Lazarus, the anime series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, reached a fever pitch with Episode 11, “Runnin’ With The Devil,” which aired on June 15, 2025. As the clock ticks down to the impending Hapna-induced disaster, the episode plunges viewers into a whirlwind of action, revelations, and cliffhangers. Here’s a breakdown of the key events and what makes this episode a standout.
High-Octane Action and Narrative Depth
Episode 11 wastes no time in throwing viewers into the thick of things. A quick recap of the previous episode sets the stage before launching into a series of interconnected events that keep the tension high. This installment is packed with substantial events for Team Lazarus, intertwining character backstories with present-day action.
Axel vs. Soryu: A Fight of Shocking Truths
The centerpiece of “Runnin’ With The Devil” is undoubtedly the battle between Axel and Soryu, the Ghost Assassin. This fight is not just visually stunning, with impressive choreography and animation, but also rich in narrative implications.
- The Wing of Hundun: During the fight, Soryu becomes mesmerized by the wing on Axel’s necklace, identifying it as the wing of Hundun, a legendary entity in Chinese mythology representing pure chaos. This reveal hints at a deeper connection between Axel and Soryu, as the Ghost Assassin was apparently raised to embody the Hundun’s chaotic nature.
- Axel’s Abilities: The episode subtly raises questions about Axel’s superhuman abilities, with Soryu’s presence hinting at a possible in-universe explanation.
- Flashbacks and Brutality: As the fight intensifies, the episode delves into Soryu’s brutal past, showcasing his training as a killer in a school dedicated to creating emotionless assassins.
Eleina and Douglas in Islamabad: A Risky Pursuit
While Axel is engaged in a life-or-death battle, Eleina and Douglas pursue their lead on Popcorn Wizard in Islamabad. This subplot is surprisingly engaging, offering a break from the intense action while still contributing to the overarching narrative.
- INSCOM Pursuit: Hersch discovers that INSCOM is tailing Eleina and Douglas, adding another layer of danger to their mission.
- Douglas’ Sacrifice: Douglas protects Eleina from capture, showcasing his unwavering faith in her.
- Eleina’s Determination: Eleina’s chase after Popcorn Wizard’s truck is a standout moment, highlighting her resourcefulness and determination.
Key Story Beats and Revelations
“Runnin’ With The Devil” advances several plot threads, providing crucial information and raising the stakes for the final episodes.
Axel’s Past Unveiled
The episode reveals that Axel was a death row inmate subjected to Hapna experiments, shedding light on his connection to Dr. Skinner and the origins of his abilities. This revelation adds depth to Axel’s character and motivation.
The Chase for Popcorn Wizard
Eleina and Douglas’s journey to Pakistan is driven by their need to locate the Popcorn Wizard, whom they believe holds the key to finding Skinner. This pursuit highlights the team’s commitment to uncovering the truth, despite the increasing risks.
Hersch’s Confrontation with Schneider
Hersch confronts Lt. Schneider about his unauthorized Hapna trials, risking his own safety to protect the team and expose the truth. This confrontation underscores the moral complexities of the situation and the lengths to which the characters are willing to go to achieve their goals.
Cliffhanger Ending
The episode concludes with Axel being fatally wounded by Soryu, leaving his fate uncertain. This cliffhanger raises the stakes for the remaining episodes and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the resolution of his storyline.
Themes and Motifs
“Lazarus” continues to explore themes of death, redemption, and the consequences of technological advancement. Episode 11 reinforces these themes through its fast-paced action and character-driven narrative.
- Death and Sacrifice: Death is a constant presence in Lazarus, and Episode 11 is no exception. Douglas’s sacrifice and Axel’s near-fatal injury highlight the risks the characters face in their quest to save humanity.
- Chaos and Control: The Hundun mythology and Soryu’s training as an emotionless assassin represent the theme of chaos versus control. The episode suggests that true strength lies in embracing both aspects of human nature.
- Redemption: Axel’s past as a death row inmate and his involvement in Hapna experiments create a path of redemption for the character. His fight against Soryu and his commitment to saving humanity suggest a desire to atone for his past sins.
Release and Availability
“Lazarus” Episode 11, “Runnin’ With The Devil,” premiered on Adult Swim on June 15, 2025, at 12 AM EST. It became available for streaming on HBO Max the following day, June 16, at around 9:30 AM EST. Subbed versions of the episode are expected to arrive on Max later in June.
Reception and Impact
Reviews of “Lazarus” Episode 11 have been largely positive, with critics praising its action sequences, narrative depth, and character development. The fight between Axel and Soryu has been singled out as a highlight, with many reviewers noting its visual spectacle and narrative implications.
However, some critics have pointed out pacing issues and a lack of urgency in the overall plot. Despite these criticisms, “Lazarus” remains a highly anticipated anime series, with fans eagerly awaiting the final episodes.
Looking Ahead
With only a few episodes remaining, “Lazarus” is poised to deliver a climactic conclusion to its story. The fate of Axel, the motivations of Dr. Skinner, and the future of humanity all hang in the balance. As the characters grapple with their pasts and confront their enemies, the series promises to offer a thought-provoking and action-packed resolution.
“Runnin’ With The Devil” in Detail
“Lazarus” Episode 11, “Runnin’ With The Devil,” delivers a potent mix of action, character development, and narrative twists, solidifying its place as a pivotal episode in the series.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Scenes
The Highway Battle: Axel, en route to secure a witness (the prison doctor from Arizona Prison), is ambushed by Soryu, the Ghost Assassin. Their confrontation escalates into a high-speed, acrobatic fight scene that spans highways and city streets. Soryu’s pursuit is relentless, marked by explosions and near-misses, showcasing his deadly skill set.
Eleina and Douglas’ Mission in Pakistan: Simultaneously, Eleina and Douglas arrive in Pakistan, determined to track down the Popcorn Wizard. Their investigation is complicated by the revelation that INSCOM is tailing them. Douglas bravely confronts their pursuers, allowing Eleina to continue her search.
Hersch’s Intervention: Recognizing the danger Eleina and Douglas are in, Hersch confronts Lt. Schneider. He threatens to expose Schneider’s involvement in unauthorized Hapna trials, attempting to call off the pursuit.
The Revelation of Axel’s Past: During his fight with Soryu, glimpses into Axel’s past are revealed. Flashbacks depict his time as a death row inmate and the Hapna experiments he was subjected to, connecting him directly to Dr. Skinner’s work.
The Climax and Cliffhanger: The episode culminates in a fierce standoff between Axel and Soryu. Soryu is momentarily distracted by the wing on Axel’s necklace, triggering memories of his traumatic childhood training. However, Axel is unable to capitalize on this vulnerability and is impaled by a spear, leaving his fate hanging in the balance.
Character Highlights
- Axel: The episode delves deeper into Axel’s backstory, adding layers to his motivations and actions. His resilience during the fight with Soryu and the reveal of his past as a test subject humanize him, making his potential demise all the more impactful.
- Eleina: Eleina’s resourcefulness and determination are on full display as she navigates the dangerous streets of Islamabad. Her unwavering focus on the mission and her willingness to put herself at risk underscore her commitment to saving humanity.
- Douglas: Douglas’s self-sacrifice in protecting Eleina highlights his loyalty and faith in the Lazarus team. His willingness to confront danger head-on, even at personal cost, makes him a compelling character.
- Soryu: The Ghost Assassin’s backstory is explored through flashbacks, revealing the brutal training he underwent as a child. His momentary distraction by Axel’s necklace hints at a hidden vulnerability beneath his emotionless exterior.
Notable Moments and Symbolism
- The Wing of Hundun: The wing on Axel’s necklace serves as a powerful symbol, connecting him to the mythological figure of Hundun and suggesting a deeper, perhaps chaotic, aspect to his character.
- The Highway Setting: The high-speed chase on the highway is a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of truth and the dangers the Lazarus team faces.
- Islamabad’s Crowded Streets: The bustling streets of Islamabad provide a chaotic backdrop for Eleina and Douglas’s mission, emphasizing the complexity of their task and the challenges they face in navigating a foreign environment.
Questions and Theories
- Will Axel survive his injury? The cliffhanger ending leaves Axel’s fate uncertain, leading viewers to speculate about whether he will overcome his wounds or meet his end.
- What is the significance of the wing on Axel’s necklace? The connection to Hundun raises questions about Axel’s true nature and his role in the unfolding events.
- What will happen to Eleina and Douglas in Pakistan? With INSCOM pursuing them, their mission to find the Popcorn Wizard becomes even more perilous.
- Will Hersch be able to stop Schneider from interfering? Hersch’s confrontation with Schneider sets up a potential power struggle within the government, with far-reaching consequences for the Lazarus team.
Final Thoughts
“Lazarus” Episode 11, “Runnin’ With The Devil,” is a thrilling and impactful installment that sets the stage for the series’ final act. With its high-octane action, character-driven narrative, and thought-provoking themes, the episode leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the resolution of the Lazarus team’s quest to save humanity. The blend of intense fight sequences, strategic maneuvering, and emotional revelations makes this episode a standout in the series, solidifying its status as a must-watch for anime fans. The looming question of whether Axel survives and how the team will overcome the obstacles in their path ensures that the remaining episodes will be filled with suspense and high stakes.
