Lazarus [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Lazarus” Season 1 Episode 1: A Stylish but Familiar Start

Shinichirō Watanabe, the legendary director behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, is back with Lazarus, a new anime that promises high-octane action, slick animation, and a dystopian sci-fi premise. The first episode, titled “Goodbye Cruel World,” wastes no time plunging viewers into a world where a miracle drug turns into humanity’s worst nightmare. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Premise and Setting

Set in 2052, Lazarus introduces us to a world where Dr. Michael Skinner’s miracle drug, Hapuna, has eradicated all diseases—only for him to reappear years later, revealing it’s actually a slow-acting poison. With only 30 days left before the drug kills everyone, a covert team (aptly named Lazarus) is tasked with hunting him down.

The first episode focuses on Axel, a convict with insane parkour skills, who becomes entangled in the mission after a dramatic prison escape. The setup is intriguing, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with a ticking-clock thriller. Fans of Watanabe’s work will immediately recognize his signature style: jazzy music, fluid action, and a protagonist who oozes coolness.

Animation and Action: The Real Stars

If there’s one thing Lazarus nails, it’s the animation. MAPPA and Sola Entertainment deliver some of the most dynamic action sequences in recent memory. Axel’s parkour-heavy escape is a standout, with movements so fluid they feel ripped straight out of Mirror’s Edge. The chase scene alone is worth the watch, blending 2D and 3D techniques seamlessly.

The visual direction is also top-notch. Watanabe’s love for warm, cinematic lighting is on full display, giving the world a lived-in, almost noir-like atmosphere. The cyberpunk cityscapes are detailed, and the character designs—while not groundbreaking—are sleek and functional.

Mixed Reactions to Story and Characters

While the animation is universally praised, opinions on the story and characters are more divided. Some fans feel the premise is fresh and timely, especially in a post-pandemic world where trust in pharmaceuticals is shaky. Others, however, argue that the exposition dump in the first half feels rushed, and the characters (so far) lean into familiar tropes.

Axel, the protagonist, is already drawing comparisons to Spike Spiegel—cool, aloof, and ridiculously skilled. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, some viewers worry Lazarus might be retreading Cowboy Bebop’s footsteps too closely. The supporting cast, like the tech-savvy Christine and the mysterious Lazarus operatives, haven’t had much time to shine yet, but there’s potential for deeper development.

The English dub has also sparked debate. Some find it stiff, while others argue it’s serviceable. The Japanese voice acting, as expected, is more polished, but the script itself has moments of awkward dialogue that even the best performances can’t salvage.

Music: A Watanabe Staple

Music has always been a highlight in Watanabe’s works, and Lazarus is no exception. The jazzy opening track sets the tone perfectly, while the synth-heavy chase music amps up the tension. That said, the sudden shift in musical style mid-episode threw some viewers off. Still, if the soundtrack maintains this quality, it could become one of the anime’s strongest aspects.

Fan Reactions: Hype vs. Skepticism

The online discourse around Lazarus is a mixed bag. On one side, fans are ecstatic about Watanabe’s return to action-heavy storytelling:

• “Watanabe is BACK. The parkour scenes alone are worth the watch.”
• “The animation is insane. If this keeps up, it’s an easy AOTY contender.”

On the other side, some are cautious:

• “Feels like Cowboy Bebop 2.0. I hope it finds its own identity soon.”
• “Great action, but the characters need more depth.”

A few critics have called out the writing, particularly the exposition-heavy opening and some clunky dialogue. However, most agree that the episode is a strong start, with room to grow.

Final Verdict: A Promising, if Familiar, Debut

Lazarus Episode 1 delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Watanabe-MAPPA collaboration: stunning animation, killer music, and a protagonist who’s effortlessly cool. The story isn’t groundbreaking yet, but the premise has potential, and the action sequences are some of the best in recent anime.

If you’re a fan of Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, or cyberpunk thrillers in general, this is a must-watch. Just don’t go in expecting a narrative masterpiece—at least, not yet.

Rating: 8/10 (for now)

“See you, parkour cowboy.”