How will the end of the world come upon us?
This cheap escape from reality suddenly threatens humanitys preservation.
it perpetually feels like every second counts inLazarus.
Corporations hold all the power and innocent people are rendered into footnotes, if that.
Lazarusis also a total triumph when it comes to world-building and how it fleshes out this unique universe.
This opening narration gradually morphs over the course ofLazarusas it tells other tales of Hapna-based woe.
Every character shines, undergoes cathartic development, and feels like a wild card in their own way.
Axel is cocky and operates like hes invincible.
There are real Ryo Saeba fromCity Huntervibes going on.
However, theres also a sweeter side to Axel that views life as something thats incredibly precious.
He wants to experience everything that the world has to offer, which leads to a certain impulsivity.
The team begins to question whether Dr. Skinner is even as nefarious as theyve been told that he is.
There are rich shades of grey here as the Lazarus team begins to doubt their mission.
Its an anime thats just as interested in understanding humanity as it is in curing and saving it.
Its undeniably on par withCowboy BebopandSamurai Champloo which is genuinely the highest of praise.
It should come as no surprise thatLazarusexcels with its action.
Theres such a
kinetic sense of motion in the chase sequences thats also present in Watanabes previous anime.
It feels especially pronounced inLazarusas hapless heroes sprawl through danger and flail their limbs about.
Its on par with the theatrics fromCowboy Bebop: Knockin on Heavens Doorsbombastic opening scene.
EveryLazarusepisode is rich in frenzied action scenes that are meticulously orchestrated and executed.
Each installment is as detailed and impassioned as the last.
Its not always a gun chase across skyscraper rafters.
The combat and any incidental gun-fu may occasionally bringJohn Wickto mind, butLazarusalways does its own thing here.
Lazarusaction setpieces often feel like theyre designed to push the animes visuals to exciting, new places.
Theres a chaotic, parkour-esque chase sequence while a frenetic jazz soundtrack blares over the mayhem.
Lazarusis exceptional anime escapism thats needed now more than ever.
Its subversive science fiction and eccentric action storytelling done right.
On top of everything else,Lazarusis just really freaking funny.
Theres a strong sense of humor as tongue-in-cheek barbs are traded between characters.
Its pure sci-fi/action catnip thats impossible to resist.
Lazarus premieres April 5th at midnight on Adult Swim, with next-day-streaming on Max.
Rating:
5 out of 5
