Rejoice, Black Lagoon fans! After a seven-month hiatus, the adrenaline-fueled manga is making a grand comeback. Get ready to dive back into the dark and dangerous world of Roanapur with the crew of the Black Lagoon.
New Chapter Set to Launch
Mark your calendars! The latest chapter of Black Lagoon will be featured in the upcoming July issue of Shogakukan’s Sunday GX magazine, hitting shelves on July 18. The new chapter will grace the cover of the issue and include a color opening page, promising a visually stunning return.
A Series of Hiatuses and Returns
Since its debut in 2002, Black Lagoon has captivated readers with its intense action and morally grey characters. However, the series has been known for its intermittent hiatuses. Despite these breaks, the manga has consistently returned, much to the delight of its dedicated fanbase.
What is Black Lagoon About?
For those new to the series, Black Lagoon follows the Lagoon Company, a group of pirate mercenaries operating in Southeast Asia during the 1990s. The crew consists of:
- Dutch: The level-headed leader of the Lagoon Company.
- Revy: A skilled and ruthless gunslinger, known for her “two-handed” gunfighting style.
- Benny: The tech expert and mechanic of the group.
- Rock: A former Japanese salaryman who joins the Lagoon Company after a series of unfortunate events.
The series explores themes of morality, justice, and the dark side of humanity, all set against the backdrop of intense action and criminal underworld dealings.
Where Can You Read Black Lagoon?
- Viz Media: Viz Media holds the North American license for the Black Lagoon manga. You can find the series on their website. They offer both physical copies and digital chapters.
- Monthly Sunday GX: The manga is serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday GX magazine.
What to Expect From the New Chapter
While specific details about the new chapter remain under wraps, fans can anticipate a continuation of the series’ signature blend of:
- Intense Action: Expect gunfights, chases, and explosive encounters.
- Complex Characters: Delve deeper into the motivations and backstories of the Lagoon Company and the colorful cast of characters that inhabit Roanapur.
- Moral Ambiguity: Explore the grey areas of right and wrong in a world where survival often means making difficult choices.
Spin-Off Series
Black Lagoon has also spawned several spin-off series, including:
- Black Lagoon: Sōji-ya Sawyer – Kaitai! Gore Gore Musume: Illustrated by Tatsuhiko Ida, this spin-off focuses on Sawyer the Cleaner, a unique and deadly character from the main series.
- Black Lagoon Eda: Initial Stage: Illustrated by Hajime Yamamura, this series delves into the backstory of Eda, the enigmatic nun with a hidden agenda.
Anime Adaptations
The Black Lagoon manga has been adapted into two anime television series and an OVA:
- Black Lagoon (2006): The first anime adaptation, covering the initial story arcs of the manga.
- Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage (2006): The second season, continuing the story with more action and character development.
- Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail (2010): An OVA series that adapts the “Roberta’s Blood Trail” arc from the manga, known for its intense and emotional storyline.
Black Lagoon: A Deep Dive
Characters
- Rokuro “Rock” Okajima: A Japanese businessman who gets caught up with the Lagoon Company and becomes an integral part of their operations. His journey from a corporate drone to a morally conflicted mercenary is a central theme of the series.
- Revy: The main female protagonist, Revy is a force to be reckoned with. Her violent past and exceptional gunfighting skills make her both feared and respected in Roanapur.
- Dutch: The leader of the Lagoon Company, Dutch is a calm and collected figure with a mysterious background. He provides guidance and strategic planning for the crew.
- Benny: The tech wizard of the group, Benny handles electronics, communications, and hacking. His expertise is crucial for the Lagoon Company’s operations.
- Balalaika: The ruthless leader of Hotel Moscow, a powerful Russian mafia organization. Balalaika is a former Soviet Army officer, scarred both physically and mentally by her experiences in Afghanistan.
- Chang: A high-ranking member of the Triads, Chang is a cunning and formidable adversary. He often crosses paths with the Lagoon Company, sometimes as an ally, sometimes as an enemy.
- Roberta: A deadly maid with incredible combat skills, Roberta is fiercely loyal to her employers. Her “Blood Trail” arc is one of the most intense and memorable storylines in the series.
- Eda: A seemingly innocent nun who works at a church in Roanapur, Eda is actually a skilled operative with her own hidden agenda. Her true allegiances remain ambiguous throughout the series.
- Sawyer: A cleaner specializing in disposing of bodies and cleaning up crime scenes. Sawyer has a macabre fascination with her work and possesses a unique skill set.
Setting
The primary setting of Black Lagoon is Roanapur, a fictional city in Thailand. Roanapur is a haven for criminals, corrupt officials, and various underworld organizations. The city’s lawless atmosphere and diverse population make it a compelling backdrop for the series’ action-packed and morally complex storylines.
Themes
- Morality and Justice: Black Lagoon explores the blurred lines between right and wrong in a world where traditional concepts of justice are often irrelevant. Characters are forced to make difficult choices, and their actions often have far-reaching consequences.
- The Dark Side of Humanity: The series delves into the depths of human depravity, showcasing violence, corruption, and exploitation. It confronts the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths people will go to for survival.
- Redemption and Change: Characters like Rock and Revy undergo significant transformations throughout the series. Rock grapples with his past and attempts to maintain his humanity, while Revy confronts her violent nature and seeks a sense of belonging.
- The Meaning of Freedom: The Lagoon Company operates outside the boundaries of the law, seeking a sense of freedom and independence. However, their actions often come at a cost, and they must confront the consequences of their choices.
Influences
Author Rei Hiroe has cited several influences on Black Lagoon, including:
- James Ellroy: Known for his crime novels with dark and gritty themes.
- Stephen King: Master of horror and suspense, whose works create a palpable atmosphere.
- Mikiya Mochizuki’s Wild 7: A classic manga series that influenced the action genre.
- Piracy in the South China Sea: News reports about piracy in the 1990s inspired the series’ setting and premise.
A Welcome Return
The return of Black Lagoon is highly anticipated by fans worldwide. With its engaging characters, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes, the series continues to be a standout in the manga landscape. Be sure to check out the new chapter on July 18!
