Let me preface this review by saying this—I really wanted to love Lazarus. Created by legendary director Shinichirou Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Terror in Resonance), Lazarus had all the makings of a hit. Action, suspense, and futuristic themes set the stage, and the trailer had me convinced it would be an easy 9/10. Unfortunately, Lazarus suffers from a range of issues that its short 13-episode run never fully resolves. And when it does attempt to correct course, it’s simply too little, too late. Here’s why my emotions are so mixed in this review of Lazarus.

Story

Set in the year 2052, Lazarus begins with a chilling revelation. Dr. Skinner, creator of the miracle drug Hapna, announces that anyone who used it will die within a month. This drug had once cured numerous ailments, but now it’s a death sentence. In response, a rogue team called Lazarus forms, operating outside government oversight, with one mission: find Dr. Skinner, who claims to hold the antidote.

The premise is brilliant—high stakes, a race against time, and a diverse cast of agents. But the execution falters quickly. With only 13 episodes, characters barely have time to develop. Axel, the main protagonist, is clearly modeled after Spike Spiegel, but his backstory and motivations are only touched on in the final episodes. The rest of the team—Doug, Leland, Sasha, and Eleina—each get one episode to shine, but it’s not enough to form real attachment.

The finale is another missed opportunity. Without spoiling specifics, it rushes through twists that deserved more buildup. Major reveals, especially about why these five were chosen, are dropped with little follow-up. Had Lazarus received a 24-episode order, it could’ve explored its characters and lore in a more meaningful way. The result is a narrative that begins strong and ends as a fizzle.

That said, one late-game twist involving Team Lazarus does hint at the story’s potential and could’ve served as a solid launchpad for a second season. Sadly, the show ends instead—bright and promising like a sparkler, but gone in a flash.

Animation

The animation in Lazarus is inconsistent. At times, it’s absolutely stunning—particularly during rooftop chases or final battles. Other times, it feels noticeably average. Mid-series episodes, in particular, showcase some rougher visuals and less polished character designs. While the series is never outright ugly, its unevenness stands out, especially for a 2025 release under Watanabe’s name.

Sound

Lazarus shines in its sound department. I watched the show in both English and Japanese, and both dubs were respectable. The English version had a few weaker voice performances, but overall, the emotional weight was there. The music, however, is exceptional. The opening theme channels Cowboy Bebop’s energy with a modern twist, and the ending track is equally strong. The soundtrack elevates every scene and keeps the viewer engaged, even when the plot lags.

Characters

As I mentioned earlier, the characters in Lazarus are underdeveloped. Each has interesting traits and pasts, but we’re only shown glimpses. Take Elaina—the group’s hacker. Her backstory involves a cult and global hacking notoriety, but we barely get to explore it. Doug, a powerful tactician and the team’s de facto leader, also gets sidelined until the final episodes.

The biggest issue is how Lazarus tries to emulate Cowboy Bebop without the same character depth. Bebop’s cast was built up over time, with multiple episodes to explore their arcs. Lazarus has a similar structure but crams everything into a single episode per character. The result? A cast that feels like it was ripped from the pages of a promising novel you’re not allowed to finish reading.

Conclusion

With every fiber of my being, I wanted to love Lazarus. And while it isn’t a bad anime, it’s weighed down by its short length and undercooked ideas. Given more time—say 24 episodes—this could have been something great. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity. Lazarus has its moments, and the music alone might make it worth a watch, but manage your expectations. This isn’t the next Cowboy Bebop, and it doesn’t try hard enough to be. It’s a decent standalone experience, but not Watanabe’s best work.

ーAaron