Anime of the Month (September 2007) - Black Lagoon

[JShaggy]

In a close race this month, the Black Lagoon company has taken up shop as this month's Anime of the Month. Before I begin, I ask that everyone please refrain from using any weapons, firearms, or what have you .....

[Revy fires missle launcher]

[back wall destroyed]

.... that goes for you too, Revy.

Revy: Pfft......

[back to JShaggy]

Anyway, here's a brief synopsis of Volume 1, which is available now along with Volume 2, with Volume 3 coming out this Tuesday:

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/ency...es.php?id=8230

Rokuro Okajima is meek, mundane and metropolitan. His business trip to South East Asia turns from pleasure cruise to festival of pain when modern day pirates board the ship and take him hostage. Revy, Dutch and Benny are merciless, maniacal and mean. Together, they make up the crew of the Black Lagoon. They are the exact opposite of Rokuro in every way but one? A mercenary group out has targeted them to steal the data disc that Rokuro had, and with it, classified information that threatens the peace and security of the entire world! Amen. Hallelujah. Peanut Butter.

You may now discuss the series, keeping in mind that any and all potential spoilers beyond Volume 1 be placed in spoiler tags like this:

Spoiler:

Revy and Rock die.

Also, don't forget to rate the series when you're done.

Revy: Do it, or you will be held at gunpoint.

JShaggy: Hey, I said no firearms ...... forget it.

[delariean]

One of my noms made it!!!! yeah!!! so happy!!!

Anyway, BL's first season will be coming to a close this Tuesday and I will say that my fav character (so far....My other fav is in season 2) is Roberta...

She completely kick ass and give Revy a run for her money.....

I hope the series continues on in OVA form (when new material is published my the mangaka...)

Overall...the series is 5 ++++

[Naruto D.Luffy]

I've only seen the first 2 episodes, but the were great. Especially the showdown between them and those Americans in the Black Hawk.

[Classic Speedy]

This show rocks, easily one of the better anime series to come to R1 this year. Great action, and yet it's not mindless blow-em-up scenes as we get some insights into both Rock's and Remy's characters...

Spoiler:

especially in the well-done episode seven.

In related news, look for my volume 2 review coming soon. I gave it entirely glowing remarks.

[GWOtaku]

Hmm, I'd seen the first episode a ways back and had it pegged as a simple shoot-em-up. Also didn't care for the ads that basically say "look, a sexy babe with a gun!" But maybe I'll take a second look sometime.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Hmm, I'd seen the first episode a ways back and had it pegged as a simple shoot-em-up. Also didn't care for the ads that basically say "look, a sexy babe with a gun!" But maybe I'll take a second look sometime.

Nothing wrong with a simple shoot-em-up as long as it's skillfully done. A lot of anime just don't do it right, or get pretentious and try to make it some European art movie (Noir and Gunslinger Girls being two)

Black Lagoon is okay from what I've seen so far. I'm not sold on the possibilities the main cast's "occupation" promises. You can only see so many sea-battles before you get tired of it.

[Kouji Tamino]

Nothing wrong with a simple shoot-em-up as long as it's skillfully done. A lot of anime just don't do it right, or get pretentious and try to make it some European art movie (Noir and Gunslinger Girls being two)

Black Lagoon is okay from what I've seen so far. I'm not sold on the possibilities the main cast's "occupation" promises. You can only see so many sea-battles before you get tired of it.

Only the first 3 episodes and one other arc really take place at sea, at least in Season 1.

As for me, I'm really digging this series. The first volume completely blew me away with how raw it was and... wow, Revy has one hell of a mouth on her, doesn't she? She scares me at times, but she's a really intriguing character.

Spoiler:

Rock calling her out in "Two Men, Calm Down" really added some depth to her, and you have to love how despite how she acts towards him throughout the first season, she really comes through for Rock in the end.

Despite the fact that they're criminals, the Lagoon Company sans the relatively innocent, Rock are still a pretty likable bunch... Well, maybe except perhaps Revy...

*click!*

Ack! Err, well she seems pretty decent once you get on her good side,

Spoiler:

as Rock later finds out.

Someone once called Black Lagoon a character study of Revy through Rock's point of view, and I'm starting to agree. Rock is the narrative main character, while the series itself seems to focus on Revy, her dark past, how she deals with it, and how

Spoiler:

Rock entering her life seems to be softening her up a bit.

I eagerly await November's release of "Second Barrage".

[delariean]

Only the first 3 episodes and one other arc really take place at sea, at least in Season 1.

As for me, I'm really digging this series. The first volume completely blew me away with how raw it was and... wow, Revy has one hell of a mouth on her, doesn't she? She scares me at times, but she's a really intriguing character.

Spoiler:

Rock calling her out in "Two Men, Calm Down" really added some depth to her, and you have to love how despite how she acts towards him throughout the first season, she really comes through for Rock in the end.

Despite the fact that they're criminals, the Lagoon Company sans the relatively innocent, Rock are still a pretty likable bunch... Well, maybe except perhaps Revy...

*click!*

Ack! Err, well she seems pretty decent once you get on her good side,

Spoiler:

as Rock later finds out.

Someone once called Black Lagoon a character study of Revy through Rock's point of view, and I'm starting to agree. Rock is the narrative main character, while the series itself seems to focus on Revy, her dark past, how she deals with it, and how

Spoiler:

Rock entering her life seems to be softening her up a bit.

I eagerly await November's release of "Second Barrage".

Well, seeing this is a Geneon release...well with its closing shop I'm taking a wait and see approach....

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I didn't even realize this was anime of the month! I would have commented sooner.
I love Black Lagoon. I'm all for the power female with a gun plowing down guys and taking command ^_^.
Revy reminds me of a more bad ass version of Chidori from FMP, who curses up a storm, not to mention some of the other characters are just as wonderful. (especially our poor Rock)
It's a great show that I'm going to make sure I buy more of when I finally get some money >_>

[Lord Trunks]

Black Lagoon is Great...Too bad that the second season's status is pretty much in Jeopardy! Now that would suck not to see the rest of it

[Spike Mcdougal]

You may now discuss the series, keeping in mind that any and all potential spoilers beyond Volume 1 be placed in spoiler tags like this:

Spoiler:

Revy and Rock die.

You're kidding.......






Right?

[Classic Speedy]

You're kidding.......






Right?

Spoiler:

Yes, he's kidding.

[Conekiller]

How many episodes is this? I don't want to get into it only to be cheated by Geneon shutting down.

[Classic Speedy]

How many episodes is this? I don't want to get into it only to be cheated by Geneon shutting down.

Twelve for season one (all of which has currently been released), and twelve for The Second Barrage. So if you want to get into at least the first season, you're safe.

[Juu-kuchi]

I so want to see this series now after I've seen some footage of it. This needs to go on Adult Swim.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

I so want to see this series now after I've seen some footage of it. This needs to go on Adult Swim.

Do they allow F-words on ASwim?

[Space Cadet]

Do they allow F-words on ASwim?

The F-word and the S-word isn't allowed on Adult Swim.

[Karl Olson]

The F-word and the S-word isn't allowed on Adult Swim.

well, space ghost got away w/ the s-word once but in the quanity/context that black lagoon uses it, it's banned.

[Juu-kuchi]

well, space ghost got away w/ the s-word once but in the quanity/context that black lagoon uses it, it's banned.

That's why a censor bleep exists you silly.

[Karl Olson]

That's why a censor bleep exists you silly.

I almost wonder if they'd come up with a champloo-esque way of bleeping like a gunshots or something when it comes to Black Lagoon.