| Black Lagoon | |
 | |
| Genre | |
|---|---|
| Manga | |
| Written by | Rei Hiroe |
| Published by | Shogakukan |
| English publisher | |
| Imprint | Sunday GX Comics |
| Magazine | Monthly Sunday Gene-X |
| Original run | April 19, 2002 – present |
| Volumes | 13(List of volumes) |
| Light novel | |
| Written by | Gen Urobuchi |
| Illustrated by | Rei Hiroe |
| Published by | Shogakukan |
| Imprint | Gagaga Bunko |
| Original run | July 18, 2008 –January 18, 2011 |
| Volumes | 2 |
| Manga | |
| Sōjiya Sawyer – Kaitai! Gore Gore Musume | |
| Written by | Tatsuhiko Ida |
| Published by | Shogakukan |
| Imprint | Sunday GX Comics |
| Magazine | Monthly Sunday Gene-X |
| Original run | September 19, 2019 – present |
| Volumes | 10(List of volumes) |
| Manga | |
| Eda: Initial Stage | |
| Written by | Hajime Yamamura |
| Published by | Shogakukan |
| Imprint | Sunday GX Comics |
| Magazine | Monthly Sunday Gene-X |
| Original run | April 19, 2022 – present |
| Volumes | 7(List of volumes) |
| Anime television series | |
| |
 Anime and manga portal | |
Black Lagoon (stylized inall caps) is a Japanesemanga series written and illustrated byRei Hiroe. It has been published inShogakukan'sseinen manga magazineMonthly Sunday Gene-X since April 2002, with its chapters collected in 13tankōbon volumes as of December 2023. In North America, the manga is licensed for English release byViz Media.
The series follows the Lagoon Company, a four-member team of piratemercenaries smuggling goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia with theirPT boat, theBlack Lagoon. The group takes on various jobs, usually involvingcriminal organizations, and resulting in violent gunfights.
The manga received ananimetelevision series adaptation byMadhouse, which was broadcast for two seasons of 12 episodes each in 2006, followed by a five-episodeoriginal video animation (OVA) series released from July 2010 to June 2011.
By December 2023, theBlack Lagoon manga had over 9.5 million copies in circulation. The series has been overall well received, with critics particularly praising the action sequences.
The Lagoon Company is a team of pirate mercenaries operating in the coastal waters of Southeast Asia during the early to mid-1990s.[a] The group specializes in smuggling and transporting goods aboard their vessel, the Black Lagoon, an American-made 80-foot Elco-typePT boat. The crew consists of four members: Dutch, the seasoned leader;Revy, a skilled and ruthless gunfighter; Benny, a mechanic and computer specialist; and Rock, a formersalaryman who was forcibly recruited after being abandoned by his superiors. Rock eventually adapts to his new role as the group's negotiator and public representative, leveraging his corporate background to facilitate dealings with clients.
Roanapur, a fictional port city in eastern Thailand near the Cambodian border, serves as their base of operations. The city is a lawless haven dominated by organized crime syndicates, including the Hong Kongtriad, theRussian Bratva, theColombian cartel, and theSicilian mafia. Its streets teem with mercenaries, assassins, thieves, and prostitutes, alongside a sizable population ofVietnamese refugees who fled after thecommunist victory in 1975.
The Lagoon Company frequently collaborates with Hotel Moscow, the local Russian crime syndicate, undertaking high-risk missions that often escalate into violent confrontations—ranging from gunfights to naval engagements—across various Southeast Asian regions, including as far asIsabela in the Philippines. During their downtime, the crew frequents The Yellow Flag, a Roanapur bar notorious for being caught in the crossfire of frequent shootouts.
Manga authorRei Hiroe stated that when approached byShogakukan to develop a manga, he presented several story proposals, includingBlack Lagoon, which was ultimately selected.[4][5] Hiroe aimed to create anaction andcrime series.[4] The concept was inspired by news reports about piracy in theSouth China Sea during the 1990s, which he felt aligned with his goal of a "dynamic and original" narrative. He noted that pirates "know no borders and are truly free", making them an engaging subject.[4][6] Initially, Hiroe considered a medieval pirate setting but shifted to a modern-day context.[5]
Hiroe cited authorsJames Ellroy andStephen King as major influences on the series' atmosphere.[7] He also acknowledged the impact of manga artistsMikiya Mochizuki [ja] (Wild 7),Akihiro Ito (Geobreeders), andKenichi Sonoda (Gunsmith Cats).[8][5] From a visual standpoint, Hiroe was influenced by Franco-Belgian comics, particularlySoda, and admired the atmosphere and storytelling in the Spanish seriesBlacksad byJuan Díaz Canales andJuanjo Guarnido.[9]
Film directors such asJohn Woo,Quentin Tarantino, andRobert Rodriguez also shaped Hiroe's approach, alongside 1990s Hollywood and 1980s–1990s Hong Kong triad films.[6] Tarantino'sPulp Fiction inspired the balance of action and comedy inBlack Lagoon.[6] Although the series draws on American culture, Hiroe noted that it is filtered through a Japanese perspective, which may resonate differently with international audiences.[5]
Hiroe stated that he conducted limited research on modern piracy due to scarce information, noting that theBlack Lagoon crew differs from typical portrayals.[4] However, he extensively researched weapons, utilizing encyclopedias for accuracy.[4] Given the series' focus onmafia andmilitary themes, Hiroe consulted documentaries and historical books, often incorporating past events for entertainment rather than current affairs.[6][10] He aimed for a semblance of realism while embracing the exaggerated style of comics, as with the "Terminator-like" character Roberta.[11]
Hiroe described manga as a medium of "still frames", requiring selection of key moments to convey action and movement. This format allows for exaggerated elements, such as oversized guns and explosions, unconstrained by realism.[8] The publisher approved the inclusion of action and violence from the outset, and Hiroe emphasized that sensationalism is used only when plot-necessary, without allowing it to dominate the narrative.[9]
Hiroe intended to create a story "without nationalities, without specific identities", exploring cultural reactions to criminal contexts without judgment.[4] While the series addresses political themes, such as international conflict and poverty, it avoids singular perspectives like "America is bad" or "Russia is bad".[5] Hiroe expressed hope that readers might discover deeper elements upon rereading, though he stated that pure entertainment is also a valid form of engagement.[5][6]
Producing a chapter typically takes one month. Hiroe collaborates with his editor, Akinobu Natsume, refining plots based on feedback.[10] Natsume noted that character introductions increased narrative complexity, requiring careful management to maintain coherence.[9] Story arc lengths vary based on narrative needs, and Hiroe planned to use the transition to the 21st century as a significant plot device.[4][9] The conclusion for each character is outlined, though execution must be consistent and well-paced.[9]
To maintain creativity, Hiroe takes breaks during serialization, a flexibility afforded by the monthly schedule.[8] The manga has undergone multiple hiatuses: from May 2010 to January 2013,[12][13][14][15] from January 2014 to May 2017,[16][17] and from August 2018 to September 2019.[18][19][20][21] Hiroe attributed these pauses to struggles withdepression,[22] and stated he is progressing with the series cautiously.[23]
Hiroe develops characters by envisioning their backgrounds, ethnicities, and affiliations, then integrating historical context.[6] While not directly based on real individuals, film influences contribute to character shaping.[6] The triad leader Mr. Chang was visually inspired by actorChow Yun-fat.[6][9] The prominence of armed female characters emerged organically, which Hiroe noted as a strength and appreciated by female readers.[9]
Revy's design was influenced by the tattoo onGeorge Clooney's character inFrom Dusk till Dawn.[4][9] Her impulsive personality stems from a criminal background, diverging from conventional values.[4] As an "ordinary criminal" without heroic motives, Hiroe commented that she adds rarity and interest to the story.[7] Her Chinese-American heritage and minority status were featured to allow readers to identify with her and to emphasize her rootless and discriminated existence.[11] Hiroe stated that Revy is the most graphically demanding character due to her varied depictions.[9]
Rock was introduced as an audience surrogate—a Japanese businessman among criminals. Hiroe stated that Rock's nationality was not predetermined and that, after being introduced to the story, he evolved into a central character.[7] Anime directorSunao Katabuchi identified with Rock's breaking of societal constraints and ongoing self-conflict.[24]
Hiroe does not oppose "cute girls" ormoe elements but includes them only when relevant. Roberta's maid attire suited her affluent South American setting rather thanmoe trends.[8] Katabuchi likened her combat style to "The EvilMary Poppins" or "Death Poppins".[25] Hiroe expanded her role beyond initial background to explore narrative possibilities.[10]
TheHansel and Gretel twins' arc grew darker as research revealed Romania's harsh conditions during theCold War era.[8]
Written and illustrated byRei Hiroe, the pilot chapter ofBlack Lagoon was published inShogakukan'sseinen manga magazineMonthly Sunday Gene-X on March 19, 2001.[b] It started its serialization in the same magazine on April 19, 2002.[c] Shogakukan has collected its chapters into individualtankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on December 12, 2002.[31] As of December 19, 2023, thirteen volumes have been released.[32]
In North America, the manga is licensed for English release byViz Media.[33] The first volume was released on August 12, 2008.[34] As of August 16, 2022, twelve volumes have been released.[35] Due to copyright-related reasons, the Viz Media edition censors the references to song lyrics and brand names, including the brands of the guns.[36] On May 9, 2023, Viz Media launched theirViz Manga digital manga service, with the series' chapters receiving simultaneous English publication in North America as they are released in Japan.[37][38]
A spin-off about Sawyer, titledBlack Lagoon: Sōjiya Sawyer – Kaitai! Gore Gore Musume (BLACK LAGOON 掃除屋ソーヤー 解体！ゴアゴア娘;lit. "Black Lagoon: Sawyer the Cleaner - Dismemberment! Gore Gore Girl"), illustrated by Tatsuhiko Ida, began inMonthly Sunday Gene-X on September 19, 2019.[39][21] The firsttankōbon volume was released on July 17, 2020.[40] As of September 19, 2025, ten volumes have been released.[41]
A spin-off about Eda, titledBlack Lagoon Eda: Initial Stage, illustrated by Hajime Yamamura, started inMonthly Sunday Gene-X on April 19, 2022.[42][43] The firsttankōbon volume was released on September 16, 2022.[44] As of September 19, 2025, seven volumes have been released.[45]
The manga was adapted into ananime television series animated byMadhouse, which was broadcast for twelve episodes onChiba TV (and on other fifteen terrestrial stations) from April 9 to June 25, 2006.[46][47]
A second season,Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage, consisting of twelve more episodes, ran for the first time onSendai Television from October 3 to December 19, 2006.[48][49]
A five-episodeoriginal video animation (OVA), titledBlack Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, which covered the "El Baile de la Muerte" arc of the manga, was released from July 17, 2010, to June 22, 2011.[50][51][52]
Twolight novels written byGen Urobuchi, with illustrations by Hiroe, have been released under Shogakukan'sGagaga Bunko imprint.Black Lagoon: Sheitane Birdy (ブラック・ラグーン シェイターネ・バーディ,Burakku Ragūn Sheitāne Bādi) was published on July 18, 2008.[53][54]Black Lagoon 2: Ballad of the Sinful Wizard (ブラック・ラグーン 2 罪深き魔術師の哀歌,Burakku Ragūn Tsu Tsumibukaki Uizādo no Barādo) was published on January 18, 2011.[55]
An illustration book, titledOnslaught: Black Lagoon Illustrations, was released by Shogakukan on August 19, 2021. It includes the original pilot chapter illustrated pages, key visuals of the 20th anniversary exhibition and unpublished illustrations. The limited edition included awater gun replica of Revy's modifiedBeretta 92 FS "Sword Cutlass Special", five autographed illustrations and six bookmarks.[56]
Fourpachinko machines based on the series have been released in 2011,[57] 2014,[58] 2019,[59] and 2023.[60] Fourpachislot machines have been released in 2012,[61] 2015,[62] 2017,[63] and 2022.[64] A pachislot simulator game,Slotter Mania V: Black Lagoon, was released for thePlayStation Vita on March 15, 2012.[65][66]
Abrowser game developed byCTW for the G123 online platform, titledBlack Lagoon: Heaven's Shot, was announced in September 2023 and released on December 7 of that same year.[67][68]
The volumes ofBlack Lagoon have frequently ranked as the best-selling manga volumes on Japan's weekly charts since 2007.[d] The eighth volume was the fourteenth best-selling manga volume of 2008 in Japan.[76] The thirteenth volume wasShogakukan's fourth highest first print run manga volume of 2023–2024 (period from April 2023 to March 2024), with 250,000 copies printed.[77] By February 2014, the manga had over 6 million copies in circulation;[78] over 7 million copies in circulation by November 2018;[79] over 8.5 million copies in circulation by January 2022;[80] and over 9.5 million copies in circulation by December 2023.[81]
About.com critic Deb Aoki namedViz Media's English release ofBlack Lagoon one of the best newseinen manga of 2008, alongsideGantz.[82] She noted its broad appeal, comparing it to a Hollywood or Hong Kong action film rather than conventional manga tropes, and described it as a mature alternative toOne Piece for readers drawn to pirate adventures.[83] Aoki praised its portrayal of strong female characters, emphasizing their confidence and combat prowess.[84] Leroy Douresseaux ofComicBookBin likened the series toThe A-Team and a "Quentin Tarantinoexploitation flick or an extra-violent version ofCowboy Bebop", also calling it "Bad Boys II on paper", suggesting it would appeal to male readers drawn to action and stylized violence.[85] Greg McElhatton ofRead About Comics commended its pacing and depth, highlighting Revy's philosophical debates with Rock as a strong point without disrupting the narrative, calling it "an action comic for people who appreciate a smart script."[86] A.E. Sparrow ofIGN praised its balance of action and character development, likening its energy toCowboy Bebop.[87] Isaac Hale ofPopCultureShock compared it toKouta Hirano'sHellsing, noting its stylized violence and fanservice, while praising its dynamic action sequences.[88] Davey C. Jones of Active Anime lauded its detailed artwork and recommended it to fans ofGunsmith Cats andCowboy Bebop.[89]
Greg Hackmann ofMania.com described the series as unapologetically action-driven, calling it "incredibly damned entertaining" despite its simplicity.[90] David Rasmussen ofManga Life found it enjoyable but lacking the depth ofCowboy Bebop, calling it a "decent enough action drama" without strong emotional engagement.[91] WriterJason Thompson likened the series to films likeRambo andThe Wild Bunch, praising its dialogue but criticizing occasionally confusing action scenes. He called it a "fun ride" with moments rivalingHellsing in intensity.[36] Writing forAnime News Network (ANN), Thompson noted its global influences, fromJohn Woo toJean-Paul Sartre, calling it a truly "global manga".[92] Theron Martin ofANN praised its high-octane action, concluding that it succeeded as a hardcore action series.[93] Carlo Santos, also forANN, called it cinematic but formulaic, summarizing it as "entertaining enough if you're up for some babes with guns."[94] Rebecca Silverman, reviewing later volumes, highlighted its dark, ruleless world as its core appeal.[95]
!["Return Fire: Director Sunao Katabuchi on Reloading 'Black Lagoon' for Another Season [1]"](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fi.redd.it%2famb3456422f61.jpg){kind=link}
!["Return Fire: Director Sunao Katabuchi on Reloading 'Black Lagoon' for Another Season [2]"](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fi.redd.it%2fu2imj86422f61.jpg){kind=link}
