Adult Swim announced that they have greenlit a new anime from the venerable creator Shinichirō Watanabe, whose works include Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, and most notably Cowboy Bebop. This series is titled ‘Lazarus’, and it will air on Toonami. ‘Lazarus’ is produced by Sola Entertainment and Studio MAPPA.
According to the announcement from Adult Swim, “Lazarus” will feature high-octane action with sequences meticulously designed by Chad Stahelski, renowned stuntman and director of the “John Wick” film franchise.”
Like Watanabe’s past works too, which are often notable for their use of music, ‘Lazarus’ will feature “…a captivating score by a collection of renowned jazz and electronic artists including jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington (West Coast Get Down); producer, DJ, and musician Floating Points (Floating Points Ensemble); and producer, DJ, and musician Bonobo.”
Synopsis:
The year is 2052 – an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for this: mankind has been freed from sickness and pain. Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner has developed a miracle cure-all drug with no apparent drawbacks called Hapuna. Hapuna soon becomes ubiquitous… and essential. However, soon after Hapuna is officially introduced, Dr. Skinner vanishes.
Three years later, the world has moved on. But Dr. Skinner has returned – this time, as a harbinger of doom. Skinner announces that Hapuna has a short half-life. Everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. Death is coming for this sinful world – and coming soon.
As a response to this threat, a special task force of 5 agents is gathered from across the world to save humanity from Skinner’s plan. This group is called “Lazarus.” Can they find Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out?
Watanabe will be attending Adult Swim Festival in San Diego, where fans can see him at the “Toonami on the Green” event on Saturday, July 22 at 5:15 p.m.
