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Over 25 years ago, director Shinichiro Watanabe changed the anime world forever with his groundbreaking hit, Cowboy Bebop (1998). Now, Watanabe is gearing up for the television premiere of his upcoming Spring 2025 series, Lazarus -- a work that its team is praising as "the highest level of entertainment we Japanese can create."

As detailed on Mantan Web, an advance screening of Lazarus was recently held at the Shinjuku Wald 9 movie theater in Tokyo. Here, director Watanabe presented Episode 1 alongside several key cast members, including Mamoru Miyano (Axel), Makoto Furukawa (Doug) and Yuuma Uchida (Leland). Although the primary voice cast has worked on other projects, they are especially enthusiastic about this specific undertaking. Consequently, the first day of recording was extremely nerve-wracking, particularly for Furukawa. "I was very nervous. There are sweat stains on the script for Episode 1," he admitted. "The performance was born because of that tension."

New Mappa & Adult Swim Anime...

One of the most beloved creators in all of anime is returning to Adult Swim. “Lazarus,” the newest show from “Cowboy Bebop” director Shinichirō Watanabe, will premiere on Adult Swim on April 5 at midnight during the network’s Toonami programming block.

Described as a sci-fi thriller set in the year 2052, “Lazarus” revolves around a miracle drug called Hapna that claims to free anyone who takes it from all pain. But the supposed panacea comes with a horrific side effect: everyone who takes it will die. The series follows a group of agents who only have 30 days to find the vaccine and save all of humanity.

“Three years after ingestion, Hapna will mutate, killing all those who have taken it. But you should know that I currently have the cure,” Dr. Skinner (David Matranga) menacingly says in the trailer for the upcoming series. “So unless you find me within that time,...

When discussing top-tier animation studios, Mappa and Toei often dominate the conversation. This is because they are hegemons who have established their fame through a long and impressive track record.

The Case Study of Vanitas | Credits: Studio Bones

They have made many anime with stunning visuals, excellent pacing, and narrative. But Studio Bones, a name that is not recognized by many, is not far behind these so called big name studios.

Studio Bones came out with The Case Study of Vanitas, and just by virtue of the quality of the anime, it proves that the studio deserves just as much recognition. It is a competitor that other studios have to watch out for.

Studio Bones manages to perfectly depict the essence of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas is an anime that has been adapted from Jun Mochizuki’s manga. This series is known for its intricate Western fantasy aesthetics,...

For years after Cowboy Bebop ended, the world has wondered if Shinichirō Watanabe, the anime's visionary creator, would ever expand upon his beloved sci-fi universe or craft something akin to its enduring spirit. When asked about revisiting the genre, Watanabe admits that external expectations can stifle his creativity. Instead, he’s chosen to channel his energy into a new project, Lazarus, a 13-episode anime debuting on Adult Swim in 2025. While the DNA of Cowboy Bebop lingers in its themes and tone, Watanabe insists that Lazarus is a unique new vision that stands firmly on its own.

Watanabe, a titan in the anime industry, is best known for his groundbreaking work on Cowboy Bebop, the 1998 series that became a cultural touchstone and contributed to the global embrace of anime. However, his filmography also includes other critically acclaimed projects like Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, and Netflix’s Carole & Tuesday. Despite his expansive influence,...

With iconic series like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, and Carole & Tuesday, Shinichiro Watanabe has carved out a niche in the industry that few directors could hope to replicate. And now, with the announcement of his upcoming series Lazarus, fans are eagerly anticipating news about this futuristic sci-fi thriller. However, beyond its sleek trailer, an offhand revelation made by Watanabe left the fandom scratching their heads.

Samurai Champloo | Credit: Studio Manglove

Shinichiro Watanabe nonchalantly confirmed that Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, and even his upcoming series Lazarus all take place within the same shared universe. This revelation has sparked both excitement and confusion, with fans struggling to comprehend how a jazz-fueled space Western, a Samurai road trip, and a surreal sci-fi comedy could coexist.

Shinichiro Watanabe’s Comment on Lazarus A still from Cowboy Bebop | Credit: Studio Sunrise

In a recent interview via Anime News Network, Shinichiro...

Last year, when the Cowboy Bebop creator, Shinichiro Watanabe, announced his new anime project, he brought a new sense of excitement to his fans. Watanabe is a legend in the anime industry for creating extraordinary anime series like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday, Kids on the Slope, etc.

Cowboy Bebop by Shinichiro Watanabe | Credit: Sunrise

He is particularly known for Cowboy Bebop, which was one of the first anime series that made a global impact and earned worldwide appreciation. The series paved the way for the globalization of the anime industry, especially gaining a lot of hype in the West. And now, Watanabe’s upcoming series, Lazarus, is going to follow in the footsteps of Cowboy Bebop.

Watanabe is too excited for Lazarus as he has stepped out to promote the series as much as possible. During the promotions, the Cowboy Bebop creator made an intriguing...

The upcoming anime action series Lazarus, directed by legendary Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe, is set for 2025 on Cartoon Networks late-night Toonami block on Adult Swim. Watanabe recently revealed how the Adult Swim-original anime series received help from an unexpected Hollywood director.

In an interview with Anime News Network, Watanabe revealed how the John Wick filmmaker became involved in the production of Lazarus. "This show gave me the opportunity to pursue significant collaborations," he said. "One of which was collaborating with Chad Stahelski, the director of John Wick, working with us to create the action choreography. As part of their service, they even shot live-action fight sequences for us."

Related One of the Best Studio Ghibli Movies Is Finally Returning to Theaters

Gkids is closing out this year's Ghibli Fest with a five-day screening period for the film that introduced millions to Studio Ghibli's beloved mascot.

John Wick's...

Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe has a knack for integrating diverse musical genres into his works. His signature style involves seamlessly blending his narrative with music, which is perfectly portrayed in the series he directs.

For instance Cowboy Bebop features a jazz-infused soundtrack by Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts, enhancing its neo-noir ambiance. On the other hand, Samurai Champloo combines Edo-period storytelling with hip-hop beats, notably collaborating with artists like Nujabes.

After that came Carole & Tuesday, which centers on aspiring musicians, showcasing a variety of musical styles and featuring contributions from international artists.

So, it is indeed an exciting development for anime fans, when Watanabe expresses a keen interest in collaborating with a pop sensation like Billie Eilish.

In a recent interview with Anime News Network, Watanabe was asked what music he was currently listening to, and what his top 5 was.

The director took this opportunity to share his admiration for Eilish,...

Anime director Shinichir Watanabe is a legend who has consistently bridged the gap between his niche medium and the mainstream. Thanks to seminal hits like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, and more, Watanabe has established a prestigious reputation even simply when his name is attached. But it's more than a sterling mark of quality connecting these series, with a recent Anime News Network interview highlighting how he believes all of his series, including Lazarus, are connected.

Lazarus, slated for a 2025 release, is Watanabe's latest project and boasts many similar qualities in common with Cowboy Bebop, down to its choreographed action. With the amazing help of star directors like Chad Stahelski, Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo creating the music and animation by Mappa, the series is primed to go down among the greats like all the rest. But with Watanabe's take on his collective works, it might be worth...

The anime industry lost a long-treasured gem as Ryou Kouno, a talented art director, passed away recently. Kouno has been in the anime industry for decades and has made significant contributions during her career. News of her passing away has been received by fans with grieving hearts.

She was a part of popular works like Mob Psycho 100, Devilman Crybaby, Perfect Blue, and many more. Her easy adaptability to such widely different art styles made her a favorite in her field.

Talented Art Director Ryou Kouno Passes Away Mob Psycho 100 | Credit: Studio Bones

Ryou Kouno, a popular background artist and art director in the anime industry, passed away on October 23, 2024. News of her death was publicly revealed two days later, on October 26, by her nephew via Twitter. Her nephew also reported that she passed away due to suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.

Fans of the artist have commented their condolences under the post,...

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Iconic anime director Shinichir Watanabe is back with a new look at the future in Lazarus. After making his debut with Macross Plus, Watanabe found his biggest breakout hit in the original Cowboy Bebop anime, serving as the creative lead and director of the beloved space western anime and its theatrical movie. He would go on to find success with the likes of Samurai Champloo, the anime adaptation of Kids on the Slope and Carole & Tuesday on Netflix, among others.

With Lazarus, Watanabe finds himself returning to the sci-fi genre and setting the story in 2052, in which a utopian-like society has been formed. During this period, a scientist designs a miracle drug, only to later reveal in 2055 that the drug has just a three-year half-life, leaving those who took the drug, which proves to be the majority of society, with little time to live.

Following the release of the critically acclaimed masterpiece Cowboy Bebop in 1998, creator Shinichiro Watanabe skyrocketed to fame, particularly among overseas audiences. Since the anime's conclusion, Watanabe has returned to the science-fiction genre with the likes of Space Dandy and Carole & Tuesday, and is now set to debut his next creation, Lazarus.

At Nycc 2024, fans received their first look at Watanabe's new series, with a special preview of Episode 1 and the release of a new trailer. Via Polygon, even more than he has with his previous works, the creator of Cowboy Bebop seeks to discuss some serious topics with Lazarus. The anime is set in the year 2052, depicting a world in which humanity has achieved a utopian society -- in large part thanks to the miracle drug Hapna. However, following the disappearance of Dr. Skinner, the scientist responsible for developing it, it's discovered that the drug will kill anyone who...

After watching just one episode of Cowboy Bebop, its easy to conclude that the universe it inhabits is gritty, corrupt, and lawless. This impression largely stems from the fact that the story is told through the lens of three morally ambiguous bounty hunters. Hope, optimism, and a sense of camaraderie aren't exactly the first ideas that come to mind. However, as Cowboy Bebops figurative sequel reveals, theres much more to this universe than what initially meets the eye.

Shinichir Watanabes Carole &Tuesday follows the story of Carole Stanley and Tuesday Simmons, two teenagers from opposite sides of the Martian tracks who are united by their love for music and their dream of becoming musicians. After a particularly discouraging day for each of them, they have a chance encounter on a bridge in Abla City - Mars' biggest city. This meeting sparks a discovery of their shared passions and an undeniable musical chemistry.

GoHands’ Momentary Lily Original Anime Announces January 2025 Release - Main Image

Momentary Lily is an upcoming original anime slated to be released in the winter season. While there aren’t a lot of details yet regarding its premise and plot synopsis, the anime promises to be an intriguing show fans should keep an eye out for, as teased by its interesting trailer.

Momentary Lily Original Anime Sets Winter 2025 Release Window

The Momentary Lily anime is slated to premiere in January 2025, as revealed in its first trailer and main visual.

There’s no word yet on the anime’s exact release date, but it will likely debut in the second week of January, between the 5th and 11th of the month, as that is when most winter anime release their first episode.

Specific details about the anime’s debut date will likely be confirmed in the months leading up to its premiere.

Have you ever heard of a studio created specifically to produce an anime? That's the legend behind Studio Bind, founded in November 2018 as a joint effort between the production companies White Fox and Egg Firm. But how true is that claim? Let's delve into the history of Studio Bind and its most important figures, as well as its two anime series, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and Onimai: I'm Now Your Sister! The Work That Necessitated the Creation of Studio Bind Every story has a beginning, this one starts with Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and how it was eventually chosen as Studio Bind’s first project. The original web novel by Rifujin na Magonote was published on the website Shosetsuka ni Naro from September 2012 to April 2015 , before transitioning to light novel format under Media Factory's Mf Books imprint, with illustrations by ShiroTaka. This version was published from January 2014 to 2022, totaling 26 volumes.

Inio Asanos critically-acclaimed sci-fi drama Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction recently inspired a theatrical anime movie that premiered on March 22, 2024, in Japan. Now, as Part 2 of the movie is set to be released on May 24 in Japan, a Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction TV anime series will make its global streaming premiere on Crunchyroll.

Per a press release, anime streaming giant Crunchyroll has acquired the rights to the newly-announced Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction anime TV series for release in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. The new Dddd anime project will be an 18-episode TV adaptation of the two-part theatrical films, featuring brand-new footage never before seen in theaters. Crunchyroll will begin streaming the new Dddd anime TV series on Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m. (Pt). New episodes will continue to be released weekly.

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The director of the classic '90s anime Cowboy Bebop, Shinichirō Watanabe, revealed in a recent interview that he hopes to someday work on live-action.

When asked if he has ever wanted to direct a live-action production in his interview by Full Frontal, Watanabe responded by saying, "I do, but I didn’t really have any opportunities… Or rather, I had one, but it never happened. We didn’t have money, didn’t find actors, there were multiple reasons… But if I had another opportunity, I’d take it. I’ve always dreamt of doing live-action, and at first, I really hesitated between doing live-action and animation. I ended up doing animation, and my dreams there have kinda come true (laughs), so now I just have live-action left."

New Cowboy Bebop Fragrance Line Promises to Make You Smell Like Spike, Faye or Julia

Shinichirō Watanabe's Anime Career

Watanabe has...

What makes the most interesting anime utopias noteworthy is that they seek to portray a delicate balance, usually with the appropriate level of self-awareness. The concept of utopias is an intriguing one, as its definition and specifics will always be subjective. With everyone having different needs and wants, what one may consider desirable could be the complete opposite of what others are looking for.

Utopian fiction is always mesmerizing because it seeks to portray genuinely perfect worlds. However, as the existence of such worlds is simply not possible, there will always be flaws and weaknesses hiding right below the surface, waiting to disrupt the image that is typically only alluring on the surface level. As these great anime utopias prove, even in the most ideal of situations, objective and absolute perfection will never be achievable.

Harmony

Harmony is a movie that seeks to portray a situation where the safety and...

One good thing about Japanese media is that it isn’t difficult to find anime and manga that include LGBTQ+ representation. With that being said, a lot of LGBTQ+ anime and manga are coming-of-age stories, which usually take place in high school, when self-discovery is at its peak. As animanga fans grow older, they often start looking for more relatable content.

Thankfully, creators are aware that there's more than one kind of story worth telling. Whether its the college boys in I Hear The Sunspot or the married men in What Did You Eat Yesterday? there's a lot for curious readers to explore. Self-understanding and acceptance doesn't happen at the same time in everyone's life. While these stories are still only a small fragment of the vast list of Japanese entertainment, there are still some great queer anime and manga that exist outside the bounds of high school

Related: 10 Anime...

Fans of sci-fi and anime were treated to exciting news when Adult Swim announced a new anime from the creators of Cowboy Bebop and John Wick, titled Lazarus, and the freshly-released first trailer is setting up expectations even higher. The announcement came shortly before international Comic-Con, where Adult Swim teased that fans would get a closer look at the new series. Now, after days of speculation and excitement from fans, the official trailer for the series has been revealed.

Lazarus is already set to be an explosive new anime when it releases. After all, the series has huge names working on it. Mappa, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, is animating the series, while the genius behind Cowboy Bebop and Space Dandy Shinichiro Watanabe is the director. Add in the fact that Chad Stahelski, the stuntman and director behind the wildly popular John Wick franchise, is in charge of the action sequences,...

The legendary creator of Cowboy Bebop, Shinichirō Watanabe, teams up with John Wick director for a new anime series.

A report from Deadline revealed that Watanabe is working with Adult Swim and Studio Mappa to produce an anime project titled Lazarus. It is described as a sci-fi action thriller set in the near future and will be the first series written/directed by the creator since 2019's Carole & Tuesday. Watanabe described the upcoming project as "a culmination of my career so far." He also added that he hoped fans would enjoy it and teased that they would get a first look at Adult Swim Festival on July 22, 2023.

Related: Adult Swim's Primal Starts Production on Season 3

Watanabe is not the only notable name working on the project as Chad Stahleski -- a stuntman and director from the John Wick franchise -- is also attached to design action sequences. Cowboy Bebop...

In the world of anime, Bones is one of the best-known animation studios, renowned for their ability to consistently put out high-quality anime series. Their works have been both manga adaptations and original anime and can run the gamut from action to slice of life to comedic sci-fi weirdness. Bones' anime series have been some of the most popular throughout the 21st century so far, and even if they're not aware of it, most anime fans probably count a Bones series among their favorites.

Since Bones' work can differ quite a bit from one another, straight comparisons can be difficult, but the series listed below are some of the most popular or most inventive that they've ever produced. While they're on the list for different reasons, these are all the cream of the crop, and anime fans won't be disappointed after giving almost any of these a try.

Eureka Seven...

Artificial intelligence has been a sci-fi villain for about as long as the concept has existed, but in the past few months, we've seen the issue of AI become timely, present, and poignant. There is AI taking over journalism, AI being used to replicate actors' voices, and AI making a whole Oasis album. Artificial intelligence is also part of the negotiations that led to the Writers Guild of America's strike, as concerns about AI's role in the creative arts become more and more urgent.

It used to be a common belief that robots would take over technical jobs like programming, not the arts. This is a development few saw coming, but "Cowboy Bebop" creator Shinichirō Watanabe was one of those few. Back in 2019, Watanabe made a new anime in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the famed studio, Bones, called "Carole & Tuesday."

The show's basic premise is that it...

If you were an unsuspecting late-night Cartoon Network viewer in 2001, you likely witnessed the birth of "Adult Swim." And, if you were there, then it is safe to say that one of your formative introductions to anime involved some loud horns blaring at the stroke of midnight, followed by the funkiest bass strings you'd ever heard. That's when you knew, deep down, that something different was happening.

"Cowboy Bebop" is, without question, one of the most highly regarded anime series of all time. With its rugged, quirky characters, fantastic animation, and epic score, the show has served as a welcome introduction to anime for many fans. Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, "Cowboy Bebop" follows a crew of intergalactic bounty hunters as they travel across the galaxy aboard their ship, the Bebop, collecting bounties for the Inter Solar System Police. These assignments frequently land the team in chaotic situations that see their...

“Carole and Tuesday have come a long way since their impromptu collaboration on the streets of Alba City, and now they’ve finally secured an official stage for their performances: the televised competition, Mars Brightest! But while their soulful music wows the judges and audience, dissonance grows between them, threatening to tear their group apart. Can Carole and Tuesday come out of Mars Brightest as the winners—or even as a team…?” (Yen Press)

On Amazon

The third and final volume in the “Carole and Tuesday” manga adaptation comes to an end at the same point as the first season of the anime. A slightly bittersweet conclusion, as the book acts as a wonderful love letter to the hit tv series, but won’t extend into the second story arc. Regardless, the third volume brings the reader into the “Mars’s Brightest”, the pinnacle event of both seasons,...

As streamers continue to carve out their niches for specialized content, Netflix has established a firm foothold in original anime production of both established and original IP. On Tuesday morning, the platform outlined a group of exciting upcoming titles, headlined by the hugely anticipated “The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf” animated spinoff, in a pre-recorded Studio Focus panel, streamed as part of the Annecy Film Festival.

In “The Witcher,” one of Netflix’s most popular original series to date, Henry Cavill plays Geralt of Rivera, the outcast monster hunter who is loathed by most he comes across and willing to do dangerous and unsavory work for pay, earning himself a guarded admiration from some he’s helped. But, before Geralt came Vesemir, a headstrong young witcher who relishes his job and the earthly benefits he reaps in doing what others can’t or won’t. Seemingly unshakable, Vesemir will face...

“Carole and Tuesday aren’t the only ones searching for stardom on Mars! Former child actor Angela will stop at nothing to achieve her singing debut—even if she has to become the puppet of a mysterious genius to do it. As Carole and Tuesday continue chasing their dreams, can this brash young star avoid butting heads with her songwriter long enough to make it onstage?” (Yen Press)

With the first volume bringing together the titular two young hopeful singers, the second entry shifts to explore the nuances of the music industry, through both established and new musicians. Notably, the book is largely preoccupied with Angela and her work with the cold and calculated Mr Tao. A humorous duo whose goal to make Angela a stand out talent provides some comedic flair lacking in the first. In addition, fans will recognize notable and beloved faces such as...

Based off of the hit anime, “Carole and Tuesday” follows the adventures of the titular duo as they strive to make a name for themselves in a music industry dominated by computer calculated hits. The first volume covers; the meeting of the two, their first viral hit, meeting with manager Roddy, and their first performance on the big stage.

Carole and Tuesday rests as my all time favorite anime series, not just as a celebration of music but for the strong design and uplifting narrative that left such a positive impression long after each season concluded. Consequently, I was excited at word of Yen Press releasing the manga adaptation. This bias is necessary in approaching the review, as the experience of the anime was embedded in my own experience with the manga. With that established, Morito Yamataka’s take on the original story by Bones and Shinchiro...

Another year has passed and it’s the perfect time to remember its best titles. Plenty of series have aired since the beginning of 2019 and there is such a huge variety of genres, that I guarantee you that you’ll find a gem of your taste. So allow me to elaborate more, by sharing all the anime that caught my attention, by hitting the right spots, in random order!

1. Carole and Tuesday

“Carole and Tuesday” takes place in a setting quite similar to Nana’s, though it has numerous sci-fi elements. The plot narrates the story of Carole and Tuesday, two young girls who love music and live on …Mars. In this futuristic environment, people have stopped making art and modern technology has taken over everything. However, those two stubborn ladies will make a difference, by following their dream of becoming professional musicians. This anime is produced by Studio Bones...