Review of Black Lagoon

Did you miss anime back in the 1980s? Well here's your chance to experience the vibe. So get out your parachute pants and Doc Martins. Lace 'em up tight,and mousse up your mohawk, because you're in for a wild ride! The artwork really nails the late 80s/early 90s style. The characters are drawn kind of stark and edgy. The background work is OK but seems a bit of an afterthought. They do nail the animation, and add some modern improvements to the OG style. Revy's gunslinging is kick-ass. There's some 3D tossed in here or there, especially in chase scenes. But It's blended in nicely anddoesn't detract at all from the experience.

I thought the character designs were well thought out, but maybe a little underdeveloped. Revy is a Human Cyclone of Hot Lead. There's a touch revealed about her, but she remains mostly mysterious. And you got to love she's fanservice personified. Rock starts out as a spineless salaryman, but after being sold out by the company, starts to show a little backbone. He's got half a brain in his head. There's some great supporting characters that might have been fleshed out a little better, but aren't entirely 2D either. Dutch in particular reminded me a lot of a guy named Jet.

Speaking of which, there is the narrative. I don't think it's a coincidence this has a serious Cowboy Bebop feel to it. Just about a bunch of outlaws and ne'er-do-wells taking on sketchy odd jobs as long as they pay well. On a torpedo boat instead of a spaceship. While Rock is no Spike, Revy is Psycho-Faye strung out on way too much meth. Dutch is the steadying influence that keeps things from flying off into the weeds. Like Bebop, this is mainly episodic with some short arcs. There's no real overarching plot, except create as much mayhem as possible. It might bore some, but I loved the old style action packed thriller take on the material.

The VA work for the mains is pretty darn good. Some of the antagonists were a bit cliche but not horribly distracting. Overall I thought the direction was adequate enough.

Those of gentler nature need to be forewarned though. Besides the fanservice, this is chockful of violence, gore, substance abuse, cussing and other unsavory escapades, Some folks are going to want to give this a hard pass. But if you don't fit that criteria, this is one hell of a series.

So not entirely perfect, but it sure took me back to the Good Old Days. I'd break out the gradebook. and put it down as a B+ 88/100 for it's shear audacity and my enjoyment of what it's doing. Take a dip in this lagoon when you get a chance, as long as you're not the sensitive type. .