Movies & TV

Why Lazarus Differs in U.S. and Japanese Versions: Explained

Posted on by Celmoon
Why Lazarus Differs in U.S. and Japanese Versions: Explained

Lazarus: Shinichirō Watanabe’s Latest Sci-Fi Anime Series Sparks Debate Among Fans

Lazarus, the newest anime series from acclaimed creator Shinichirō Watanabe, famous for Cowboy Bebop, has become a hot topic among anime enthusiasts on Adult Swim. A significant part of the online discussion centers around comparing Lazarus with Watanabe’s earlier works. However, some fans are questioning whether they might be missing out on a superior version of the series due to differences between the Japanese and U.S. releases.

Differences Between Japanese and U.S. Versions of Lazarus

A recent post on X/Twitter by user SaeIssho highlights that scenes from Lazarus protagonist Axel Gilberto’s parkour prison escape in the inaugural episode appear to have additional frames and enhanced compositing in the Japanese version. This tweet, which has amassed over 91,000 views, piques curiosity among fans about whether the remaining 12 episodes will exhibit similar subtle differences. Many are now considering if it’s worth waiting for the Japanese language version of the show, scheduled for release on Adult Swim and Max in May.

In light of related issues like the Nintendo Switch 2’s Japanese-only version and various anxieties stemming from trade tariffs, it’s understandable that anime fans are feeling FOMO regarding Watanabe’s return to the sci-fi genre.

Clarifying the Differences: What Fans Need to Know

A source familiar with the production has clarified the supposed discrepancies between the U.S. and Japanese versions of Lazarus, assuring fans there’s no significant cause for concern.

According to a source who spoke with io9, minor modifications were made to both U.S. and Japanese broadcasts of Lazarus to comply with the Harding test. This is a precautionary measure against flashing patterns that could provoke photosensitivity and epilepsy, similar to the notorious Pokémon Porygon episode from 1997, which triggered numerous adverse reactions in audiences.

The minor adjustments in Lazarus include some frame reductions and slight darkening of certain shots. The source emphasized that neither additional animation nor reworked composites were incorporated into either version, and that Shinichirō Watanabe approved all changes. Thus, the mystery is resolved. Nevertheless, it’s likely that fans will still seek out the Japanese version of Lazarus to enjoy the talents of Cowboy Bebop voice actors such as Koichi Yamadera (Spike Spiegel) and Megumi Hayashibara (Faye Valentine), who voice Dr. Skinner and Herch, respectively.

Our Review: A Promising Start for Lazarus

In our review of the first five episodes of Lazarus, we noted that the series successfully establishes itself as a thrilling addition to the anime landscape. We stated, “Lazarus firmly establishes itself as a series capable of delivering a compelling narrative without compromising on animation quality, musical score, or thematic depth.” Fans are hopeful that this momentum will carry through to the series’ conclusion.

When to Watch Lazarus

New episodes of Lazarus premiere every Saturday night on Adult Swim, with next-day streaming available on Max.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Lazarus about?

Lazarus follows the journey of protagonist Axel Gilberto as he navigates a dystopian landscape filled with challenges and thrilling action sequences, showcasing Watanabe’s signature style.

Are there differences in the animation quality between the Japanese and U.S. versions of Lazarus?

Yes, some viewers have reported subtle differences in animation quality and compositing between the Japanese and U.S. versions, though major changes were made to comply with health safety measures.

When will the Japanese version of Lazarus be available?

The Japanese language version of Lazarus is set to release on Adult Swim and Max in May.

How often are new episodes of Lazarus released?

New episodes premiere every Saturday night on Adult Swim, with streaming available the following day on Max.

For more updates, check out our coverage on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.