Overview
- Enthusiasm among anime enthusiasts is growing over potential links between Cowboy Bebop and the upcoming series Lazarus.
- Creator Shinichiro Watanabe hinted at a shared universe, igniting fan speculation.
- A crossover featuring the Bebop crew and characters from Lazarus seems unlikely due to chronological discrepancies.
The anime community is abuzz with excitement following comments from renowned creator Shinichiro Watanabe, suggesting that both Cowboy Bebop and Lazarus are set within the same universe. This revelation has sparked a flurry of theories regarding the potential involvement of the Bebop crew in this new series.
Fans have eagerly noticed striking similarities between Lazarus and Watanabe’s classic Cowboy Bebop. The trailers for this new sci-fi venture showcase a multitude of parallels to the iconic series. As speculations rise about Spike and his crew possibly making an appearance, let’s explore the prospects.
Connection Between Lazarus and Cowboy Bebop
The upcoming anime series Lazarus is set for release on Adult Swim on April 5th and centers around a group of elite agents. This Lazarus team is tasked with locating Dr. Skinner, who has created a miracle drug that has unfortunately been corrupted, turning it into a lethal threat for its users. The narrative revolves around their mission to acquire the antidote to save humanity.
View the Lazarus trailer here
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The anticipation surrounding Lazarus marks the return of Shinichiro Watanabe, a legendary figure in the anime industry known for his impactful works from the 90s and early 2000s, including titles like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Terror in Resonance. His previous major project was Carol & Tuesday, which premiered on Netflix in 2019.
The release of Lazarus‘s first trailer ignited excitement among anime fans, drawing instant comparisons to Cowboy Bebop. Both series display a futuristic aesthetic rich with advanced technology, and feature lead characters who are exceptionally skilled in martial arts.
Although these characteristics are prevalent in many of Watanabe’s works, subsequent trailers and posters from Lazarus have emphasized a deeper cultural connection with Cowboy Bebop. The latest trailer includes a jazz soundtrack composed by Kamasi Washington, echoing the memorable musical themes from Bebop. Additionally, promotional visuals mirror the iconic open sequence of Cowboy Bebop.
Canon Connections: Lazarus and Bebop
It is not unusual for a prolific director to create multiple works with similar themes; Watanabe has previously incorporated elements from Cowboy Bebop into shows like Samurai Champloo and Terror in Resonance. However, a recent interview with Watanabe has intensified fans’ excitement.
During an interview conducted by Anime News Network in November of last year, Watanabe stated that Lazarus and Cowboy Bebop are part of the same universe, suggesting that all of his shows inhabit this shared world.
Watanabe expressed, “I’ve always thought my shows took place in the same universe.” This statement, while possibly casual, may serve as both an artist’s reflection on their body of work and a strategic move to foster interest in his latest endeavor.
Considering Watanabe’s consistent focus on science fiction, with narratives spread across different planets and timelines, it is plausible that Lazarus could indeed function within the established canon.
Possible Cowboy Bebop Cameos in Lazarus
While the notion of Cowboy Bebop and Lazarus existing in the same universe might excite fans, significant appearances from the classic 90s characters in Watanabe’s new series are improbable due to their timeline differences. Nevertheless, a minor cameo could still be within the realm of possibility.
Cowboy Bebop predominantly unfolds in the year 2071, whereas Lazarus is set in 2052, 19 years earlier. At the time Bebop begins, protagonist Spike Spiegel is 27 years old, implying he would have been merely a child at 8 during the events of Lazarus. The older character Jet Black, aged 36 in Bebop, would only be 17 in Lazarus. Barring a journey to Ganymede—where Jet worked as a police officer prior to becoming a bounty hunter—chances remain slim for significant character appearances.
However, one possible cameo could be from Faye Valentine, the leading female character of Bebop. Faye, who was cryogenically frozen from 2014 until 2068, finds herself navigating a world that could tie into Lazarus‘ focus on medicine and cures. Could there be a fleeting reference to the facilities housing characters like her?
Beyond a potential appearance from Faye, any references to Cowboy Bebop are likely to be minor and aimed at die-hard fans of the classic series. Characters like Chessmaster Hex, an expert on the Hyperspace Gate Project, and Laughing Bull, a wise shaman on Mars, might play supporting roles for the Lazarus team, but official confirmations remain elusive ahead of the series’ release.
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