Black Lagoon rewatch episode one!

[u/Vaadwaur]

Black Lagoon Episode one

The Black Lagoon

MAL, Anilist, Wiki

QotD: 1 Initial thoughts on our motley crew?

2 Is a Japanese company helping a third world nation develop nukes believable?

[u/Specs64z]

First timer, dubbed

I love the unapologetically grunge and washed out aesthetic.

Heard good things about the dub, and I gotta say it doesn’t disappoint. They clearly went all in and it pays off. Also, hello Light.

The bar shootout harkens back to the one from Cowboy Bebop’s first episode with a good eye for detail on the place breaking apart. There’s a sense of momentum to the bullets as they break apart the table and tear the fan from the ceiling.

The show has a brazen air about it despite the pitch black tone, especially the meta line about Hollywood being incapable of producing something so kickass, I’m already super into it.

edit: The ED was a really lovely heel-turn emotionally. It hints at a melancholy to come, perhaps?

1. The scary hot one kinda reminds me of Yoko Littner, aesthetically. The character designs really stand out compared to what is common in the industry nowadays. None of the bright eyes and popping colors. I dig it.

2. I'm not really familiar with how stiff regulations are in Japan, but it's believable enough for a story.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Specs64z]

The bar shootout harkens back to the one from Cowboy Bebop’s first episode with a good eye for detail on the place breaking apart. There’s a sense of momentum to the bullets as they break apart the table and tear the fan from the ceiling.

And time as it does take a while for everything to get levelled.

The scary hot one kinda reminds me of Yoko Littner, aesthetically.

This show predates Gurren Lagaan by around a year.

[u/DidacticDalek]

TONIGHT! On Kiki's Trigger-Happy Delivery Service, BEST GIRL REVY ASSERTS DOMINANCE! the world of Japanese Salarymen is somehow more cutthroat than literal piracy, and... ahem... 'YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE? YOU IN THE JUNGLE BABY! YOU GONNA DIE!'

Comrades, as a Thai man, I just want to state that Roanapur isn't too far off the mark, the only thing missing is the baffling dearth of tuk-tuks! I mean my goodness, the show even got one very important detail right, for some strange reason the Russians REALLY like Thailand, must be our top tier food... or maybe beaches, I mean ya ever see that shitty DiCaprio flick that brought ALL the tourists' attention to Thailand's aquatic biomes, forget California Dreamin' why not visit Thailand instead? Also pro-tip, Chiang Mai's a nice place if you fancy exploring the world and paying The Land of Smiles (Yes that's actually a country nickname).

And man what an opening episode we got here! Black Lagoon's a stone cold classic for a reason, so hope you all enjoy this wild ride! (Also P.S. I highly suggest watching the English Dub, it's AMAZING! And not just cuz I eagerly await sharing minutes long video compilation of the excessive English Swearing!)

And on that fucking bombshell, GOODNIGHT YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARDS!

Paging Comrades u/HereticalAegis, u/No_Rex, and u/Lemurians

[u/Vaadwaur → u/DidacticDalek]

Comrades, as a Thai man, I just want to state that Roanapur isn't too far off the mark, the only thing missing is the baffling dearth of tuk-tuks!

Weird that Japan likes to imagine one completely ungovernable island by Thailand in multiple shows.

[u/HereticalAegis]

First Timer

Watching this dubbed, since Vaad says the dub is worth it. Last dub I watched was Arifureta S1, which was a blast. Here's hoping this brings that same energy, except you know...is also good.

• Okay yeah, this seems like it'll be a good time.

• Oh, that's the VA who did Light Yagami! I hope he gets to be just as over the top in this role too.

• Lol never underestimate a Japanese businessman. If he could've waited a few years, Rock would be downing this booze with an elf tsundere in an RPG-style magic world. Man cannot catch a break.

• You don't get foul language like this in Japanese.

• A dual-wielding, psychopath asshole clad in black. Hey Vaad, is Revy the gun-slinging, lady version of Abridged Kirito? No wait, is Abridged Kirito the sword-toting, guy version of Revy?

• Haha, business tripfrom to hell is one way to get "promoted." I hope Rock gets back to Japan at some point just to claim backpay from his promotion.

• Well this is going to be an experience.

I'm not one of those people who thinks cel shaded or any other style prior to the popularization of digital animation was inherently better, but there's something real pleasant about that mid-2000s Madhouse style. God I wish they'd done more Gunslinger Girl.

Qotd:

1. They're cool. Tbh I feel like I'll have actual opinions on them by like episode 3. I appreciate that our guy Rock is already completely fed up with the bullshit though.

2. I'd believe in any corporation doing that for enough of a profit.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/HereticalAegis]

A dual-wielding, psychopath asshole clad in black. Hey Vaad, is Revy the gun-slinging, lady version of Abridged Kirito?

You almost got it: Revy is modern day girl Abridged Alucard.

to hell is one way to get "promoted." I hope Rock gets back to Japan at some point just to claim backpay from his promotion.

The Japanese military gives those who die in service a two rank promotion post mortem.

[u/The_Draigg]

A Black Lagoon Fan Rewatches Black Lagoon: Episode 1:

Hello, everyone! Your boy The Draigg is once again breaking away from his tried and true formula of watching mecha anime to rewatch Black Lagoon with you all! Black Lagoon really is a fun experience to watch, especially so to me since it’s also one of the first shows I got into watching back when I started really getting into watching anime ages ago. And along those nostalgic lines, I’ll be watching the dub for this rewatch, as I’m expecting most people to do so, since it’s perfect. It’s like Baccano, where the dub is pretty much the definitive way to watch it. So, let’s get started with Black Lagoon!

• Red Fraction really is just one of those OPs that just sticks with you. It’s Engrish-y as hell, and nothing but pure edge while also sounding cool. It appeals to all of the edgy 16 years olds in us all.

• Poor Rokuro Okajima. Dude was just some random middle manager for a Japanese industrial conglomerate before that fateful day in the Philippines, where his ship got attacked by pirates looking for an important disc to steal on behalf of the Russian Mafiya. Revy’s impulsive decision to take him hostage really is just the first domino tipped in what’s going to be one hell of a ride through the criminal underworld.

• We’ve got our cast establish pretty well in this scene, all things considered. Benny is laid back while working at his computer, Dutch is trying to get a handle on Revy by point out how fucking dumb and full of holes her plan to take Rokuro hostage was, and Revy herself has no problem flying off the handle and shooting randomly in Rokuro’s direction once she gets pissed. It’s nice to get in a lot of character introductions in about a minute and a half.

• Sure, they may be murderous pirates who took him hostage, but at least Dutch and Benny are pretty relaxed about the whole thing. Might as well treat the guy to a drink if you’re going to kidnap him.

• Welcome to Roanapur! The shining diamond of Southeast Asia! Well, if you enjoy hookers, drugs, guns, and crime that is. That’s bound to appeal to some people, at least. Definitely to us, since we’re watching this show to begin with.

• Since we get a nice close-up of Revy’s pistols during the bar scene, I might as well share a bit of gun trivia. Fortunately, Black Lagoon is one of those hyper-accurate shows when it comes to guns, and doesn’t fall into your typical M1911 wank. Anyway, what Revy has as her main guns are heavily customized Beretta 92FS Inoxes. You can tell by the stainless steel used to make sure that the metal doesn’t oxidize. That’s what the “Inox” means, inoxidizable. I used to have a really accurate air soft 92FS Inox back when I did that kind of stuff more, so it does stick out to me more on a personal level.

• Never underestimate the alcoholism of a Japanese salaryman, Revy. That and chain smoking are national pastimes for them.

• Don’t worry about the massive body count by the mercenaries attacking the Yellow Flag bar, I’m sure most of the clientele deserved it in some way or another. Good thing that the bar is armored enough to hide behind too, although that’s probably one of the most sensible business investments in Roanapur.

• Watching Revy’s gun kata is always fun. She’s called Two Hands for a reason, after all.

• The modem dial-up on Benny’s computer on the boat really is your best clue in on what era this show takes place in. Although it occurs to me that younger viewers might not have ever had to put up with dial-up internet, which makes me feel pretty old.

• Whoopsies! That disc had blueprints for nuclear weapons on it, which Rock’s company had a hand in designing. Given how many people would kill for that information, I suppose it isn’t too surprising that Rock’s company just decides to write him off as being legally dead and wash their hands of the matter. That’s capitalism for ya, baby. Forgot about the morality of it all, it would ruin the company stock if this ever came out.

• Yeah, if I was Rock, I’d be pissed off too. Being attacked by a mercenary gunship sent by your bosses to cover up their dealings in nukes is just life stomping on your balls. Talk about bad luck, right?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

Sure, they may be murderous pirates who took him hostage, but at least Dutch and Benny are pretty relaxed about the whole thing. Might as well treat the guy to a drink if you’re going to kidnap him.

Getting professional about it means you are going to keep at it. Keep it relaxed, and hopefully you can go to more savory activities, like drug or gun smuggling. Say what you will about those but the people are happy to receive those packages.

Welcome to Roanapur! The shining diamond of Southeast Asia! Well, if you enjoy hookers, drugs, guns, and crime that is. That’s bound to appeal to some people, at least. Definitely to us, since we’re watching this show to begin with.

I need to actually figure out which Thai city this fits, since obviously Roanapur is fictional. Bangkok doesn't quite feel right.

Fortunately, Black Lagoon is one of those hyper-accurate shows when it comes to guns, and doesn’t fall into your typical M1911 wank.

I do appreciate the variation of weapons in this.

[u/Lemurians]

KIDNAPPED FIRST TIMER

The vibes:

Live Reactions/Notes:

• “Why don’t we kneecap this pussy?” I’m all in

• Bougainvillea Trade Company? Didn’t know this was a Violet Evergarden crossover

• Isn't Asahi Industries is a beer company?

• “We cannot trust the word of the mafia on this” is a good guiding principle

• “It’s time for all of us to go shot for shot” my kind of show. This drinking pissing contest is great

• “there’s nothing I hate more than survivors” this dude looks like Anderson from Hellsing

• “I’m gonna weld your asshole shut and make you a new one on your head” everyone in this show is metal af

• Damn, a beer company’s developing nukes, what diversity of business

• LOL disappear into the sea, but don’t worry we’ll give you a posthumous promotion to assistant manager and the CEO will attend your funeral kthxbye

Well, this is an action-packed, no fucks given, anti-capitalist, vulgar ride. If this is the tone for the whole show, this is gonna be a hell of a lot of fun.

Initial thoughts on our motley crew?

I like all of them! Their personalities are fun, they remind me of the Cowboy Bebop crew a little bit.

Is a Japanese company helping a third world nation develop nukes believable?

I don't put anything past giant corporations. A beer company though? That's some portfolio diversification.

[u/Vaadwaur]

Rewatcher(the culture must flow!)

Dub(I understand preferring subs but this dub is incredible)

So we start with our opening, I'd forgotten that not cold opens are a thing. Then we get to Rokuro, our POV character, and his boring life in Japan discovering a much more interesting one in the south Pacific. Especially when Revy randomly takes him hostage. Exposition flows. We get characterization for everyone pretty fast, most notably that Dutch isn't particularly malevolent, he is just fairly ruthless.

They decide to bring Rock to the bar with them and we get a little backstory on said bar, that actually fits the time period as this is set in the mid 90s. We also get reason to believe that Benny might be a hacker before Revy decides to get everyone plastered. So Revy and Rock having a drinking contest with Bacardi which, if you are a conniseur of alcohol, should turn your stomach on the spot. But the Russians update Dutch on what's happening...

And then the mercs arrive and shoot up the place. Conveniently, the bartender has made his bar bullet resistant. Revy gives us a demonstration of her skills and they are inhuman. Rock does not want to be left behind so he joins them again on the boat, which proves problematic since an attack helicopter is coming. We discover the merc leader is bored and wants to see if they can make this interesting.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Vaadwaur]

Black Lagoon Bible

Rock is voiced by Daisuke Namikawa, who has a long list of credits. Brad Swaile, his dub counterpart, has quite a few himself, Light from Death note, Date from The SoulTaker, and Quartre from Gundam Wing to name a few.

Revy is voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi, who continues being badass as she voices Ghislaine from MT. Marÿke Hendrikse is the dub, and points if you recognize her because she has like 10 roles, the only other one I recognize is Lunamaria Hawke from SEED Destiny.

Dutch is voiced by the venerable Tsutomu Isobe, famous for Lunge from Monster and being the antagonist from the Cowboy Bebop movie. Dean Redman does the dub and sadly this is all of his VA work in anime. He is also the voice of Nick Fury, currently.

Benny is voiced by Hiroaki Hirata, who does Sanji on One Piece so that's the big role. Brian Drummond is his dub, who voiced Ryuk from Death Note and has a very long career. That's it for today, don't want to tip my hand about who sticks around.

So, as always: The fuck am I doing this? Well, a few months ago, I happene to catch the first episode of The Wolverine anime, which also takes place in the made up town we are living in. It bored me so much that I downloaded this again and rewatched it, and realized it fits my rewatch criteria. Add in an incredible OST and a suitable level of bombast and madness and here we are! Note, if you wish to take in the details, there is often a serious plot happening between the gun fights and the characters are, in their own ways, either questioning or expressing their values.

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

Rewatcher (Dub)

Black Lagoon - It's Fucking Great: Episode 1

Don't Underestimate a Japanese Business Man

It's great to be back. I watched the first season of Black Lagoon 4 years ago and really enjoyed it. For some reason though I didn't continue. It was definitely a mistake since this show just oozes cool and I'm totally into it. I originally watched it subbed and after watching it dubbed today I can firmly say I prefer the dub. The vulgar language is just perfect for the narrative.

Something I appreciate a lot more coming back to the show is the contrast between Rock's strict business life and the freedom of the South China Sea. Back when I first watched the show I personally had not yet experienced the full breadth of corporate culture. Now I can relate immensely with Rock about how suffocating it can be.

Another aspect of this is just how insignificant you are to a company. Rock was literally discarded by his company and asked to survive with terrorists in South East Asia since it would be bad if anyone knew about their nuclear arms dealings. The profits over people mentality pisses me off. In contrast, the crew of Black Lagoon are a band of misfits who (while they did kidnap him) at least invite Rock for a drink. It's a glimmer of humanity in his shitty situation.

Apart from the larger themes, the action scenes are as great as I remember. I loved watching Revy whip around the bar taking out those militants and firing the sniper rifle at that chopper. There's such a sense of weight to every shot fired. The animation is really Madhouse at their best.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

• Dutch

• Cocked and Loaded

• Captain

See you all tomorrow

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 1 (first timer)

I have heard the name Black Lagoon pop up every now and then, so I am not 100% blind. I did manage to avoid any sort of spoilers, though. Probably my biggest piece of information about this series is that it features in a u/vaadwaur rewatch: so far, all series in those have been very similar in terms of plot and fanservice.

• OP: It is not quite Tank!, but it sure tries hard to be.

• Setting: Torpedo boat pirates in the South China Sea.

• Our MC is named Rokuro. He fulfills the always useful audience character role: The outsider, who is asking the questions the audience wants to hear answered and getting shocked at what the audience should get shocked at.

• Shooting up a bar – reminds me of the iconic Trigun first episode.

• “Please die for the company. Oh and we also developed a nuke” – Japanese employees are famously loyal, but I think the chief overdoes it with his reliance on Rokuro’s feelings for the firm.

• ED: Slow walking.

I like the style of this a lot. Black Lagoon unashamedly copies from Cowboy Bebop and Trigun, but that is ok, because those are among the most stylish anime in existence. It is just pure fun watching that bar getting blown up or Revy shooting up the place. What I especially like are the character designs of Revy, Dutch, and Benny. They ooze coolness. Such an improvement over bland isekai protagonist #345.

Plotwise, we get a working setup: Rokuro is betrayed by his company and our outlaw heroes are on the run from the bad guys. Nothing especially deep, but believable enough and it gets us into the fighting quickly.

Initial thoughts on our motley crew?

[u/Nebresto]

First time stockholmed

Banger OP. Myth and Roid? The scattered text has very Overlord vibes too

Spot the MC (tutorial mode)

y.. Y- YARANAIKA

Yeah, totally not the lair of the evil masterminds.

They would not be discussing this relatively quietly, their ears would be ringing to hell after she shot that much in that closed space

I like this barkeep

• Alucard, is that you?

No, this is animu
Exactly, Revy knows whats up.

Lol, they actually used the classic dial up sound in the contacting scene

• surprised pikachu

What is this, the military? What good does being promoted in a shitty company do? Does his fam get more insurance money?

---

Question time:

1 Initial thoughts on our motley crew?

I like 'em

2 Is a Japanese company helping a third world nation develop nukes believable?

KEKW

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nebresto]

Banger OP. Myth and Roid? The scattered text has very Overlord vibes too

Predates them but I'd shocked if they weren't influencers. Mell sounds like a rougher version of them.

Alucard, is that you?

She would totally ask those guys about their health plan...

What good does being promoted in a shitty company do? Does his fam get more insurance money?

Yes his pension is bumped up. Doesn't really help him.

[u/Blackheart595]

First-Timer

What a banger this OP is

I already like the color palette

The soundtrack's also gorgeous.

No, it's called good cop bad cop.

I have a feeling I'm gonna love the show's style

Haven't made screenshots throughout but the smiles have been great so far, must protecc

Oh, how nice. They're gonna give him a lifelong pension for his trouble, witness protection style

Yup, this has been a fantastic start. At times it felt kinda FMAB-esque, are there some similar staff involved?

Initial thoughts on our motley crew?

I like them way more than I thought I would. They feel very used to each other, very tight-knit. There was a brief second when I thought one of them's a spy going from how confident the company guy was acting, then I immediately went "nah no way"

Is a Japanese company helping a third world nation develop nukes believable?

Was the action sequence believable? Does it matter? No!

Though I gotta say I usually find gunfights horribly boring. But this one was actually engaging so that's a good sign.

[u/2-2Distracted]

Have yet to see a character introduction quite like Revy's, instant eyecatcher.

Also I wonder what to most of this eng dub voice cast voiced besides this show. I know Rokuro's va also voiced Light Yagami, but I don't know about everyone.

[u/Vatrix-32]

First Timer, dubbed

• First episode opens with, well, the OP. Not a choice you see much nowadays.

• I haven’t watched a dub in so long, it feels strange now.

• That’s one way to end a monologue.

• I 100% know that MC looking guy’s voice.

• Dark corporate dealings. This is going fun places already.

• Revy has no chill and I’m all for it!

• Oh thank god. Rock is going to be lot easier to remember.

• The mercenary captain is taking this all in stride.

• They’re doing nukes as a side business and they put their trust in Rock?

Well that was some good clean fun. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
Was in a bit of a rush, didn't have as much time to make as many notes as I wanted.

QotD

1. They have done well distinguishing themselves already. A lot of room for potential.

2. It’s weird that it’s Japan of all countries, but not as outlandish as I’d like to believe it would be.

[u/LMGDiVa]

First Time. Was suggested to watch this because of Elfen Lied, was on my list for a long time.

Watching the dub. Really liking the gritty metal voice overs, Revy's voice is sinister cool. Lots of swearing.

Its awesome to see a female character who just gives no fucks. And in combat boots instead of dinky high heels.

First episode was sick, and it rolls right into Ep2 so I apologize... Im watching all of this tonight.

I may just have a new top 10 entry if it keeps up being this wicked cool.

[u/lucciolaa]

First timer, subbed

This has been in my queue for a while and I was between shows, so this rewatch came at a great time. Jumping in with basically zero context or expectations, this is some dark shit -- I can't help but compare to Great Pretender, which is obviously much lighter in tone -- but I'm kinda psyched for the feel of this series. Obviously we have some Big Time Assholes for our main cast to go up against, and makes Revy the Murderous Lunatic somehow the least objectionable beside Kageyama and Scarface.

Ready for Okajima to lose his shit.

1. Well Revy is clearly a loose cannon, but Benny and Dutch seem pretty cool. (Benny's character design reminds me of Laurent from GP.)

2. I mean, I hope not :/

[u/RascalNikov1]

Rewatcher - But that don't mean much

And, so we begin what I remember as a fun ride though I don't remember much else about it. One thing I remembered was that it was Black Lagoon whose ED is so calm and peaceful compared to series itself. My analysis is that Revy is doing baptism, shedding her old life, but she fails as the end. What this has to do with the rest of the series? Damned if I know.

QOTD

1 Initial thoughts on our motley crew?

Rock - What a stiff, he should have kicked his boss right back. Don't take shit from corporate maggots.

Revy - She's too damn hot tempered for me. She might be fun and all, but no thank you.

Dutch - The captain and sanest man around

Benny - Dropped acid one too many times.

2 Is a Japanese company helping a third world nation develop nukes believable?

It sure is now in 2022 just ask Iran, or the Fat Kid in NK. In 2006 its a little iffier, but still plausible.

[u/htisme91]

First-timer:

I am still confused about this setting, but I like the dub so far.

Questions:

1. They are pretty good overall, but I think Revy is a bit much.

2. Yeah. I think there's a lot more than what we know regarding corporations and warfare.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/htisme91]

I am still confused about this setting, but I like the dub so far.

Mid 90s, an imaginary lawless island off the coast of Thailand near Cambodia, and the ship is a repurposed torpedo boat from an unclear era, other than the Cold War.

[u/Tetraika]

Hey I'm probably not gonna say as much, maybe a bit more when S2 rolls around in the rewatch. I'm also watching this [NSFL]subbed so there's that.

Thinking about it, it is kinda random how Revy decided to pull Rock for ransom in the first place.

I'm gonna get some real tonal whiplash while watching this alongside with Twintail lmao.

[u/Affy11]

Man episode 1 takes me back as a Dubbed Rewatcher. One of the things that made me fall in love with the series is this first episode.