Lazarus, Shinichirō Watanabe’s latest project after serving as director of multiple genre-defining anime includingCowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo,andSpace Dandy,just got a surprise glimpse at 2024’s New York Comic-Con. As confirmed by the newly-released video byAdult Swim on YouTube,Lazarusgives viewers a glimpse into its tech thriller vibes showing the agile Alex Gilberto, as he deftly avoids authorities as a high-profile fugitive. The anime is set to premiere in 2025, withLazarusand its surprisingJohn Wickconnectionssure to be anticipated as one of the year’s best series, given its associated talents.
Lazarusis a science fiction adventure set in 2052, where the world is in unprecedented calm thanks to the Hapna drug synthesized by Dr. Skinner, voiced byCowboy Bebop’sSpike Spiegel voice actor Koichi Yamadera. It is seemingly the ultimate miracle drug, halting pain, yet its creator suddenly goes missing. Upon his return, Hapna is revealed to have disastrously fatal side effects, with only Dr. Skinner possessing the cure. Aside from additional footage, perhaps the most exciting reveal isthe confirmation ofCowboy Bebopveterans, including Yamadera and Faye Valentine’s Megumi Hayashibara.
Lazarus Unveils Stellar Japanese Voice Cast at New York Comic-Con
A Crowd-Pleasing Announcement for Certain
The Toonami original anime seriesLazarusis the latest to join the platform, sure to appeal to longtime viewers of the platform similarly toCowboy Bebop.The anime is produced by Studio MAPPA, adding to its long line of accomplished original anime, the third of its projects alongside Watanabe’s direction includingTerror in ResonanceandKids on the Slope. But perhaps the most exciting aspect about the premiere episode stream ofLazarusfor lucky attendees at New York Comic-Con, in addition to unveiling its Japanese voice cast.
Abel
Akio Otsuka
Joining Yamadera and Hayashibara is Mamoru Miyano, who voices Axel from the preview, voice ofDeath Note’sLight Yagami, as well as the recently revealed VA for Hikaru Kamiki inOshi no Ko.The cast generally shows a high-caliber roster of highly active talents in today’s anime scene, includingUrusei Yatsura, Blue Box, Tower of God, Kaiju No. 8, Fruits Basket,andRanma ½.WhileLazarusis the latest in a near decades-long lineup ofToonami original anime sinceIGPX,it’s also a uniquely exciting prospect for anime viewers.
Lazarus Could Be the Most Exciting Watanabe Project Since Cowboy Bebop
Boasting All the Classic Hallmarks but with a Modern Audience
Cowboy Bebopis still considered one of the greatest anime of all time, with directorWatanabe seemingly unable to create a project that doesn’t fall within general audiences' favorite anime. However, with other niche projects likeSamuraiChamploobeing loved as a genre alternative with similarly quirky and brilliant musical choices, orSpace Dandy’smore absurd spiritual sequel,Lazaruscould be the original, gritty sci-fi thriller to truly stand out.
With the series featuring a grounded yet high-octane cyberpunk and tech-noir aesthetic, as Axel embodies the similar vibes of other classic Watanabe anime protagonists,Lazarushas a natural appeal. Add to this the pulse-pounding electronic beats as a collaborative effort between Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo, and it’s poised to be the newest idiosyncratic series in Watanabe’s catalog with a surely memorable soundtrack.Lazarusis set for a 2025 release, so stay tuned for more updates before its inevitable rise next year.
Lazarus
Cast
In 2052, humanity celebrates unprecedented peace, thanks to Hapuna—a miracle drug eradicating pain and illness. Three years later, its creator, Dr. Skinner, resurfaces with a grim revelation: Hapuna is a delayed toxin, and death looms for all who took it. With just 30 days to avert catastrophe, a global task force called Lazarus assembles to locate Skinner and develop a cure.
