CIL: "Black Lagoon" series

Black Lagoon, after resisting for so long, left one hell of an impression on me just from the first episode alone. Crime, blood, cursing, and plenty of bullets... This series sought its fans and the large prescription of action was worth it!


Black Lagoon follows the exploits of the titular Lagoon Company, who handle jobs for a good price. However, they play it rough when it comes to doing what they do, which means someone is getting killed at least. Originally a trio, Revy, Dutch, and Benny do what they can to fulfill a job by any means. Each person has their quirks, but are usually good at what they do. During a mission, they take hostage Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese salaryman and unwilling participant in a smuggling operation, hoping to get a bonus off of him. But after he is abandoned by his boss, not only is he deemed useless, but the shock became a catalyst for pushing him over the edge. After the mission was over (with a risky attack thought of by him), he becomes the pirate known as Rock, the 4th member and the unlikely heart of the group. Throughout his new life as a pirate, Rock's going to come at odds with enemy and ally alike (Revy in particular), and despite his seemingly useless appearance, he'll prove indispensable to the Lagoon. But Rock will soon learn that in a world of criminals, being soft or seeking a God will do so little.

Broken up into seasons, don't think that there's only the 12 episode title. Season 2, Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage, also has 12 episodes, and their both licensed by Geneon Entertainment. The OVA series, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, lasts for 5 episodes, and just got acquired by Funimation Entertainment. Despite being an OVA series, this is considered Season 3, marking a total of 29 episodes. There are also 7 omake episodes, which puts the cast in unlikely situations, just for kicks. Brad Swaile, who is known as the voice of the One year War hero Amuro Ray from Mobile Suit Gundam, voices Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, while Revy is voiced by Maryke Hendrikse.


Black Lagoon is entertaining indeed, but with all the violence, brief nudity, and constant swearing that occurs, it's a series not exactly ideal for minors. My verdict: another 10 of 10 hit! With how the anime closed off, it may or may not hold grounds for a follow up, but truly a great anime to dwell in for sure!