- Network: Adult Swim
- Series Premiere Date: Apr 5, 2025
Critic Reviews
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
Lazarus doesn’t coast on its credentials, either of Watanabe’s past work or those of the show’s starry collaborators. And in the episodes made available, it feels like there is plenty of room to grow and complicate this story as the bigger picture is still pretty unclear. But luckily, what hasn’t changed from Cowboy Bebop is Watanabe’s sense of style and interest in using animation to depict and empower people who have fallen through the cracks.
-
Watanabe's latest, “Lazarus,” calls on familiar hints while transporting us to a future near enough to feel like the present, anxieties included. .... What matters is that the whole melds into an undeniable vibe.
-
“Lazarus” was created and directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for his work directing “Cowboy Bebop,” which is also a dark, funny, futuristic ensemble adventure. The show’s other big draw is its fight choreography by the “John Wick” director Chad Stahelski. The action sequences are the highlight of the five (of 13) episodes made available for review.
-
Thanks to well-designed situations and action choreography, gorgeous animation, a thrilling premise, and a strong voice cast, he has another winner on his hands with Lazarus.
-
The series finds just enough of its own identity to largely work. While it’s not as poignant or aesthetically sharp as Bebop, it has real potential thanks to its fun character moments and ruminations on how we collectively run from things we should confront.
-
Stream It, perhaps with an ounce or two of patience. While a pedigree that includes the creator or Cowboy Bebop’s creator and the fight maven from John Wick is impressive, It feels like there is a lot of story still to develop with Lazarus.
-
Visually, the show doesn't really stand out from other animes. The characters are less enigmatic and the pace feels incredibly laid back. The concept is interesting and the team has the potential to be something special, but so far, Lazarus has not fully utilized either in its first five episodes.
-
Lazarus is a disappointing return for Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichirō Watanabe, the first five episodes of which feel deprived of the energy and joy of his past work. The apocalyptic stakes provide some propulsion and keep it watchable, and the odd action scene shows a spark of creativity.
Awards & Rankings
There are no user reviews yet.