Overview
- Axel Gilberto is an enigmatic character currently imprisoned at Northport County Prison, serving multiple life sentences totaling nearly 1000 years.
- The notably significant number 8 in Axel’s 888-year sentence may be tied to the broader narrative of the series, *Lazarus*.
- From the very first episode, Axel showcases his remarkable intelligence, exceptional escape skills, and audacious spirit, effectively introducing viewers to his complex persona.
The inaugural episode of the latest anime series, Lazarus, premiered recently on Adult Swim, making quite an impression despite being a single episode. With Shinichiro Watanabe at the helm and animation produced by MAPPA, the series effectively introduces its key characters in a compelling way.
While the intricate backstories of these characters remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, the episode nonetheless highlights distinctive traits that make them engaging within the story’s unfolding narrative. Axel Gilberto stands out as a fascinating figure, who, in episode one, manages to convey a rich personality. So, what do we truly know about this pivotal member of the *Lazarus* organization?
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“Every time I’m visited by a stranger, they’re either a lawyer or a hitman.”– Axel Gilberto, *Lazarus*, Episode 1
Insights on Axel Gilberto
Exploring the “Malandro”Archetype
Axel Gilberto plays a crucial role in a specialized team of agents tasked with locating the elusive Dr. Skinner before a critical thirty-day deadline. During a visit by Hersch to Northport County Prison, it is revealed that Axel’s length of imprisonment totals an extraordinary 888 years for undisclosed crimes. Despite his incarceration, Axel’s reputation as an escape artist is undeniable; he views his repeated escapes as a “bad habit,”but it is evident he possesses an extraordinary talent that borders on genius.
His extraordinary knack for extricating himself from dire situations even when the odds are stacked against him reveals deeper layers of his personality. This confidence and quick wit, combined with his boldness, allow him to perform daring feats—whether it’s tricking a police officer while dressed in his prison jumpsuit or leaping from rooftops without hesitation. A memorable moment occurs when Axel shares a light-hearted laugh with a police officer about the absurdity of his situation, which provides keen insight into his character. His escape artistry serves not just as a survival skill but reflects his fundamental nature as a clever trickster. This trait is reminiscent of Michiko Malandro, a character from *Michiko and Hatchin*, known for her penchant for breaking free from confinement.
Examining Axel’s Prison Term
Understanding Axel Gilberto’s 888 Years of Penalty
The exact nature of Axel’s crimes that led to such a monstrous prison term remains largely unclear, but it is evident that his escape abilities have not aided his situation. The conspicuous number of 888, however, suggests deeper thematic implications. The number 8 is often associated with luck and prosperity across various cultural and spiritual contexts. In Japan, for instance, it can symbolize infinity, as reflected in phrases like「八百万の神」 (“yaoyorozu no kami”), which translates to “8 million gods”but signifies “countless gods.”
This interpretation suggests that the 888 years may not be a literal sentence but rather an abstract representation of infinity. This idea gains further significance when considered alongside the series’ opening, which is rich in religious and spiritual motifs, particularly in Dave’s discussion of the world’s transformation due to Hapna.
Potential Symbolism and Themes
Unpacking the Symbolic Connections
The images of the “eyes of Fatima,”an ancient protective talisman, and the swirling driedel—a top traditionally used during Hanukkah—serve as connectors to layers of significance, mingling religion, culture, and mythology. Notably, in numerology, the letters corresponding to the driedel’s four sides might yield the number 358, echoing the numerical value of the Hebrew word for “messiah.”This theme resonates with the central premise of *Lazarus*, which revolves around the desperate search for a savior to find Dr. Skinner and obtain the antidote for the deadly effects of the Hapna drug.
Additionally, the number 4, known to symbolize misfortune in certain East Asian cultures, corresponds with the 4 sides of the driedel and intriguingly relates to both the timeline of Hapna’s development and the Biblical account of Lazarus, who languished dead for 4 days before his resurrection. Regardless of the precise meanings behind these numbers, Axel Gilberto emerges as an integral figure in the unfolding narrative of *Lazarus*, and his escape artistry is set to play a pivotal role as the series progresses. Ultimately, his true motivations and background remain a mystery, inviting viewers to delve deeper.
Watch *Lazarus* now on Adult Swim.