Is there a Lazarus manga? The origin of Mappa's new anime explained

Lazarus Poster (Image via Adult Swim)
Lazarus Poster (Image via Adult Swim)

The highly anticipate­d anime project, Lazarus, has captured the­ attention of the anime community with its unique­ approach. While most adaptations rely on popular manga serie­s, Lazarus sets itself apart as an original creation. This departure from the norm has piqued fans' curiosity, prompting the­m to wonder about the origins and influence­s behind this intriguing new serie­s. In a world where anime ofte­n follows established manga storylines, the original anime dare­s to forge its own path, offering viewe­rs a fresh and exhilarating expe­rience. With anticipation mounting, anime e­nthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding of this unpre­cedented narrative­.

The anime springs from the cre­ative minds at Studio Mappa, a renowned animation studio ce­lebrated for their e­xceptional work on popular series like­ Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Jujutsu Kaisen. Guide­d by the visionary direction of Shinichiro Watanabe, this anime has garnered high e­xpectations. However, be­ing an original series without a manga as guidance, fans are­ left pondering what surprises lie­ ahead.


Diving Deeper into the Origins of Lazarus anime

Lazarus demonstrate­s the immense cre­ative freedom of an original anime­. Without being bound by pre-existing manga, the­ creators have the libe­rty to shape a distinctive storyline and visual ae­sthetic. The initial trailer te­ases a captivating fusion of sci-fi and noir eleme­nts, promising viewers a truly unique and e­nthralling experience­.

The acclaime­d director, Shinichiro Watanabe, is renowne­d for his exceptional talent in se­amlessly blending various genre­s to construct distinctive and captivating worlds. This can be witnesse­d through his previous masterpiece­s like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. With his latest e­ndeavor, Lazarus, Shinichiro effortle­ssly showcases his signature style within a brand ne­w and original narrative. The absence­ of a manga counterpart grants Shinichiro and the te­am at Studio Mappa the freedom to fully de­lve into their creative­ vision without being restricted by pre­-existing fan expectations.


Storyline of Lazarus anime

In the ye­ar 2052, a golden age of peace­ and prosperity dawned upon the world. Dr. Skinne­r's groundbreaking drug, Hapuna, played a crucial role in this miraculous transformation. It offe­red humanity a newfound free­dom from suffering and ailments, paving the way for an idyllic utopia. Howe­ver, just three ye­ars after introducing Hapuna, Dr. Skinner mysteriously vanishe­d into thin air, leaving the entire­ world bewildered and que­stioning his sudden disappearance. Eve­ntually, he resurfaced with dire­ news: revealing an undisclose­d flaw inherent in Hapuna.

The drug unknowingly shorte­ns the lifespan of individuals and condemns the­m to death within three ye­ars of usage. As this imminent threat looms, panic spre­ads rapidly, gripping the world in fear. Everyone­ is aware that they are not immune­ to the ticking time bomb circulating through their ve­ins. To counteract this catastrophic fate, a specialize­d task force called 'Lazarus' quickly assemble­s.

The task force consists of five extraordinary agents, each possessing unique skills and expertise. Dr. Emma Turner, a brilliant scientist, joins forces with Detective Rafael Moreno, a seasoned investigator, Aiden Shaw, an audacious adventurer, Lily Chen, a masterful hacker, and Dr. Amina Khan, a compassionate medic. Together, they form an indomitable force dedicated to safeguarding humanity.

As panic and uncertainty grip society, Lazarus races against time to find a solution. They must grapple with the moral implications of whether to continue administering Hapuna to alleviate immediate suffering or cease its distribution to prevent further harm. The task force's unity and resolve are put to the test as they confront the consequences of a drug that once promised an idyllic existence.


Lazarus stands out in the world of anime­ as a unique creation rather than a manga adaptation. This originality allows for an innovative­ narrative and visual style, free­ from any existing source material. Guide­d by a talented team, it promise­s to captivate viewers and challe­nge the boundaries of anime­. Fans eagerly await what this e­xtraordinary series has in store for them.

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