Lazarus, the new anime from Studio MAPPA and Shinichiro Watanabe, creator of Cowboy Bebop, has arrived with a different storyline and a reminder that the year isn't over yet for the otaku audience. Featuring a sarcastic, charismatic Brazilian protagonist who is a master of parkour, the series promises to surprise and kick off the Spring Season on the right foot.
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In the year 2052, a drug named Hapuna, believed by many to be a miracle painkiller, was declared a deadly trap by its creator, Dr. Skinner himself. Those who consumed it have only 30 days left to live. Because of this, Hirsch, commander of the Lazarus team, proposes that Axel Gilberto, the anime's protagonist, join the team with the goal of finding Dr. Skinner, the one responsible for creating Hapuna.
The Lazarus group begins searching for Dr. Skinner
In episode 2 , released on April 13th, Axel, who escaped from prison and demonstrated his escape skills, joins the Lazarus team and begins his mission to find Dr. Skinner, a scientist considered a genius and a three-time Nobel Prize winner. Thus, the anime holds a mystery: why would Skinner, a man who donated his prize money and worked hard to solve climate crises, environmental problems, and inequality, create a deadly painkiller?
Elaina, the group's hacker, discovers that Skinner has purchased a nuclear shelter. Gilberto and Cristina go to the shelter and find a man. Afterwards, other people who were also looking for the scientist arrive at the location. The encounter between the groups generates a conflict and another demonstration of the protagonist's skills. In the end, after a DNA test, they discover that the man is not, in fact, Dr. Skinner.
Furthermore, even with only two episodes, the fight scenes are already a highlight. This is no surprise, since Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick franchise, is contributing to the action design. At the end of the second episode, after an unsuccessful search for Dr. Skinner, Elaina seems to have finally found a clue. The scientist's face has been identified, the problem is that he is in several places at the same time.
This anime has the potential to be one of the best of the season
Lazarus opted for simple yet well-done animation, with particular emphasis on the action scenes, which are dynamic and flow smoothly. Furthermore, the plot has great potential, where the fine line between good and evil can be explored from Dr. Skinner's perspective.
Furthermore, the characters, especially the protagonist, have charisma. It's still early in the story, but it would be interesting if, at some point, the anime explored the past of the other group members.
The episodes of Lazarus are available on the Max streaming platform, dubbed in Portuguese. Keep following AnimeNews to stay updated on anime, manga, and everything related to the otaku universe!