Top 6 Anime Recommendations for Fans of Lazarus

The cyberpunk genre has long captivated audiences by intertwining advanced technology with elements of societal decay, crafting vivid universes where digital enhancement obscures the boundary between humanity and machinery. A recent landmark in this genre is Amazon Prime’s “Lazarus, ”which delves into corporate power, identity, and the spirit of human resilience within a dystopian setting.

For fans drawn to the neon-soaked visuals and complex moral quandaries presented in “Lazarus, ”the world of anime showcases a wealth of similar narratives. Japanese animation has established a strong reputation for portraying cyberpunk futures and probing philosophical questions that challenge our perception of humanity amidst rapid technological advancement.

Here are six outstanding anime series that resonate with the themes found in “Lazarus, ”including transhumanism and corporate exploitation, whilst contemplating the essence of humanity in a realm where flesh and circuitry intersect.

6 Ghost In The Shell

Diving Deep Into The Digital Soul

“Ghost in the Shell, ”often heralded as the quintessential cyberpunk anime, premiered in 1995 under the direction of Mamoru Oshii. This seminal work significantly altered notions of anime’s potential as it melded philosophy with atmospheric storytelling, making it a timeless piece.

The plot centers around Major Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg functioning within Section 9, a specialized unit addressing cybercrimes in a reality where the distinctions between human and machine are increasingly indistinct. The narrative poses profound questions regarding identity and consciousness: What defines us when our memories can be manipulated? If the human body is merely an option, who are we without it?

Initially inspired by Masamune Shirow’s manga, Oshii crafted a more introspective narrative. While the original movie unfolds slowly, the subsequent TV series, “Stand Alone Complex, ”adopts a more action-driven approach, suitable for mainstream audiences, complete with excellent English dubbing featuring talents like Richard Epcar and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn.

If “Lazarus”enthralled you with its exploration of humanity’s augmentation, diving into “Ghost in the Shell”will offer a profound journey into the realms of transhumanism.

5 Pluto

A Murder Mystery Wrapped in Metal and Memory

If “Lazarus”ignited your fascination for thematic depth woven into futuristic dread, “Pluto”offers an emotionally rich experience. This series, adapted from Osamu Tezuka’s classic “Astro Boy”in 2023, takes a solo arc from the renowned manga and reinvents it as a gripping noir thriller that challenges concepts of consciousness, warfare, grief, and identity.

Here, the narrative follows Gesicht, a Europol robot detective, as he investigates a string of murders involving some of the most advanced robots alongside humans advocating for robot rights. What makes “Pluto”particularly compelling is its unsettling reflection of contemporary social issues. The robots depicted display an emotional depth that often surpasses that of humans – some experience PTSD, while others engage in artistic endeavors or seek a peaceful life with their families.

Released on Netflix with an engaging English dub, Jason Vande Brake’s performance as Gesicht adds another layer of depth to the impactful storyline.

4 Banana Fish

No Sci-Fi, But All the Desperation of a World on Fire

Although “Banana Fish”lacks traditional cyberpunk or science fiction elements, it belongs among this curated list for its pervasive sense of existential urgency, akin to that felt in “Lazarus.”Released in 2018, this gripping adaptation reimagines its setting in modern-day New York City, centering on Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader entangled in the mystery behind the phrase “Banana Fish.” This phrase links to an ominous government cover-up, a covert experiment, and Ash’s own traumatic history.

The anime does not shy away from heavy topics such as drug trafficking and systemic abuse of power. Nonetheless, what anchors the series is the poignant relationship between Ash and Eiji, a connection that transcends conventional romance yet serves as the emotional core of the story.

3 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

You Either Burn Bright, Or Burn Out Fast

The story revolves around David Martinez, a student living in the slums who discovers a piece of military-grade cyberware, leading to a series of transformative events that alter his existence and the urban landscape. The series compellingly examines the pursuit of significance in a world that blurs the lines between humanity and cybernetic enhancement.

Expanding upon the themes present in the game, “Edgerunners”captivates with its exploration of Night City’s intricate underbelly. The English dub features exceptional performances, with Zach Aguilar giving life to David and Emi Lo voicing Lucy, enriching the narrative with relatable banter rooted in contemporary street culture.

The series’ emotional impact is amplified by its poignant soundtrack, notably the track “I Really Want to Stay at Your House” by Rosa Walton, which has resonated deeply with a generation of anime enthusiasts.

2 Cowboy Bebop

Space Cowboys Carrying Earth’s Melancholy

“Cowboy Bebop”portrays a future where humanity has spread across the solar system but remains burdened by the same conflicts that haunted Earth. This series follows a team of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop, each character rich with their own troubled pasts. The ensemble includes the haunted ex-hitman Spike Spiegel, former police officer Jet Black, the enigmatic con artist Faye Valentine, the quirky hacker Edward, and their genetically enhanced dog, Ein.

The episodic nature of the series allows a gradual unveiling of each character’s backstory, emphasizing themes of loss, longing, and human fragility against the backdrop of bounty hunting. Director Shinichiro Watanabe masterfully blends visual styles reminiscent of film noir, westerns, and cyberpunk while integrating an iconic jazz soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, which is considered a character in its own right.

1 Samurai Champloo

The Other Side of Lazarus You Didn’t Know You Wanted

If “Lazarus”made your heart race with its pulse-pounding rhythm, then “Samurai Champloo”is your next destination. Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe—the creative force behind “Cowboy Bebop”—this unique anime blends Edo-period Japan with a hip-hop soundtrack to create a strikingly original experience.

The narrative follows three protagonists—Mugen, Jin, and Fuu—whose paths intertwine due to fate and promises. Their journey through a richly textured feudal Japan features a blend of anachronisms, including graffiti and beatboxing monks, which serve to craft a humorous yet emotionally complex tale filled with personal growth.

The late Nujabes significantly contributed to the series’ exceptional soundtrack, fundamentally shifting the landscape of anime music by introducing lo-fi hip-hop to many viewers before it became a cultural staple.

Featuring a standout English dub, with Steve Blum voicing Mugen and Kirk Thornton as Jin, both performers infuse their characters with distinctive energy, further elevating this classic series.

Source&Images

Related Articles:

Ranked: 8 Iconic Weapons from Popular Shonen Anime

Ranking the 7 Most Powerful Female Characters in Studio Ghibli Films

Ranking 10 Overpowered Anime Characters Who Dominated Their Series

Top 6 Anime Characters with the Power of Invisibility

Download Cjam 1.9.7.0 Software

Baldur’s Gate 3: 10 Tips for a Unique Playthrough Experience

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *