Lazarus is an upcoming original anime series created by legendary director Shinichirō Watanabe, known for classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. Set to premiere in April 2025, this 13-episode series promises to deliver a potent mix of action, philosophical depth, and futuristic suspense. With high-octane animation by MAPPA, gripping fight choreography overseen by Chad Stahelski (director of John Wick), and a genre-blending jazz-electronic score, Lazarus is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious anime projects of the decade. Plot Summary The year is 2052. The world has entered a golden age of peace and prosperity, thanks to a miracle drug called Hapuna, developed by the brilliant and enigmatic Dr. Skinner. The drug eliminates illness, pain, and aging—essentially granting humanity a synthetic paradise. Dr. Skinner receives global praise, even winning the Nobel Prize. But just three years after vanishing from the public eye, he reemerges with a terrifying declaration: Everyone who has taken Hapuna will die in three years—and there is no antidote. As global panic erupts, a special task force named Lazarus is formed. Composed of elite agents from across the world, this unit’s mission is clear: track down Dr. Skinner, uncover the truth, and find a cure before time runs out. At the center of it all is Axel, a former criminal with unmatched physical and tactical skills, chosen to lead the Lazarus team through a race against time and morality. Main Characters Axel – A parkour-savvy, street-smart operative with a mysterious past. He brings both grit and intellect to the Lazarus team. Doug – An aggressive but dependable teammate known for his tactical abilities and combat strength. Christin – The brains of the operation, calm and highly analytical, often acting as the team’s voice of reason. Leland – A drone expert and engineer whose gadgets often turn the tide in tough situations. Eleina – A skilled hacker who connects digital intelligence with field operations, providing crucial support. Abel and Hersch – Senior advisors with extensive knowledge of Hapuna’s development, shadowing Lazarus with motives that may or may not be fully revealed. Visual Style and Animation MAPPA brings its trademark brilliance to Lazarus, combining gritty realism with stylized action. The character designs are expressive and grounded, favoring function over flash. Environments range from high-tech cities to post-utopian decay, rendered with moody lighting and cinematic angles. The animation style leans heavily on fluid, choreographed fight sequences—thanks to Chad Stahelski’s contribution—which integrate parkour, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical gunplay in a way rarely seen in anime. The color palette is distinct: cool, metallic tones dominate the screen, contrasting with sharp reds and yellows that highlight danger, betrayal, or urgency. Each episode is visually unique but remains part of a cohesive world—part noir, part cyberpunk, all tension. Music and Sound Design Music is central to the tone of Lazarus. The score features a fusion of jazz, funk, ambient, and electronic music—composed by artists like Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points. The jazz elements offer a soulful undercurrent to the series’ most reflective moments, while the electronic rhythms elevate action and suspense. The music, much like in Cowboy Bebop, serves as an emotional narrator of the series. The sound design is meticulous, from the hum of drones to the echo of underground tunnels. Every audio cue feels intentional, heightening the sense of immersion in this futuristic thriller. Core Themes Lazarus is not just about chasing a villain—it’s a reflection on human dependence on technology and pharmaceutical solutions. It asks: What are we willing to give up for the illusion of perfection? When does science stop healing and start controlling? By naming the task force Lazarus, the show invokes the Biblical story of resurrection—adding a philosophical weight to the idea of rebirth, salvation, and humanity’s tendency to seek second chances after catastrophe. The duality between savior and destroyer is constant. Dr. Skinner sees himself as a prophet, not a villain. Axel, a criminal in the eyes of society, becomes its last hope. The morality of each character is questioned, and the line between good and evil becomes increasingly blurred. Why Lazarus Is Important Shinichirō Watanabe’s Vision – As his return to episodic storytelling, Lazarus carries the stylistic and thematic DNA of Watanabe’s earlier masterpieces, but with a darker, more urgent tone. MAPPA’s Signature Quality – Combining realism, cyberpunk grit, and expressive animation, the visual execution is expected to be among the best of 2025. A Fusion of Genres – Part thriller, part philosophical sci-fi, part action epic, Lazarus appeals to anime veterans and new audiences alike. A Global Release – With simultaneous broadcasting in Japan and the U.S., Lazarus is positioned as a global event, bringing together audiences across cultures and languages. Expectations and Early Impressions Even before its release, Lazarus has generated major buzz in the anime community. The teaser trailers have teased intense action, philosophical undertones, and a gripping storyline that refuses to play safe. Fans of Watanabe are expecting another genre-defining experience, while newer anime audiences are drawn in by the stylish visuals and modern themes. Conclusion Lazarus is more than a sci-fi action anime—it’s a moral riddle, a visual spectacle, and a sonic experience. It asks hard questions and answers them with bullets, jazz, and unfiltered emotion. If you’re looking for an anime that challenges your mind while thrilling your senses, Lazarus is one to watch.