And they have only 30 days to go.

Positive Aspects

• Action: The very lifeblood of the series. Every time someone punches, it feels like the sound of breaking bones hits your chest, not your ears. Chad Stahelski himself has designed the action scenes with his own pen and ink, so every scene is of a cinematic level.

• Soundtrack: Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points—these three have created a soundscape that shakes not only your ears, but also your soul. A very unique mix of jazz, electronic, and classical.

• Animation Style: MAPPA has maintained their style as usual. Visual world design, lighting, choreography—everything is eye-catching.

• Tone: The series is global in scale, but the story is told from the perspective of small characters who take to the streets—this too is done in a very Watanabe-style way.

Negative Aspects

• Pacing: The beginning is relatively slow. Although there is action in the first 4-5 episodes, it takes time to become clear where the main story is going.

• Some characters are a bit flat: I feel like there would have been more connection if the character development was deeper.

• Philosophy: The series may seem a bit too “heavy themed” for some viewers. Especially those who are just looking for action.

Final Verdict

Lazarus is an anime that is not only about eye-popping action, but also about an alternate future reality that forces you to think about it. On the one hand, it is a thriller, on the other hand, it has a social subtext.

This is a great experience for Cowboy Bebop fans, as well as for those who are looking for an action-oriented and thought-provoking story.

With a little patience, the series will eventually become ingrained in your head.

Have you seen this anime? If you have, please share your opinion in the comments. If you haven't, please share your opinion in the comments.