Ranked #126

Black Lagoon

The Lagoon Company is a "delivery" company that operates in the South China Sea. While they do in fact deliver cargo to and from destinations, the business is as legitimate as Al Capone going to the bank to "make a transaction". They are made up of their leader Dutch, a black ex-U.S. Vietnam veteran, and Captain of the PT boat Black Lagoon; Revy, a Chinese-American sharpshooter from New York; and Benny, a Florida post-grad electronics expert.

Our main character is Rokuro Okajima, a mild mannered Japanese office worker still very low on the totem pole at his employer. His company is smuggling information on nuclear weapons and Rokuro is unwittingly given the job on holding the discs with the information for the trip. The boat he is on is captured and Okajima is taken hostage by Lagoon. His employer decides not to pay a ransom to get him back and hangs him out to dry as part of their cover up. He is declared dead by his employer, and they send mercernaries to kill him and the Lagoon company. Rokuro's quick thinking saves them from the trap. His employer buys the disc back from Lagoon but when they offer to take him back Rokuro decides to stay abroad having had his life back home destroyed. The Lagoon Company feels sorry for his plight after he saved them, and take him on as a sailor-in-training/gopher employee. The first half dozen episodes have the classic fish-out-of-water premise as Rokuro (who now goes under the name "Rock" with his new employer) tries to prove his worth in a career field he doesn't always agree with morally.

The art is slightly above average for the most part, and occasionally the show did surprise me with a different visual styles for a fight or flashback scene. The music wasn't fabulous, but it wasn't bad either. I've heard the complete soundtrack and it had a couple gems on it, but they get used a little too often in the show itself. That's nothing I haven't come to expect after watching Full Metal Alchemist and Bleach, though. Voice acting was fine, too. I've heard the dub and it's not terrible but I felt Dutch's English VA sounds too young and lacks the deep gruffness the original did, among other little tweaks. This remains a show I prefer to watch subbed.

If you're read the Wikipedia entry for Black Lagoon, it goes on for awhile about Existentialism philosophy used in the show. I'm sure this is true, but it really wasn't much of the focus as far as I could see. Black Lagoon was a classic action/adventure. Lots of guns and swearing and pretty girls and evil men. In fact, I think it was a slight parody of the genre. The violence was seemed to be a little bit over the top (in a Sin City sort of way) and the characters made references several times to Hollywood movies. Revy usually wears a pair of Daisy Dukes and tank top while doing acrobatic flips and shooting wildly, or lounging around in unladylike poses. With a couple other ruthless female characters you get a "girls with guns" sort of vibe from the show at times, but overall it was more a trash-talking, ass-kicking good time. The story arcs (each 2-3 episodes long) aren't very deep in their plot but are given a light coat of real-world politics and history.

For a summer-blockbuster popcorn-film experience: I recommended it. read more

Story (8.7) - The story is about a group of mercenaries that do all kind of stuff, like looking for treasures, go on dellivery missions, and some more you will find out.
Is fine, not a masterpiece, but enoguh to make this a good one.

Art (9.6) - Animation in black lagoon is really great..especially in the gunfights, the movements, the perspective of the action, the design, is all great..outside the gunfights is nice, but not as great in my opinion. But still great. i can just take 0.4 pts to the rate, so 9.6 =10.

Sound (7.9) - I really like the opening, however, the rest is not as good as i expected.

Character (8.5)- Some characters are very well develloped, others are not.. but they are not so important, and besides they not many.. i think many of them can get the attention from people who really like this kind of anime, since they are very unique, each one of them has completly differente beliefs, abillities, etc..

Enjoyment (8.7) - A good action anime..lots of gunfights, kick ass moves, a lot of interesting moments, it worths the time spent on watching..the action goes fluently, i mean, not very slow neither too fast, its easy to understand the plot, so is very attractive and it really got me in it.

Overall (8.9) - Very nice anime, i strongly recommend this to anyone who likes gunfights, and in overall i rate this one as one of the best i´ve seen. read more

The visual quality is incredible and if you are looking for a dark-themed anime this is the one you are looking for. Even though the character development needed further work I still liked this anime. There are a few episodes that are a bit to hard to the eye because of the story itself (it is focused in the worst of human nature, from kidnapping, torture, pornografy, blackmailing and of course killing) but if you have the guts then is a good choice.

The music is somehow the right choice for this show but I found it repetitive at a long term.

The best aspect of this anime is the way it shows the "twisted" nature of human beings. This is the second anime I've seen that focuses on the worst aspects of the human psyche (not a bad thing) and it is that difference which makes you want to see it. As I said before just watch it if you really want to witness the wickedness of the human beings.

Even though theres a lot of action through every episode, the most interesting thing is the relationship between Revy and Rock. Being that Revy has seen a lot of violence in her life (and lived through it) she has a different perspective than an ordinary citizen. On the other side, Rock is your ordinary co-worker, someone bound to do anything to please his boss. This combination of personalities is what really makes the show. While Revy only wants to kill everyone that steps in her way, Rock always tries the less direct approach. Everything to avoid casualties. Obviously this carries its own set of problems for Revy, but with every episode you get to see a change of heart from both of them.
Almost every other character has less to no importance at the long run, and most characters only make an appearance for a few episodes before being forgotten. read more

I consider Black Lagoon and Black Lagoon: The second Barrage as one, so this review will cover both seasons. Also, the modular structure of Black Lagoon does lend to adding more kours. Oh, I refuse to shorten Black Lagoon to BL… Anyway, on to the review…

The first thing that came to mind when watching Black Lagoon what how it was quite different than your typical action anime. Instead it reminded me more of the over-the-top action flicks by John Woo or Hollywood summer blockbusters. It has crazy gun fights and insane car chases, things you find in many action flicks. Watching this in this form is quite refreshing than your typical shounen or mecha anime. As I mentioned Black Lagoon has a modular structure or arcs. Each arc can be seen as a movie in itself however, at the same time develop the characters and keep continuity. By this I mean that the events of the previous arc are not forgotten but still affect the main characters. There are many examples but I won’t bother going into that as it could get spoilerish.

While I did compare Black Lagoon to Hollywood blockbusters, the stories are far more compelling. Black Lagoon uses many mature and serious themes only found in more adult anime. In addition, the level of ambiguity in Black Lagoon is extremely high, there are no “good guys” or “bad guys” only people on opposing sides. For example, the twin’s arcs, the antagonist (the twins) as well as Balalika, the one pursuing them are made extremely sympathetic. I am reminded of the time I went to Anime Central and the director and producer of Black Lagoon were there. One person asked “who were your favorite villains?” and the directors responded “huh, they’re all villains.” In addition, Black Lagoon never idealizes the criminal/pirate life, as there is an over arcing sense of sadness and tragedy in Black Lagoon. This is made obvious by the ED sequence.

Another thing that surprised me about Black Lagoon is the almost slice-of-life feel. In between major actions scenes and arcs we get to know a bit about the characters, in particular Rock and Revy. There is a depth to both those characters are comparable to more character driven anime titles. This brings up one of my main complaints, the lack of development for Dutch and Benny. I really wish they added more to them, instead they feel like side characters instead of main characters.

Animation wise, the designs are consistent and well animated, Madhouse is in their element. The OP and ED are also well done and really show the 2 sides of Black Lagoon, the fast paced action and the more serious/dramatic side. I can’t really say much about the music as only 3 pieces stuck out for me, “Red Faction”, “Don’t Look behind”, and “the world of midnight.” Oh, one cannot review Black Lagoon without mentioning the awesome Engirsh, they are some of the most unintentionally hilarious things I have ever heard.

Black Lagoon is a refreshing action anime when compared to your typical shounen and mecha anime. For most this is the main draw, I’ll admit, sometimes you just need some over-the-top action, and Black Lagoon has plenty. However, there is more to Black Lagoon than that as they use more mature themes. This combined with over-the-top action creates quite a unique series. Black Lagoon is rated mature, not only for the extreme violence but for the challenging themes they employ. read more

For every two things I liked about this series, there was one thing I didn't like. That's a compliment; for the most part, I found "Black Lagoon" very refreshing.

"Black Lagoon" is a story about an ordinary, boring Japanese businessman named Rokuro who is kidnapped by pirates, and, realizing his previous life existed at the mercy of cold, impersonal business executives, decides to change his life path. He joins the pirates.

While most series would take at least five episodes to explain this, without even diving into the main part of the story, "Black Lagoon" takes just two. From the very instant one begins watching the series, there is no waste of time, and the episodes have a maniac, crazy energy and pace to them.

Rarely is there a second wasted, as every moment of the series is devoted to either character or plot development. Combined with the ridiculously cool, sexy intro, and some amazing gunplay and action scenes, the anime built up a lot of goodwill with me already.

However, it gets better; there is a subtle undertone of comedy, with all the dangerous, powerful characters being women in ridiculous costumes, whether it be traditional Chinese dress, a nun's habit, a chambermaid's clothes, or the attire of a secretary/businesswoman.

The main character, "Rock", is both relatable and interesting. The temptation to turn him into a gun-wielding badass as soon as he joins the crew would be too easy, and is a trap the director avoids. Instead, he gradually becomes a tougher and more impressive individual throughout the twelve episodes, but never competently handles any weaponry.

The captain of the ship, "Dutch", is another character type I'd like to see more of in action animes; calm, funny, great at his job, and tough, who, just when you think you have him figured out, does something unexpected.

There are only three reasons why I give this legitimately excellent anime an 8 instead of a 10;

1. The character of Revy. This is the biggest one to me. There are two problems with her; the first being that she is entirely unsympathetic. There is just nothing likable about her. She is a crazy, hysterical maniac who kills innocent people, including women and children with no mercy, and likes it.

And that's fine. Mugen from "Samurai Champloo", one of my favorite anime characters ever, was similar.

Here's the reason why I like Mugen and hate Revy; there is nothing funny, interesting, or even REAL about Revy.

Throughout the series, she is humorless, boring, and predictable. She gets angry at criticism. She goes on psychotic killing sprees for no apparent reason. She kills innocent people. She talks a lot of shit. She enjoys it.

A cold-blooded, ruthless killer needs something to make them engaging, whether it be humor, or a viewer's ability to relate to their emotions. Otherwise, what's the point?

At least make them unpredictable, as Mugen was. At least don't make them talk stupid shit all the time. As Mugen would say after his opponent gave a long speech, "I didn't understand a word of that. You talk too fucking much. Let's fight!" Revy, meanwhile, loves spewing dumb quotes which, instead of making her look tough, make her look weak and foolish.

The worst part is her lack of reality. I can relate to Benny. I can relate to Rock. I can relate to Dutch. I can even relate to Balalaika, the Russian crime boss who aids the pirates.

I cannot relate to Revy, nor have I ever known anyone remotely similar to her. If she were interesting or funny, that would be excused. Since she's nothing but a loud-mouthed bitch, it isn't.

It almost feels like the director wasn't quite sure what to do with the character of Revy. At times she's strong. At others she's weak. Sometimes, she talks like an idiot. Other times, she finally shuts the hell up. Too bad she's an annoying character ALL the time.

2. Repetition and an underwhelming ending. I only really felt this during the last two episodes of the series, but it seemed like the writers wasted too many of the cool ideas early on. Without giving anything away, the story with the Fake Nazis, the killer maid Roberta, and even their initial predicament are all a lot more exciting and inventive than their race against the terrorists.

3. The contradictions. While all anime series blend fantasy and reality, the universe they create should try to remain as internally consistent as possible. Unfortunately, that's not always the case in "Black Lagoon".

A particularly head-scratching moment was Revy's showdown with Roberta. Roberta is seen as practically invincible, easily handling Dutch, all the pirates, and even an entire Colombian drug cartel.

Revy, meanwhile, was shown as being physically weaker than Dutch, not much stronger than Rock, fails to kill Rock at a key moment, and not vastly overwhelming against Dutch even with guns.

Yet, her fight with Roberta is mostly equal, with perhaps a small edge to the latter. There are several other instances of this in the series, and in each case, they draw the viewer out of the exciting world of "Black Lagoon" to a large extent.

My nit-picking and criticism aside (the only reason this series isn't a 10 for me), the 12 episodes were still incredibly enjoyable, and I recommend the show to anyone, even for those who aren't action fans. read more

Black Lagoon is a story about a Japanese businessman that gets captured by a crew of 3. Rokuro nicknamed "Rock," gets taken away from his life as a mediocre businessman and ends up being thrust into the world of the criminal underground. He gets thrust into many situations that he has not dealt with and gets to see criminals in a different light. With great characters such as Revy, the gunslinging beautiful woman that doesnt have much tact, Dutch, the calm and cool headed muscular head of the crew, Benny, the computer know it all/hacker to Rock, the mediocre businessman who now comes along for the ride of Black Lagoon.

The story is fresh and is realisitic in that it does make sense. The characters are great and have their own unique characteristics that you will get to know. This anime is action packed and takes a more serious tone than most anime. It has mature rated language and violence. I gave this anime a 10/10 as I enjoyed the story, characters, the characters relationships between one another, the action, the references to actual events make sense and references to gun mechanics is accurate. If you enjoyed this first season, watch Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage and the soon to come, Black Lagoon: 3rd season. EnjoY! read more

Black Lagoon is a purely action anime. When I first watched i was amazed at the action and nothing else. The second time i watched it i realized that the main characters had such great build ups on their histories. The down side is not all characters were detailed like Dutch(Bad ass with shotgun). The series is a solid action, and mainly that. The story is fun and entertaining like a movie you can sit and watch 4 or 5 eps without being bored.Overall one of my favorites(not that that counts).

This is one of the only anime's I can honestly give 10 across the board without much hesitation. Black Lagoon is a anime about a mercenary company that takes on a very unlikely new member and their exploits in the southeast Asia seas. After finally accepting their new partner the team continues work as usual which is anything but usual from stealing, kidnapping, being framed and running for their life.



The story is very loose and open ended giving the possibly of going anywhere they want. It's unique in that the story you'll be paying attention to isn't necessarily what the Lagoon Company is doing but how they interact with each other over time.

The art is very sharp and well done, while yes you do get the occasional reused clip there's not many anime's that don't do that. The opening theme is very good at setting the tone off the bat and while there's not much in show music what little there might be is well placed and not overused. The character's are rich and unique.

If you've looking for a diverse cast of character's this anime will satisfy that very need. From little qwerks to the way they talk, there is a lot to learn about each character as the show progresses.

It's obviously a action packed anime so if you're into gun fights, explosions, car and boat chases basically anything that could get your heart beating and drop your jaw it's in here.

I can't really say much more other than this anime is well worth the watch. The only warning I can give is to stay away if you are not fond of foul language, this anime is full of it. read more

Black Lagoon is one of those animes that just gets all in your face and sinks you right in. And for me it was love at first sight when I saw this show. So lets start with the characters. Revy now she is one of my all time favorite anime by far. She's just so badass and fearless sort of like the anime version of "Lara Croft". (god I'm so getting flamed for saying that). Now Rock. He's sort of useless when it comes to any combat in show. But sometimes useful in situations. Dutch is probably once again one of my favorite anime characters of all time. I mean he's just so awesome and he's a war vet what more could you want? Ok Benny I feel thats he's sort of left out from the rest of the main cast. But that's just my opinion. Now I loved Black Lagoon because of it's awesome well drawn action scenes, it's story, the characters, and because I love action animes. I highly recommend Black Lagoon to anyone out there who is looking for a badass, hardcore anime and needs a break from all the childish themes in certain animes. All and all I'm giving Black Lagoon a 10/10 stay tuned for more reviews from me Tsukune52!! read more

To be honest, i tried watching black lagoon initially beacause ive found most of the best anime in the B's and D's, truthfully, they just seem to be really good. which is why i gave black lagoon a go, the 1st time it looked intresting but i stopped watching it for one reason or another, i picked it up again later and again the awesome theme tune drew me in, if you dont mind heavy violence and serious and sometimes disturbing themes, (but always well presented and which makes it sound so good :P but it has,
:amazing music
:amazing stories
:great characters (including a gun wielding nun and a legendary shenhua, 'chinglish' speaking knife woman)
:brilliant fights
:all round awesomeness that makes it such a good watch!
bt seriously, watch it for yourselves, enjoy! read more