Overview
- The opening sequence of the sci-fi anime Lazarus is accompanied by jazz music from Kamasi Washington, providing a mesmerizing audiovisual experience.
- While Lazarus draws comparisons to Cowboy Bebop, its distinctive opening vividly highlights the main characters exploring the cosmos.
- The series places a significant emphasis on music, enriched by a talented team that contributes to its unique aesthetic and narrative direction.
Set to debut in April 2025, Lazarus is one of the most eagerly awaited anime series, crafted by renowned director Shinichirō Watanabe. The upcoming show is part of the Spring 2025 anime slate, and recent reveals have generated buzz, especially regarding the opening sequence. Titled “Vortex,”the theme is performed by jazz saxophonist and multiple award-winning artist Kamasi Washington.
The opening video was made available on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel, drawing immediate comparisons to Watanabe’s legendary series, Cowboy Bebop.
Exploring Lazarus’s Opening Sequence
Watanabe’s Affection for Jazz Shines Through Again
The opening sequence of Lazarus stands out as a visual masterpiece, harmoniously blending Kamasi Washington’s captivating music with vibrant pop-art inspired visuals. While initial comparisons to Cowboy Bebop may emerge, the essence of this opening is uniquely its own. Viewers witness the main characters in freefall through space, punctuated by a striking grungy typeface overlay that dynamically displays various words.
As the sequence progresses, silhouettes of the characters gradually emerge, illuminated with colors that reflect their personalities. The climax of the music introduces a heightened sense of energy, as the characters twist and turn against the backdrop, leading up to the dramatic reveal of the series title card. Given its strong execution, Lazarus may already be a contender for the best anime opening of the year.
The importance of music in Lazarus cannot be overstated, with contributions from artists like Bonobo and Floating Points, alongside Washington. The series also boasts a remarkable art direction led by Miho Sugiura, whose track record includes renowned titles such as Steins;Gate, Psycho-Pass, and the stunning Maquia movie.
The voice cast for Lazarus includes:
- Mamoru Miyano as Axel
- Makoto Furukawa as Doug
- Maaya Uchida as Christine
- Yūma Uchida as Leland
- Manaka Iwami as Eleina
- Megumi Hayashibara as Hersch
- Akio Ōtsuka as Abel
- Kōichi Yamadera as Skinner
Animation for the series is produced by Masato Matsunaga, while Kana Tanabe designs the color palette. Cinematography is handled by Takuma Sakamoto, with Mitsuhiro Sato serving as the compositing director and Lauren Stephens overseeing sound effects.
Lazarus is slated to premiere on April 5 at 12 AM EDT (effectively early April 6) on Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block.
Source: ANN