Black Lagoon is an action anime series based on Rei Hiroe's original manga of the same name. Although the story has been on hiatus more than a few times, it's still a worthwhile read and watch for fans of action anime and movies in general. It may remind viewers of Quentin Tarantino's works, for example.
The ongoing tale of Black Lagoon is always welcoming new fans with both its manga and its now-complete anime season, plus an original OVA storyline. This R-rated series isn't for everyone, but for fans of crime thrillers and action titles, Black Lagoon delivers in true style.
The Story of Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon begins with Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, a businessman who generally narrates the story and, in the anime version, serves as the protagonist. Rock's life is turned upside down when his company betrays him, and he's left to die in the crime-ridden southeast Asian seas. He crosses paths with the Black Lagoon mercenary gang during a fierce battle and soon joins as their newest member. Rock has hardly ever shot a gun or smuggled anything in his life, but now crime and violence are a daily reality so he must adjust quickly -- or face his doom. His new allies, including the fierce tsundere Revy, the easygoing Benny and the tough-but-fair Dutch, are all that stand between him and a bullet between the eyes.
Rock uses his business acumen and calculating mind to help support Dutch and Benny as the brains of the outfit. He sometimes acts as the Black Lagoon gang's secret weapon, since no one expects such a meek and well-dressed fellow to wield an RPG or drive a getaway car. Rock is stubbornly optimistic about the world and its people despite Revy's dark and bitter cynicism, and the two start to rub off on each other in surprising ways.
They also embark on all kinds of thrilling but dangerous missions together, from retrieving a painting from a sunken World War II-era submarine to fighting off a chainsaw-wielding maniac and a pair of murderous Romanian twins who wield weapons bigger than they are. Nothing is simple or easy in the fictional crime city of Roanapur.
Where To Read The Black Lagoon Manga
The Black Lagoon manga has experienced many hiatuses over the years, and it may be some time before a new volume is released in English. Fortunately, fans of seinen action series still have plenty of Black Lagoon material to work with, and all of it can be found at local bookstores or online retailers. Barnes & Noble's online catalog is a great place to start, having all 11 volumes of the Black Lagoon manga available for shipping online.
Amazon likewise stocks all 11 volumes of the series. Interested manga fans can also visit RightStufAnime's digital catalog for copies of Black Lagoon. Amazon and Barnes & Noble also offer digital versions on Kindle and Nook, respectively. Interested fans may note that the Black Lagoon manga does not yet have any omnibus editions or hardcover deluxe editions at this time.
Where to Watch The Black Lagoon Anime
Anime fans interested in streaming Black Lagoon can find every episode of both seasons on Funimation, including the five OVA episodes that make up the Roberta's Blood Trail storyline. Funimation streams Black Lagoon in both Japanese and English dub, with English subtitles. Similarly, Hulu streams Black Lagoon in both English and Japanese dub, but without the OVA episodes.
Black Lagoon has a Blu-ray/DVD release as well. Fans can find it on Amazon, and this set features episodes in English and Japanese dub. It also includes every OVA episode and other bonus features. RightStufAnime stocks the same Blu-ray/DVD set in its online catalog.
