When you look at Lazarus, a show with such a promising start, it feels like a mix of ambitious ideas and disappointing execution. The anime, which at first glance has a bold visual style and amazing action, fails to turn its good looks into something with real substance, giving in to mediocrity and a lack of originality.
The animation from Studio MAPPA is, without a doubt, the show's biggest strength. The fight scenes, choreographed by Chad Stahelski, the director of John Wick, are breathtaking. They have a fluidity and energy that prove the potential for action in anime. The futuristic style and awesome music direction, with a soundtrack that blends jazz, electronic, and hip-hop, create an immersive atmosphere. But that's where the anime's biggest weakness shows: the style, no matter how polished, can't save a story that barely goes anywhere.
The plot, which is supposed to be a dystopian thriller, drags on because of convenience, not because of the story's natural progression. The search for the mysterious Dr. Skinner is clumsy, and clues seem to just pop up out of nowhere. Instead of building tension, the narrative drains it, rushing to the end without making any real progress. This rush is a clear problem, as the series tackles complex themes like global warming and social issues but handles them in a super shallow way, as if they're just a checklist to get through.
The characters in Lazarus are, for the most part, forgettable and cliché. The show tries to give them depth through episodes dedicated to their backstories, but these feel rushed and forced, not like an organic part of the plot. The chemistry between them is almost non-existent, and the dialogue often feels awkward and uninspired.
The main characters, who are supposed to carry the show, end up being overshadowed by side characters who drop the big reveals, leaving the main cast adrift in their own story. The attempt to create a new Spike Spiegel in Axel Gilberto is as obvious as it is bland, and most of the side characters are just thin stereotypes.
If your top priority is a high-level visual and audio experience, with spectacular action sequences, a striking futuristic style, and a great soundtrack, then absolutely, it's worth watching. Lazarus is a show that's a feast for the eyes and ears, proving the talent of Studio MAPPA and the aesthetic direction of Shinichiro Watanabe. However, if you're looking for a solid story, well-developed characters, and a plot with real depth and originality, the answer is no. The series fails to deliver on its story promises, feeling like a mediocre echo of better works. It's the kind of anime you can watch for a distraction, but not if you're looking for a serious and engaging sci-fi story.
