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Shinichirō Watanabe's "Cowboy Bebop" warrants no introduction. A neo-noir space Western like no other, "Cowboy Bebop" is an operatic tale about fate, the inevitability of violence, and the sum of our choices. Everything Watanabe has made post-"Bebop" has contained bits and pieces of this futuristic saga, including his historical adventure anime "Samurai Champloo," which looks back at an anachronistic Edo-era Japan.

The groovy, jazzy aura of "Bebop" has always found a way to seep into Watanabe's brilliant oeuvre, but nothing has ever come remotely close to this elusive sentiment. So when Watanabe's currently-ongoing "Lazarus" first aired in April this year, "Bebop" lovers were enthused about this fresh, snazzy story set in the distant future (also featuring a group of misfits banding together to accomplish the impossible). While Adult Swim's "Lazarus" does revisit the anime auteur's most compelling impulses, it pales in comparison to the riveting stories Watanabe has penned all his life.

Shinichiro Watanabe, the legendary anime director, is back with his new sci-fi action series Lazarus. The show, which debuts on Adult Swim and Toonami before streaming on Max, is halfway through its run, and things have already gotten intense. Based on an original concept by Watanabe, Dai Satô, Takahiro Ozawa, and Tsukasa Kondō, Lazarus is set in the near future where a popular painkiller is revealed to be lethal, causing a group of criminals to hunt down its creator for a cure. It's a bonkers concept that works perfectly as an anime (especially with the aid of John Wick's Chad Stahelski in charge of fight choreography). With just under half the episodes remaining, fans have been given a new look at the core cast of characters, as the intense plot nears its end.

Eight episodes of Lazarus are currently available to stream on Max. To celebrate the hit series reaching the halfway point,...

Is it a coincidence that both Lazarus and the word letdown have the same initials? Wow, that’s quite harsh, but I had some great expectations for the anime. As soon as the anime was announced, a series of promising announcements followed suit. With Shinichiro Watanabe at the helm for direction and Studio Mappa for the animation, there was nothing to worry about, as far as the music and visuals were concerned.

However, the anime has painfully failed to impress the audience. How is it possible that even though we’re halfway through the season, there hasn’t been a single event or scene that sticks out as exceptional? Everything about Lazarus sounded perfect in theory, so what is it about the execution that’s ruining the experience? The characters and their names hold the answer.

Lazarus has great music and visuals, then what’s the problem? Axel and Chris...

Just imagine you’re sitting with a group of friends, and start dropping facts about Norse mythology. While they’re busy being blown away by how knowledgeable you are, you’re busy reminiscing and crying about Thorfinn’s journey in Vinland Saga! Or you explain heliocentrism to someone, and while they’re amazed by this random chapter from history, you revisit the glorious animation and engaging storytelling of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.

It’s always fascinating to walk away from an anime or manga as a completely changed person. Not just because the story is touching, but it explores world events with great detail and caution. As rewarding and entertaining as it can be when anime and history come together, it’s still a rare phenomenon–an unexplored territory for the most part.

Both Vinland Saga and Orb: On the Movements of the Earth open up different...

Lazarus was all the hype, until it was not. Shinichiro Watanabe’s direction, Chad Stahelski’s fight choreography, and the experts on the musical front; there was just too much to look forward to. However, the slow progression in a world that’s heading towards doom failed to hook fans the way it was supposed to. That is, of course, not true for everyone, as many fans are loving the weekly episodes.

The latest episode was by far the best one, it highlighted the immense potential that the anime holds. From the soundtrack to the individual character moments, everything felt alive. Before you can even relish in the fact that Lazarus has finally found its footing, the realization hits: there are only a few episodes left! This limitation is stunting the potential of Lazarus, and that’s really unfortunate.

Lazarus anime was only just getting good

Before Lazarus episode 7, the...

Shinichiro Watanabe and Studio Mappa really left no stone unturned in making Lazarus a really cool sci-fi action thriller. We get to see a wild premise of a global manhunt for an elusive Dr. Skinner while everything else in the world was crumbling to pieces.

It all sounds cool, right? But there was something that seemed to be lacking in those early episodes. Sure, the action was solid, the animation and art were great, but it didn’t quite have that heart and soul like we saw in Samurai Champloo, Watanabe’s previous works.

We were looking for something to elicit some sort of vibe that could make us feel for these characters. And then it finally happened with Episode 7, “Almost Blue,” which completely flipped this script. It had some really funny moments, and it really feels like the Lazarus we’ve all been waiting for!

Lazarus finally brings in...

Lazarus is really something else, with its wild sci-fi action. It is set in 2052, and it follows a group of individuals on the hunt for Dr. Skinner, whose drug, Hapna, is a total disaster.

Mappa’s animation is spot-on and action scenes are next level, but the characters? They are kinda cool, but they can sometimes feel like action movie cliches. Characters like Axel, Chris, and Doug all feel like they are lacking that depth and heart in the story.

Then, episode 7, titled Almost Blue recently dropped, and we get a fantastic barbecue scene where the team just hangs out. And it certainly feels like a “this is what we needed” moment. So perhaps scenes like this are a fix for expanding on those characters!

Episode 7 finally shows how Lazarus can fix its characters

Seriously, the barbecue scene in episode 7 is just the breather we all needed. It has so many fresh moments,...

Shinichiro Watanabe’s association with any project makes it difficult for fans to keep their expectations realistic. After all, the director has given us enriching and thoroughly entertaining experiences with shows like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. Perhaps Lazarus is partly suffering due to the weight of expectations.

The anime was highly anticipated, but its reception has been quite underwhelming, which is surprising. Or maybe not because it’s apparent how Lazarus lacks the same spark as its predecessors. While the anime might have failed to garner similar praise or attention as Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo, it does one thing right: the music.

Lazarus’ soundtrack might be the best thing about it

Going into any anime directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the least you can expect is a fresh story that isn’t riddled with anime stereotypes and great music! All his original creations check both these boxes, including Lazarus.

Chad Stahelski has made it very clear that he deeply appreciates anime. The stuntman-turned-director of one of Hollywood's biggest action franchises has stated before that he'd love to spend more time in the medium of Japanese art and delivering powerful stories through animation. He recently got the chance to embrace his passion, too, working alongside legendary Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichirō Watanabe to plan out the choreography and action sequences for the new original series Lazarus. Even outside of anime, however, he's put the themes and methods of the art form to use, with the John Wick films embracing similar types of over-the-top action and gritty, dramatic storytelling. With the release of the new documentary Wick Is Pain, he's now opening up on the series and creators that most impacted his development of the gun-fu epic.

In an interview with Collider's Aidan Kelley for Wick Is Pain, Stahelski was asked...

Chad Stahelski is the man who made John Wick a standout among other high-octane action films out there. He has often managed to give us a rush of adrenaline with those gun-fu fight scenes that have won him various accolades. But Stahelski’s not just relaxing in the success of his blockbuster films.

He is pursuing something bigger than these projects, he is pursuing his own presence of style while building on influences such as Shinichiro Watanabe, creator of Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop. Perhaps, Stahelski is trying to carve out his own epic path?

Stahelski’s making sure every scene screams“Chad”

In an interview with Polygon, John Wick‘s director recently opened up about how he is fanboying over Watanabe’s genius. Whether that’s Spike brooding in the smoky bars of Cowboy Bebop or the wild samurai-hip-hop energy in Samurai Champloo, Stahelski asserted you know “it’s...

Having John Wick director on board is the best thing to happen to Shinichiro Watanabe’s series, Lazarus. Chad Stahelski’s expertise and finesse are reflected in the slick action sequences and fights. The anime would instantly remind viewers of Cowboy Bebop, however, it is nothing alike.

On the contrary, the series is set in a dystopian society headed for its doom. Mappa’s animation and Stahelski’s insight make it a complete visual treat for anime fans and enthusiasts. It is a passion project, however, the director had his conditions regarding this masterpiece.

In other words, Chad Stahelski put forth his requirements to bring forth the brilliance in the anime. It is quite interesting, considering the dream team behind Watanabe’s series, but here’s the thing. This prerequisite also highlights the John Wick director’s relationship with the medium.

John Wick Director’s prerequisites for working on Lazarus...

Shinichiro Watanabe, the visionary behind Cowboy Bebop, just keeps adding to his strong and impressive resume. The sci-fi thriller, Lazarus, is the new brainchild of Watanabe, which portrays a dystopian 2052 where a wonder drug called Hapna goes haywire, and a team struggles to stop its creator, Dr. Skinner.

With a blend of visionary storytelling and heart-pounding action, Watanabe has certainly managed to give us another masterpiece, and fans are now buzzing with questions. Is Lazarus an original creation, or does it draw from existing source material?

Lazarus has even got Chad Stahelski contributing his action expertise. So, how does the mastermind behind John Wick’s kinetic action fit into this animated saga?

Lazarus offers an original sci-fi journey

Have you ever wondered what makes Lazarus different from all the other anime out there? It is original with no manga or novel involved. That’s right, Lazarus has no ties to...

When Lazarus was announced as Shinichiro Watanabe’s next project, everybody anticipated another masterpiece from this legacy director who has hardly ever missed the mark. On top of that, this time, he even went one step extra to bring in Hollywood big shots in his project, like Chad Stahelski, the director of the very popular John Wick franchise.

It is apparent that the production of Lazarus was carefully crafted with some of the best people in the industry. However, it still suffers from some glaring plot holes and character developmental issues that ultimately make the audience compare it with the absolute perfection of Cowboy Bebop.

The presence of a dynamic protagonist like Spike ensured the success of Cowboy Bebop, but Axel, who is very similar to Spike, might not be able to do the same for Lazarus.

Action is the soul of Lazarus, and Chad Stahelski executes it with perfection

In an interview with Polygon,...

If you are not a Max subscriber but are immensely curious to check out the new anime from Cowboy Bebop director Shinichirō Watanabe, this is a good day for you. Adult Swim decided to make the first episode of Lazarus available for free on YouTube — and you can also watch it in this article. The story takes place in a not-too-distant future and centers around a utopian society in which all diseases have been cured.

The twist to Lazarus is — and don't worry, this is not a spoiler — that the drug that helped humanity overcome all diseases was manufactured by a doctor called Skinner (voiced by Koichi Yamadera in the original Japanese and by David Matranga in the English dub), a mad scientist that resurfaces years later and announces that everyone who took Hapna will die if he isn't located to provide a cure. This is where the story starts:...

Shinichiro Watanabe has this uncanny ability to combine music with visuals to create worlds that just pull you in. His characters are soulful, and those vibes are timeless.

But when you look at his portfolio, Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo are the ones that stand out among all his other masterpieces. And the reason? These weren’t just shows, they changed the game by smashing genres and cultures in a very unique way.

There is no denying that Watanabe is still out there creating some amazing stuff like Lazarus. But pulling off something like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo might be tough.

Shinichiro Watanabe’s Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo hit different

Cowboy Bebop was a celebration of the jazz-inspired, genre-bending story of a ragtag crew of bounty hunters. It came into the anime scene all the way back in the 90s, but folks out there still watch and rewatch it again and again.

There has been a lot of talk going around about AI in the anime community, with some advocating for it while others are totally against it. Joining this controversial debate, Shinichiro Watanabe has now come forward to issue his candid takes.

And guess what? Watanabe describes it as a “god for a new religion” and a “heartless monster.” If you’re a fan who gets geeked out on the soul of anime, you know exactly what he is trying to say here. We all want that emotional value in a story that just hits us hard in the feels.

So, it’s hard not to agree with Watanabe’s assertions about AI. He is someone whose words are shaped by years of crafting epic anime like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

Shinichiro Watanabe speaks candidly about the use of AI in anime

In a new interview with Gizmodo Japan, the...

Shiniciro Watanabe is a legendary anime director for good reason -- he regularly creates hit shows practically every time he directs. It would seem that his newest series, Lazarus, is no exception, as the sci-fi thriller focused on the fallout of a drug bait-and-switch has been performing very well, at least when it comes to streaming on Max.

According to FlixPatrol, Lazarus was number #8 in the 'Top 10 Shows on HBO on April 23, 2025,' and was at number #7 on the same list the previous day. Perhaps the stronger argument, however, is that the new series is solidly in seventh place on Rotten Tomatoes' list of the "Best TV Shows on Max" for April, with a score of 90%. Despite a few of the early reviews for the series coming in rather middling, it appears that Lazarus has found its footing with general viewers, as it continues to have a strong showing on streaming,...

Alright, let’s get this out of the way: we all love Cowboy Bebop. It’s cool, jazzy, tragic, stylish, all the things that made us fall in love with anime in the first place. Shinichirō Watanabe hit the jackpot with that space-western-noir hybrid. But you know what? With 21 years of Samurai Champloo existing quietly in the background, I’m ready to say it: This is the real genius move.

Yeah. Samurai Champloo is Watanabe’s most underappreciated, most innovative, and dare I say it, greatest work. It’s crazy, strange, emotional, and much more culturally subversive than it ever got credit for. And now, looking back, it seems way ahead of its time.

Samurai Champloo: The secret behind that funky title

So, first things first: what in the world does ‘Champloo’ even mean? It turns out it’s derived from ‘chanpuru,’ an Okinawan stir-fry dish where you essentially...

Out of all the Straw Hat Pirates, the one crew member whom I have loved and admired since the beginning is Roronoa Zoro. Zoro is the swordsman of the crew and the second strongest member of the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece. He dreams of becoming the strongest swordsman in the One Piece world and is getting close to his dream with each episode.

One Piece fans might not know this, but Zoro’s character is voiced by legendary Japanese voice actor Kazuya Nakai, who has voiced many prominent roles within the anime industry. In fact, he is one of the few voice actors who has been a part of the One Piece franchise since the beginning, as he has voiced Zoro from episode 2 of the anime.

However, what shocked me even more was the fact that Nakai’s voice acting talent is not limited to anime. He has...

by Danny Lee

Set in 1960s rural Japan, “Kids on the Slope” (Sakamichi no Apollon) is a coming-of-age anime that trades fantasy and spectacle for something far more intimate and grounded. Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo“, and featuring a soulful soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, this series is a quiet storm about friendship, music, and the emotional chaos of growing up.

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The story follows Kaoru Nishimi, a reserved and classically trained honors student who transfers to a new school and finds himself drawn to Sentarou Kawabuchi, a brash and free-spirited classmate. Through Sentarou’s love for jazz, Kaoru is pulled out of his shell and into a world where improvisation becomes a way of living. Their friendship, sparked in the basement of a record store, becomes the emotional center of the narrative.

What sets “Kids on the Slope...

by Danny Lee

Set in 1960s rural Japan, “Kids on the Slope” (Sakamichi no Apollon) is a coming-of-age anime that trades fantasy and spectacle for something far more intimate and grounded. Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo”, and featuring a soulful soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, this series is a quiet storm about friendship, music, and the emotional chaos of growing up.

Buy This Title

by clicking on the image below

The story follows Kaoru Nishimi, a reserved and classically trained honors student who transfers to a new school and finds himself drawn to Sentarou Kawabuchi, a brash and free-spirited classmate. Through Sentarou’s love for jazz, Kaoru is pulled out of his shell and into a world where improvisation becomes a way of living. Their friendship, sparked in the basement of a record store, becomes the emotional center of the narrative.

What sets “Kids on the Slope...

When a director like Shinichiro Watanabe returns with a new anime like Lazarus, comparisons to Cowboy Bebop are bound to happen. This is because each fan, whether from the prime jazz time or the modern anime enthusiast, they are bound to have heard about the classic space-era anime of Cowboy Bebop. From the stylish animation and designs to the jazzy soundtrack, it had everything the fans could want in an anime.

But then again, it seems to be extremely similar in Lazarus as well. The animation seems similar with the soundtracks being of the same vein, it makes one wonder, what relation does Lazarus have to Cowboy Bebop, could it be a sequel? Or a spiritual successor? To all these questions, Watanabe answers in the negative.

Lazarus isn’t Cowboy Bebop’s successor, and that’s the point

From the calm and stylish protagonist Axel Gilberto to the heavy space-noir vibes,...

When we talk about the most iconic anime directors of all time, Shinichirō Watanabe’s name has to come up. This guy didn’t just make hits, he created a whole vibe. From the jazzy, space-western anarchy of Cowboy Bebop, to the hip-hop-infused samurai universe of Samurai Champloo, to the psychedelic slapstick of Space Dandy, and even to the music-driven Carole & Tuesday, Watanabe has made his mark on anime in a way few creators ever have.

But recently, during a promo run for his recent anime Lazarus, Watanabe dropped a little truth bomb saying, he put all his best ideas into Cowboy Bebop. That’s right. Bebop wasn’t lightning in a bottle. It was the product of years of dreaming, envisioning, and saving up creativity like a squirrel stashing nuts for winter.

All in on Cowboy Bebop: The first and perhaps last great flame from Watanabe

In a 2024 interview with Anime News Network,...

Spoiler Alert !!!The article contains heavy spoilers for the first and second episodes of Lazarus!

Few directors can boast about having mastered the art of subtle cultural references in storytelling, and Shinichiro Watanabe is one of them. The man is a visionary, and while he is working on Lazarus right now, he has previously worked on some of the most iconic anime like Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop.

He has worked on several notable projects and never fails to leave his mark on them. Lazarus is no exception. Watanabe proves he is still a master of cultural references and expert storytelling by naming the show’s villain after the Father of Operant Conditioning, Dr. B. F. Skinner.

Christine, Leland, Axel, and Doug talking to Hersch | Credits: Mappa

While it may seem like a simple reference to others, we know its significance in the story and our society. Let’s see...

Chad Stahelski, the director of all four John Wick movies starring Keanu Reeves, is looking to branch out from the franchise and work on new action projects. Even with John Wick 5 now officially in development, the director wants to do something new with his career. So what does Stahelski want to direct next? A war movie? A heist? A 00s-style romcom? Nope. Anime! Stahelski recently lent his action design talents to Shinichiro Watanabe's (Cowboy Bebop) newest series, Lazarus. It appears as though Stahelski has caught the anime bug... or maybe he had it all along.

During a recent interview with Polygon to promote Lazarus, Chad Stahelski revealed that he is a lifelong fan of anime, and he had wanted to venture into the medium much earlier in his career. "I'm jealous," the director said of the artistic talent of animators. "If I could draw a third as good, an eighth as good as Watanabe-san,...

After almost 5 years, Shinichiro Watanabe is back with his banger series, Lazarus. It has all the components of a promising showstopper, be it animation, storyline, or music. The overall vibe is set to take viewers on a nostalgic trip back to the 90s and 2000s.

Not only that, but the action scenes and the concept itself are reminiscent of the early cyberpunk anime. The dystopian themes especially are well-laid out and thought of through the art design and landscape. It seems too good to be true, but things might not fare well for the makers, and here’s why.

Axel Gilbert in a still from the Lazarus anime | Credit: Mappa

In the first episode itself, the series underlined a fatal flaw that hit a sour note. This is detrimental to the viewership, yes, but it also strips the series of its essence in several ways. To make it worse, people...

Lazarus has been one of the most anticipated anime series of 2025. Not only because of the series being Shinichiro Watanabe’s latest instalment, but also because just how freaking cool the glimpses appeared before its release.

Interestingly, though, the release of the first episode was met with skepticism that bordered on harsh criticism from fans. While many things can be attributed to the reason behind their disappointment, one has to wonder whether their expectations were the real culprit behind their disappointment.

Axel Gilberto in Lazarus | Credits: Mappa

In any case, all might not be lost just yet, as there’s a very good reason why Lazarus deserves a second chance from fans before being written off completely.

Lazarus deserves some grace from fans before meeting their cruel remarks just yet

Even though the first episode of Lazarus, titled Goodbye Cruel World, garnered some negative remarks, most of the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

The legendary creator behind Cowboy Bebopand his latest anime series, Lazarus, has revealed the heartwarming tribute that helps make up the new show.

Per an interview with creator Shinichiro Watanabe posted on YouTube and translated via X (formerly Twitter), the question of what interesting facts about Lazarus that fans might not already be aware of came up. "I worked with screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto, and we planned to create together, and we would both develop the story and the characters," Watanabe explained. "But right at the beginning, while we were creating the story and characters, she got sick and was hospitalized."

Cowboy Bebop Creator's New Anime Series Is a Tribute to the Late Keiko Nobumoto I: “Could you share any interesting fact about the creation of Lazarus that the fans might not know?â€W: “I worked with screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto, and we planned to create together and we...

Shinichirō Watanabe, the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop and Space Dandy, is a legend who has proved himself time and time again by creating timeless classics. Not to mention even his other works are exceptionally popular.

But there is no doubt that he excels at creating the kind of absurd, humorous concepts and executes them exceptionally well, almost as if he were parodying reality.

Axel from Lazarus [Credits: Mappa]

He had hopes of returning to his absurd roots, but when Adult Swim came knocking with full funding and a blank check, they made one thing clear: they didn’t want another Dandy. They wanted something serious and something darker. And that’s how the dystopian world of Lazarus was born.

A darker vision inspired by real-world pain

Adult Swim’s idea was not bad. Although Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop are immensely successful, Space Dandy felt much more lackadaisical and did not...

John Wick fans will love the new series, Lazarus, the newest anime from legendary creator Shinichirō Watanabe, who is best known for works like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy. It has been six years since Watanabe's last work, Carole & Tuesday, meaning there's been plenty of hype surrounding his next work. Now, the creator has partnered with Studio Mappa (known for producing animation for works such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan) for Lazarus, a futuristic anime about a rag-tag group of individuals teaming up to locate a neuroscientist who is seemingly bent on wiping out the human race.

The first episode of the series premiered on Adult Swim, and was shortly released for streaming on the HBO streaming service Max this past Sunday. With just one episode, Lazarus has impressively climbed the streaming popularity charts on the streamer, hitting the #4 spot. Lazarus's first episode is...

Let’s be real, when you hear the name Chad Stahelski, you immediately think about those amazing headshots, neon shootouts, and Keanu Reeves walking around like a boss in a sharp suit. The John Wick franchise not only revolutionized action movies, but it also made Stahelski Hollywood’s go-to guy whenever they require fight scenes that not only look classy but are also extremely aggressive.

But wait, it gets even better: Chad Stahelski is not just an action movie dude. Secretly, he’s an anime fan. And not just any casual viewer, he’s someone who’s been working with Japanese studios since the 90s.

Chad Stahelski worked as the main action designer for the anime Lazarus. | Credit: Mappa

Stahelski recently confessed how much he loves anime in an interview, revealing that if he could do it, he’d be working on anime 24/7. The guy who made gun-fu a household...

There are few anime debuts in recent memory that had as much anticipation behind them as Lazarus. The series was created by Shinichiro Watanabe, the mind behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, a legend who is known for his timeless works.

Not just this, Lazarus is incredibly special because it features action sequences choreographed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski. The trailer set up a world that was thrilling, exciting, and dangerous.

Elena in Lazarus | Credits: Mappa

The show had all the right ingredients on paper, but unfortunately, Lazarus episode 1 was extremely disappointing considering what it could have been. It felt more like a bunch of scenes from the middle of an action series than a premiere episode.

Lazarus episode 1 is all style and no soul

The entire episode essentially boils down to Axel running around. The essence of a thrilling series lies in the feeling of being chased or time running out.

Spring 2025's new anime series Lazarus has debuted in the U.S. to early critical success, with Rotten Tomatoes highlighting the show's popularity thus far among professional critics.

Early scores for Shinichiro Watanabe's new Lazarus anime are widely positive, with the series enjoying a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 12 reviews as of writing -- below the likes of the original Cowboy Bebop anime series and Watanabe's Carole & Tuesday, but well above his Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, Space Dandy and even 2004 fan-favorite Samurai Champloo. Lazarus premiered on April 6 with Episode 1, "Goodbye Cruel World," broadcasting on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block before its next-day streaming release on Max.

Cowboy Bebop Creator Continues Impressive Rotten Tomatoes Streak for New Lazarus Anime Watched the first episode of "Lazarus" in real time. Stuff like the Aniplex commercials in between, that feeling was nostalgic. I haven't watched late-night anime in real time since "Lycoris Recoil.

Lazarus will premiere on April 6, 2025, and if you didn’t already know it, it’s directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the legend behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. His works have become famous even outside the realm of the anime community, inspiring many Hollywood filmmakers, too.

Most anime series will not have a big budget like most Hollywood films, but Lazarus secured Chad Stahelski’s unwavering support. The John Wick director is set to design the action sequences for the series, but Watanabe was initially worried about the cost of the collaboration.

Axel Gilberto from Lazarus. [Credit: Mappa]

So not only will it be reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop, but also have the thrilling action of John Wick. Stahelski will shoot live-action fight sequences for Watanabe’s team of animators to reference. From the trailers, the action in Lazarus already looks smooth and riveting.

The upcoming series sounds like it’s guaranteed to be a success.

Shinichirō Watanabe’s “Cowboy Bebop” was a lightning-in-a-bottle phenomenon. It is an artistic high that we keep chasing despite being painfully aware that it cannot be replicated — and arguably, it shouldn’t be. Everything else that Watanabe has lovingly crafted since then — “Samurai Champloo,” “Space Dandy,” “Carole & Tuesday” — contains slivers of this inimitable brilliance, encased with the passionate dedication of a seasoned auteur.

His latest, “Lazarus,” embraces the signature impulses of his ouevre: a deep love for a rich, diverse futuristic setting, a rag-tag group of misfits embarking on thrilling adventures, and an uncompromising vision concerning humanity. Although critics have only been privy to 5 of the 13 episodes that “Lazarus” has to offer, they paint a groovy, highly-stylized picture of a world on the brink of extinction. There’s a frenetic “Bebop”-esque sensibility that feels so familiar, yet “Lazarus” etches its own identity and stands on its distinct merits.

Spoilers for "Lazarus" follow.

Shinichirō Watanabe is an anime auteur, most famous for directing 26-episode Space Western "Cowboy Bebop." The legacy of that show colors his career beyond just people remembering it as one of the best anime ever. Watanabe's later projects have sometimes felt like a response to or evolution of "Bebop." (His science-fiction musical drama "Carole & Tuesday" is set on the same terraformed Mars that "Bebop" often visited.)

The same can definitely be said of Watanabe's latest directorial project: "Lazarus." The series, animated at studio Mappa and produced by Sola Entertainment, is a 13-episode science-fiction action-thriller. Set in 2055 — similar to "Bebop," this future is within our lifetimes — the crux of the show is a miracle painkiller, Hapna.

Its inventor, Dr. Skinner, announces that the drug was designed to mutate after three years and soon, Hapna will kill everyone who took it. That means everyone in the world,...

Shinichiro Watanabe’s Lazarus has already captured the attention of anime fans worldwide. The creator is renowned for his delivery of many major hits, which are still called classics and are critically acclaimed

Lazarus seems to have sky-high potential with its breathtaking animation, high-intensity fights (directed by John Wick’s Chad Stahelski), and a cyberpunk aesthetic with a thrilling plotline.

Axel from Lazarus [Credits: Mappa]

Lazarus seems all set to be a visual masterpiece. But while the action and direction will undoubtedly be top-tier, Lazarus’ real potential to become a legendary classic of all-time anime lies in its soundtrack.

The power of Watanabe’s timeless soundtracks

The music is one element that has remained a constant from times immemorial, a good tune will have feet tapping and heads nodding, and this point has been capitalized on a lot by Shinichiro Watanabe.

So much so that he made jazz, a powerful and timeless form of music,...

Cowboy Bebopis an anime classic. The release of Netflix's live-action version has fans buzzing, especially considering the different direction the finale takes. Despite the mediocrity of the live-action series, fans of the original can simply rewatch this iconic anime anytime they have a hankering for space cowboys. Although Spike Spiegel is the protagonist, the story also revolves around Faye Valentine, Ed, Ein and Jet Black, not to mention all the people who influence the crew of the Bebop.

Given that it only has 26 episodes, Cowboy Bebop's narrative takes place over a relatively short period. And yet, the story takes so many twists and turns that the main characters undergo multiple transformations before the conclusion. Many fans are still confused about the original anime's ending, though, wondering what exactly happened to Spike. By recounting the prior episodes, fans can string together events to reveal what exactly went down in the anime's finale.

The release of Vinland Sagatook the world by storm. The revenge story comes straight from Wit Studio, the group behind Attack on Titan. Those who enjoy coming-of-age stories with historical touches will love Thorfinn's saga. He's the revenge-driven protagonist in Vinland Saga, on a mission to hunt down the man who killed his father, Askeladd.

Vinland Saga prides itself on Thorfinn's character development and heartbreaking backstory. It also deserves credit for stunning artwork, amazing action scenes and a top-notch depiction of a historical tale. Luckily for Vinland Saga fans, there are several other similar and entertaining anime.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on Mach 21, 2025: This list is updated to include more great anime like Vinland Saga and reflect Cbr's current publication standards.

Dororo Sees a Child on a Quest For Revenge To Recover Themselves Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Created by legendary mangaka Osamu Tekuza, Dororo offers a...

With less than two weeks remaining until the premiere of Lazarus, Adult Swim decided to tease anime fans with a sneak peek of the series. The show chronicles the everyday lives of five agents who form a special task force to find a scientist who basically doomed the entire humanity with a secret project. Each of them needs to be the best at something, and protagonist Axel's (voiced by Mamoru Miyano in Japanese and Jack Stansbury in the English dub) ability seems to be... breaking out of prisons. The anime is slated to debut on Adult Swim on April 6.

In the sneak peek, we can see that Axel makes it seem like escaping prison is no hard task at all. He moves swiftly between guards, has a clear picture of where he should go to escape and avoid them and seems like he will be out of there by the time the scene is over.

Adult Swim’s track record in anime adaptations has been a mix of ambition and missteps. While Adult Swim has certainly helped bring about the popularity of anime in Western markets, its own foray into original shows has not gone so well. Take, for example, their highly anticipated anime adaptation of Uzumaki, which has already been pushed back multiple times to the point of having fans in doubt about Adult Swim’s potential. And now, Lazarus.

Axel Gilberto from Lazarus. | Credit: Mappa

The anime is directed by the iconic Shinichirō Watanabe, animated by Mappa, and action sequences choreographed by John Wick mastermind Chad Stahelski, so hopes are high. Yet, considering Adult Swim’s history, there is always a fear that Lazarus might suffer the same destiny as its predecessors.

The curse of Adult Swim’s anime adaptations

Lazarus‘ biggest warning story is Uzumaki, an adaptation of Junji Ito’s critically acclaimed horror manga.

Cowboy Bebop has been a trendsetter in the world of anime for decades now. From future anime series to popular culture, the series’ impact is irrefutable. As a result, it’s not exactly a surprise that the breakout series continues to attract fans even now.

Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop | Credits: Sunrise

However, what many might not know is that the series was also the stepping stone upon which the greatest historical adventure was built way back in the early 2000s.

The show’s creator Shinichiro Watanabe admitted as much himself in an interview where he took a walk along the memory lanes. Interestingly, though, for such an iconic series, the reception when it was first released was less than stellar.

Cowboy Bebop was the stepping stone on which Samurai Champloo stood

Shinichiro Watanabe, the creator of many visionary anime series, including Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, once appeared in...

Shinichiro Watanabe’s upcoming anime, Lazarus, is one of the most anticipated anime for the Spring 2025 season. Afterall, the maestro has given us anime like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and Space Dandy. But rather than appreciating Lazarus for what it is, fans have resorted to comparing it with Cowboy Bebop.

And that is probably the worst possible attitude to approach a new work with. Watanabe definitely needs more appreciation for Lazarus and what he is aiming to achieve with it. So let’s take a look at how Lazarus could be the next big hit of the anime industry.

Shinichiro Watanabe is bringing a vintage aesthetic with Lazarus Lazarus is targeting the 90s aesthetic | Credits: Mappa

Some of the best cyberpunk anime like Akira, Psycho-Pass, Ghost in the Shell, or Watanabe’s own Cowboy Bebop were made in the late 1900s to early 2010s. The vintage feel of these anime...

Shinichiro Watanabe is the renowned director of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. His upcoming original anime, Lazarus, is all set to debut in April 2025. The anime is being animated by Mappa, while Chad Stahelski (John Wick director) is in charge of the action sequences.

Needless to say, excitement about Lazarus is at an all-time high. After all, the director is returning after 4 years with a new project. But before fans of Watanabe’s works begin watching Lazarus, there’s a crucial piece of information they need to understand.

Lazarus takes place in the same universe as Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo Lazarus takes place in the same universe as Watanabe’s other works | Credits: Mappa

In an interview with Anime News Network, Shinichiro Watanabe was asked about how Lazarus builds on his past projects. The director mysteriously answered:

I’ve always thought my shows took place in the same universe.

This week on The Anime Effect: We hear from J Balvin about how his love of anime began and how it has impacted his music. Plus, LeAlec and Alex chat with Gwar about adopting Pochita, how they relate to the characters of Dragon Ball Z and more! In our audio-exclusive episode we fill you in on the latest in the anime world including the Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 release update, the upcoming MLB x Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba collab, and more! Episode 55 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 55 Summary In this week's news episode, LeAlec, Leah and Nick discuss Monster Hunter Wilds breaking records, the new My Hero Academia: Vigilantes trailer being released,...

Shinichiro Watanabe is a name that carries a lot of weight in the anime industry. For many decades, Watanabe has been known for his unique approach to storytelling that seems to throw the viewers straight into the characters’ lives.

Axel Gilberto. Credits: Studio Mappa

With the genre-blending narratives, Shinichiro Watanabe has given the anime world many unforgettable series and has repeatedly proven that he has the golden touch. With Lazarus being the next mark of the director and very close to release, the fans aren’t just hopeful about the work’s success, they’re certain.

Watanabe has long proven that he’s far from a one-hit wonder, and his skills have only been polished through the years. That is why the upcoming project, Lazarus, has all the makings of another Watanabe brand masterpiece.

Watanabe has a legacy of excellence

Most anime directors make a lot of works, and while...

Mappa’s upcoming original anime, Lazarus, has become one of the most anticipated spring 2025 anime. The biggest reason behind its popularity might be the involvement of Shinichiro Watanabe, who is directing and co-writing the series. Known for directing Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, and other cult classics, Watanabe is a force to be reckoned with.

The cast and staff behind Lazarus are all big names in the industry. Needless to say, fans are excited about the upcoming anime. However, it might be best to approach the series with caution.

One issue that might affect the production of Mappa’s Lazarus The Lazarus anime has a near-perfect cast and staff list | Credits: Mappa

Lazarus has a star-studded cast and staff list. As mentioned before, Shinichiro Watanabe is the biggest hype factor for the anime. Additionally, Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick franchise, is directing the action sequences of Lazarus. Additionally,...

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,...

Samuel Joslin can be seen in the new movie, Paddington In Peru!

Released on Valentine’s Day (February 14), the actor reprises his role as Jonathan Brown, who he has now portrayed in all three movies, growing up before our very eyes.

Here’s a synopsis for the movie: “When Paddington discovers his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the wilds of Peru to look for her, the only clue to her whereabouts a spot marked on an enigmatic map. Determined to solve the mystery, Paddington embarks on a thrilling quest through the rainforests of the Amazon to find his aunt…and may also uncover one of the world’s most legendary treasures.”

Video: Watch the trailer here!

Now that the movie is out now, we’re getting to know more about Samuel Joslin with 10 Fun Facts.

Keep reading to find out more…...

Shōgunseason 1has ended, and the disparity of where to get a good dose of samurai drama can be a challenge. There is a wealth of media, mainly from Japan, that fans can watch that echoes the drama, splendor, tragedy, and intensity of this feudal culture of warriors, which has excited audiences within cinema for decades.

From wild anime and incredible live-action epics to the original adaptation of Shōgun, the variety can be endless, so to narrow it down a little, having a broad-stroke variety that covers some dramatic bases that this year's Shōgun is in good order. Many die-hard fans may find a favorite or two missing. However, these films and shows provide a kaleidoscope of media that can inform and excite audiences about the history and culture uncovered in Shōgun.

Updated February 15, 2025, by Anthony Jeanetta. The samurai genre remains a reliable producer of quality content, from anime to live-action movie classics.