Lazarus: The New Must-Watch Anime That John Wick Fans Can’t Stop Raving About!

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Fans eagerly anticipating more from the John Wick universe will find themselves captivated by the latest animated series, Lazarus, crafted by renowned creator Shinichirō Watanabe, famed for his works including Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy. With six years having passed since Watanabe’s last project, Carole & Tuesday, there’s been a palpable excitement building around his next venture. Now, the creator has teamed up with Studio MAPPA, known for their animation work on Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan, to bring us Lazarus – a futuristic tale centered around an eclectic band of characters joining forces to track down a neuroscientist who appears intent on annihilating the human race.

The inaugural episode of the series aired on Adult Swim, and subsequently became available for streaming on HBO Max this past Sunday. Remarkably, even after just one episode, Lazarus has made a significant impact on the popularity rankings among streamed content on the platform, reaching the #4 position. The first episode of Lazarus offers a highly captivating introduction to its storyline, culminating in an ending that introduces viewers to the vibrant array of characters they’ll follow week by week.

Apart from Watanabe, there’s another key creative force at work on this series. Chad Stahelski, renowned for directing the John Wick movies, handles the action sequences. His unique ability to create dynamic action and weave intricate narratives through fights could make Lazarus a standout in Max’s streaming library, significantly boosting its popularity on the platform. Stahelski has shown an affinity for animation and anime in the past, a trait that becomes apparent when you watch the series.

‘Lazarus’ Sets Up an Intriguing Premise That Will Keep Viewers Engaged

Initially, the futuristic and utopian setting of the Lazarus series may have attracted anime fans due to its resemblance to Cowboy Bebop. But what truly captivates viewers is the enigmatic plot at the heart of the story, as the driving force behind the show’s catastrophic events remains unclear. The mysterious neuroscientist introduced in the premiere episode doesn’t disclose his motivations, which makes the Lazarus team’s pursuit of him more compelling for viewers.

Studio MAPPA’s smooth animation will surely captivate viewers, making them eager to watch the series. Previously, Watanabe has openly admired the John Wick films and considers them highly influential, which is why he collaborated with Stahelski to choreograph the action scenes. Notably, the initial prison break sequence in the first episode showcases Axel’s remarkable parkour and combat skills as he escapes.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’m hoping that the upcoming seasons of “Lazarus” will maintain the same high-quality choreography and animation as its premiere, ensuring it stays at the top of Max’s charts. Unlike Watanabe’s other works, “Lazarus” is likely to have just one season, given the creator’s preference for wrapping up complete stories in a single season with a definite ending. For now, fans can only anticipate one season, but if the show continues to captivate viewers on streaming platforms, we might see more projects from this legendary anime director sooner rather than later.

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2025-04-09 17:33