In the world of anime, it’s a little too easy to write off a new series as a mindless clone of a classic show. I’m sure the makers of “Black Lagoon” wouldn’t mind being compared to something as timeless as “Cowboy Bebop,” but that simply isn’t the case. The popular sci-fi noir wasn’t the first anime based around a group of modern day pirates, and “Black Lagoon” definitely won’t be the last. Plus, while “Cowboy Bebop” was as meticulously constructed as its smooth jazz soundtrack, “Black Lagoon” shoots first and asks questions later. This is a series that doesn’t waste any time in getting to the point, as evidenced by Japanese businessman Rokura Okajima’s decision to become a full-time member of the pirate crew known as Lagoon Company within minutes of being kidnapped by them.
Though Rokura is clearly the protagonist of the story, however, it’s trigger-happy Revy who is the main draw. Shooting and swearing her way through every job (whether it’s recovering a painting from a sunken Nazi U-Boat or fending off the viperous protector of a kidnapped boy), Revy quickly proves that she’s the key to the group’s success; because without her, well, nothing would get done. Packed with just enough plot and character development to curb any criticisms that it may be too shallow, “Black Lagoon” is typical anime fare executed in the style of a Hollywood action film. In fact, the first six episodes would make for a great movie, with Samuel L. Jackson as the group’s hard-boiled leader. Hey, it could happen.
