When I found out that Black Lagoon was part of our Loot Anime SQUAD crate this month, I must have squeed for a good ten minutes. This high octane, ass-kicking, definitely for mature audiences anime series was one of the few series I had to watch the instant new episodes were online.
Featuring a group of ragtag mercenaries, Black Lagoon quickly became one of my top 5 anime series of all time. And these four mercs are the reason behind it…
Madhouse/Funimation
Revy
Far and away my favourite member of the Lagoon Company is Revy, nicknamed Two-Hands. She’s a foul-mouthed drunk with a bad smoking habit, but damn can this woman kick butt. If you need someone to take on a team of covert operatives or just watch your back, Revy is the gunslinger you want for the job. What do I love most about her? She’s tough as nails, quick-tempered, and ain’t gonna take your crap. (My hero!)
Madhouse/Funimation
Rock
This young Japanese business man joined the Lagoon Company when they kidnapped him and his company decided he wasn’t worth saving. Since then, Rock has joined the crew and become the face of this mercenary squad. Ever the salaryman, Rock still dons his dress attire as he negotiates, strategizes, and acts as something of a conscious for the group. Rock’s skills in linguistics and his charming personality have helped him create ties with several of the other mercenary groups that use Roanapur as their home base. Despite all he has seen and experienced, Rock still holds out hope that one day he will be able to save someone.
Madhouse/Funimation
Dutch
Dutch is a former US Marine and captain of the “liberated” PT boat, the Black Lagoon. He’s a Vietnam vet who went AWOL and has been living as a mercenary ever since. Many people see Rock as the leader of the company now, but Dutch is still the one negotiating contracts and issuing orders to his squad. He may not show it, but he cares about his team. When push comes to shove, Dutch has been known to join the fight carrying his trusty shotgun and revolver. He’s just not as gun-happy as his long time partner.
Madhouse/Funimation
Benny
Every great merc squad needs a tech guy, and Benny does just that for Lagoon Company. After his own run-ins with the FBI and mafia types, circumstances led to Benny joining Revy and Dutch, thus becoming the third member of the group only a couple of years before Rock. In addition to his tech-savvy, he works as the group’s driver and mechanic. And I’ve always loved how Benny’s closet is primarily Hawaiian shirts. Maybe it’s just because he’s from Florida, but I feel like he was on his way to Margaritaville when he found himself needing to be rescued from an unfortunate ocean burial.
If I’m ever kidnapped and in need of a rescue team, I hope someone assembles the real-life versions of the Lagoon Company members to find me. Sure, I may end up with a few bumps and bruises, but it might just be the win that Rock needs, and I am okay with that.
