Lazarus Review: Sci-Fi Noir, Action, and Existential Mystery in 2052

1. Introduction

Lazarus is a high-concept, cyberpunk anime directed by the legendary Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) and animated by Studio MAPPA. Premiering in 2024, it blends sci-fi, philosophical inquiry, and fluid martial arts action with a distinctly noir edge. Set in a dystopian future governed by corporate science and the illusion of utopia, Lazarus dives into the consequences of tampering with human mortality.

2. Plot Summary

In the year 2052, the world enjoys a rare peace thanks to Hapuna, a miracle drug developed by Dr. Skinner that cures all diseases. But three years later, Skinner reveals a terrifying truth: everyone who took Hapuna will die within three years. Now, a special task force called Lazarus, composed of elite agents from around the globe, must track down Dr. Skinner and find a way to reverse the global death sentence he unleashed.

The story explores themes of trust in science, government manipulation, the value of mortality, and the lengths people will go to survive.

3. Main Characters

Dr. Skinner – A charismatic, enigmatic scientist turned antagonist. Once humanity’s savior, now its executioner. His motives are philosophical and shrouded in mystery.

Agent James – A skilled martial artist and former special ops soldier. Cool-headed and capable, he leads the Lazarus team with stoic determination.

Yuki – A cyber-specialist and one of the younger members of the team. Her past holds dark secrets that tie into Hapuna’s origins.

Zion – A former warlord from Africa turned global peacekeeper, wielding brute strength and fierce loyalty.

Alphonse – A French bioengineer and philosophical skeptic. His views often clash with the team’s mission.

Each character wrestles with the ethics of immortality, betrayal, and the question: “What does it mean to truly live?”

4. Arcs & Sagas

🌍 The Hapuna Revelation Arc – Skinner’s broadcast shocks the world. The Lazarus team forms and sets out on their global manhunt.

💉 The Syndicate Pursuit Arc – Lazarus uncovers black market Hapuna production and tracks cyber-criminals involved with Skinner.

⚙️ The Transhumanism Arc – The team explores facilities where Skinner tested the limits of cybernetic evolution and human consciousness.

🧬 The Eden Protocol Arc – A climactic race to stop Skinner from activating a global kill switch encoded in Hapuna’s design.

🪦 The Aftermath – The final philosophical reckoning: should humanity ever have been “saved” in the first place?

5. Powers & Technology

Lazarus is grounded in hard sci-fi but features advanced biotech and combat systems:

• Cybernetic Enhancements – Vision mods, strength amplification, reflex boosters.

• AI Surveillance – Skinner uses omnipresent data systems to stay one step ahead.

• Hapuna Virus – A nanotech-based cure-turned-virus embedded in every citizen.

• Neural Combat – Battles that include hacking neural implants mid-fight.

• Bio-drones – Living weapons used for infiltration and assassination.

6. Top Moments & Highlights

🔥 The ambush in Neo-Kyoto – A gorgeously choreographed sequence blending Watanabe’s signature jazz-fusion sound with brutal hand-to-hand combat.

🎭 Dr. Skinner’s speech to humanity – Chilling, poetic, and a masterclass in villain philosophy.

🚀 Yuki’s betrayal and redemption – A twist that reframes everything about Lazarus's mission.

🧠 James vs. the AI Neural Duelist – A mind-bending combat sequence fusing Matrix-style visuals with existential tension.

💔 The finale confrontation on the orbital tower – Bleak, reflective, and morally ambiguous.

7. Influence & Legacy

While still new, Lazarus is already being called:

• “The spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell.”

• A visual and auditory revolution, thanks to fight choreography by Chad Stahelski (John Wick) and music from Flying Lotus.

• A conversation starter around bioethics, AI autonomy, and scientific extremism.

It's a cult classic in the making.

8. Anime & Manga Status

• Anime: Season 1 aired in 2024 with 8 episodes. A second season is rumored.

• Manga: None (yet), but potential adaptations are being discussed.

• Merch: Limited but growing, especially among cyberpunk and sci-fi anime fans.

9. Where to Start Watching?

✅ Start with Episode 1 – “The Gift of Hapuna” introduces the world, Skinner, and sets the tone for the whole series.

If you love Blade Runner, Bebop, or Psycho-Pass, you’ll be hooked instantly.

10. Manga vs. Anime Differences

Currently, there's no manga counterpart, so everything is original anime content. Expect any future adaptation to expand on world-building and character backstories.

11. Movies & Specials

🎥 A Lazarus prequel film is rumored, focused on Skinner’s early experiments and fall from grace.

🎧 An official soundtrack album by Flying Lotus features experimental jazz, synthwave, and neo-noir ambience—praised as one of the best anime OSTs of the decade.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🧬 Skinner is a clone – Some fans speculate the real Skinner died years ago.

🧠 James was engineered using Hapuna – Foreshadowed by flashbacks and his resistance to certain symptoms.

🧪 Hapuna wasn’t designed to kill—but evolve – Fans debate whether death is the true outcome, or a forced rebirth.

13. Final Episodes & Sequel Hints

• The Season 1 finale ends ambiguously—with Lazarus succeeding, but at a massive moral cost.

• Post-credit scenes hint at global fallout, rogue AI factions, and a second phase of Hapuna awakening in surviving users.

• Possible exploration of Mars colonization, AI governance, or a breakaway human faction.

14. Live-Action Adaptation

No official plans yet—but with John Wick's director already involved and strong western influence, a live-action Lazarus series or film feels inevitable.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (8.8/10)

🎥 Animation & Style: ★★★★★ (9.5/10)

🎶 Soundtrack & Atmosphere: ★★★★★ (9.8/10)

⚔️ Action & Choreography: ★★★★☆ (9.0/10)

🧠 Plot Depth & Themes: ★★★★☆ (8.6/10)

💬 Dialogue & Characters: ★★★☆☆ (8.0/10)

🔁 Rewatch Value: ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)

16. Recommendations

🔹 Watch if you’re a fan of Cowboy Bebop, Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell, or Psycho-Pass.

🔹 Perfect for viewers craving mature sci-fi with philosophical edge, stylish visuals, and tight, choreographed action.

🔹 Not ideal if you want light-hearted or traditional shonen content—this one goes dark and deep.