Lazarus Season 1: Review
Introduction: A Resurrected Genre with a Heavy Pulse
In the ever-evolving landscape of anime, few names command attention quite like Shinichirō Watanabe. Known for genre-defining works such as Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy, Watanabe returns in 2025 with Lazarus, a dystopian science-fiction thriller that explores the intersections of technology, humanity, and mortality.
Produced by MAPPA, one of today’s most ambitious and prolific animation studios, and paired with a star-studded voice cast and a boundary-pushing musical score, Lazarus is not just a return to form—it’s an evolution of Watanabe’s artistic mission. But is it a new classic in the making, or a stylish sci-fi saga weighed down by its ambition?
Let’s dissect this bold and complex series.
Plot: Painkiller or Poison?
The story is set in 2052, a future where society has seemingly eradicated physical suffering through a revolutionary pharmaceutical called Hapna. Developed by the genius neuroscientist Dr. Skinner, Hapna promises the unimaginable: complete eradication of pain—physical or psychological—without any side effects.
The catch? Three years after its mass adoption, Skinner reappears and reveals the truth: everyone who has taken Hapna will die, exactly three years after their first dose.
Humanity stands on the brink of annihilation.
In response, a last-ditch global task force is assembled. Known as Lazarus, this team of elite agents from different cultural and military backgrounds must hunt down Skinner, find a cure, and stop what could be the greatest act of terrorism in human history.
The setup is pure adrenaline and philosophical inquiry in equal measure, balancing fast-paced, action-driven storytelling with deeper existential questions.
Characters: Archetypes and Complexity
Axel, voiced by Mamoru Miyano, serves as the unofficial protagonist—a conflicted, ex-military strategist haunted by the costs of his past missions. Axel is the audience’s emotional anchor, wrestling with loyalty, loss, and guilt.
Doug (Makoto Furukawa) plays the hardened brawler of the group, while Chris (Maaya Uchida), the hacker-intelligence expert, provides the sharp wit and technical savvy. Eleina (Manaka Iwami) is a former pharmacologist with ties to Skinner and arguably the most nuanced character, grappling with betrayal and her role in the world’s downfall.
The enigmatic Dr. Skinner (Koichi Yamadera) is the philosophical villain—if he can even be called one. His motivations straddle the line between visionary and madman. Is he a genocidal maniac? Or a prophet punishing a world that has become numb to life through convenience?
Watanabe’s characters are often defined by contradictions and complexity, and Lazarus continues that tradition. These are not clean-cut heroes and villains—they're humans reacting to impossible circumstances.
Visuals: MAPPA's Signature Energy
If Lazarus is a feast of ideas, then MAPPA delivers a feast for the eyes. Known for Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan: The Final Season, and Chainsaw Man, the studio brings kinetic energy, sharp detail, and fluid animation to every frame.
Fight sequences are a standout, choreographed with the help of John Wick director Chad Stahelski, who served as action director for the project. These aren’t just anime-style battles—they’re cinematic set pieces blending martial arts, gunplay, and cyberpunk aesthetics.
Urban landscapes are drenched in neon, reminiscent of Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell, but there’s also a rawness that grounds the visuals—grime, blood, smoke, and scars. This is a world that’s not just lived-in; it’s broken.
Soundtrack: The Jazz of Dread
The music is an absolute highlight, curated by Shinichirō Watanabe himself, who is famously known for integrating genre-defining music into his works. Cowboy Bebop had Yoko Kanno’s space-jazz, Samurai Champloo had lo-fi hip-hop. Lazarus carries the torch with an eclectic blend of Afro-futurist jazz, ambient techno, and dark synthwave.
The opening theme, “Vortex” by Kamasi Washington, is a psychedelic, chaotic brass explosion. The ending track, “Lazarus” by The Boo Radleys, is hauntingly melancholic, capturing the despair at the core of the narrative.
Each track is perfectly timed to emotional beats, enhancing tension, despair, and moments of fleeting hope.
Themes: Death, Pain, and Redemption
What makes Lazarus truly unforgettable is its thematic ambition. Watanabe uses the premise not just to craft a thriller, but to provoke deep thought:
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What is the value of pain in the human experience?
Hapna eradicates pain, but at what cost? Do we lose our ability to empathize, to learn, to grow without struggle? -
Is Dr. Skinner a villain or a whistleblower?
His actions are horrific, but his critique of society’s obsession with convenience feels eerily contemporary. -
What does redemption look like in a broken world?
The Lazarus team members are all flawed individuals, burdened with past mistakes. Their mission is not just to save the world—but to save themselves.
The series frequently references biblical resurrection (hence, “Lazarus”), exploring rebirth, second chances, and the consequences of playing god.
Pacing and Structure: Tight, Yet Philosophical
At 13 episodes, Lazarus moves briskly. Each episode has its own rhythm—some are tightly focused missions or confrontations, while others pull back for introspection and backstory.
While action fans will appreciate the set pieces, the show occasionally slows down for reflective episodes that deepen the themes. These quieter moments might alienate some expecting constant action, but they are essential to the show's impact.
Flashbacks are used sparingly and effectively. There’s a careful weaving of present-day urgency and historical context, particularly in relation to Dr. Skinner and Eleina’s past.
Cultural Resonance: A Mirror for the Modern World
Watanabe has always used genre storytelling to critique contemporary society, and Lazarus is perhaps his most urgent work yet. The series taps into:
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The opioid crisis, mirroring Hapna’s initial appeal and deadly fallout.
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Climate collapse and unchecked capitalism, hinted at through background imagery and character conversations.
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The rise of techno-authoritarianism, as mega-corporations and military-industrial complexes dominate the political landscape.
There’s also a clear commentary on pandemic culture—the idea of mass medical intervention gone wrong, governments failing to protect their people, and public trust eroding in science and leadership.
Lazarus is fiction, but it’s deeply rooted in the realities of the 2020s.
Reception and Criticism
So far, Lazarus has received critical acclaim for its ambition, animation, and storytelling. Anime critics have praised its willingness to tackle uncomfortable questions, while fans have lauded its cinematic quality and bold visuals.
However, not everyone is sold. Some critiques include:
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Underdeveloped side characters: Not all members of the Lazarus team get equal attention, and some feel like archetypes.
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Philosophical heavy-handedness: A few episodes lean into exposition and thematic dialogue, which may feel didactic to some viewers.
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Lack of levity: Unlike Cowboy Bebop, which balanced darkness with humor, Lazarus is relentlessly grim.
Still, these critiques are minor in the face of the show’s overall quality and vision.
Is It the Next Classic?
It’s too early to call Lazarus a classic like Cowboy Bebop, but it’s certainly one of 2025’s most important anime. It’s a work of artistic integrity, not afraid to ask questions or take risks.
With only a few episodes aired as of now, the conclusion remains unknown—but the setup and execution so far suggest something unforgettable. If it sticks the landing, Lazarus might very well stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Watanabe’s greatest works.
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Pros:
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Gripping, high-stakes narrative
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Stunning animation and action choreography
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Deep philosophical themes
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Rich soundtrack
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Strong lead performance by Mamoru Miyano
Cons:
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Occasional pacing issues
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Limited development for some side characters
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Heavy tone may not suit all viewers
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