Rei Hiroe’s popular manga series, Black Lagoon, has returned with a new chapter after a seven-month hiatus. Fans of the action-packed series can rejoice as the latest installment promises to deliver more of the thrilling adventures and intense situations they’ve come to love.
New Chapter Details
The new chapter of Black Lagoon was released on July 18th in the July issue of Shogakukan’s Sunday GX magazine. The chapter is featured on the cover of the issue and includes a color opening page, making it a visually appealing treat for readers. This release marks the first new chapter since December 2024, much to the delight of the manga’s dedicated fanbase.
Publication Timeline
The release schedule for Black Lagoon chapters has been somewhat sporadic. The three chapters preceding this latest release were published in:
- May 2024
- August 2024
- December 2024
The irregular intervals between chapters have kept fans eagerly anticipating each new installment, making the current release even more exciting.
About Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rei Hiroe. It has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X magazine since April 19, 2002. The series is known for its intense action sequences, complex characters, and gritty depiction of the criminal underworld.
Storyline
The series follows the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries operating in the fictional Southeast Asian city of Roanapur. The Lagoon Company engages in various illegal activities, including smuggling, piracy, and acting as hired guns. The central character, Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese businessman, finds himself caught up in their world after being kidnapped by the Lagoon Company. He decides to join them, adopting the name Rock and learning to navigate the dangerous environment of Roanapur.
Key Characters
- Rock (Rokuro Okajima): A former Japanese businessman who becomes a member of the Lagoon Company. He brings a unique perspective to the group with his knowledge and negotiation skills.
- Revy (Rebecca Lee): The main gunfighter of the Lagoon Company. She is known for her exceptional combat skills and aggressive personality.
- Dutch: The leader of the Lagoon Company. He is a calm and collected strategist who keeps the group focused.
- Benny: The Lagoon Company’s mechanic and technical expert. He provides essential support for their operations.
Manga Volumes
As of December 2023, thirteen tankōbon volumes of Black Lagoon have been released. Viz Media publishes the manga in North America, with the 13th volume released on December 17, 2023. The series has experienced several hiatuses since 2010, making each new chapter and volume a significant event for fans.
Spin-off Manga
Black Lagoon has also spawned two spin-off manga series:
- Black Lagoon: Sōji-ya Sawyer – Kaitai! Gore Gore Musume (Black Lagoon: Sawyer the Cleaner – Dismemberment! Gore Gore Girl): Illustrated by Tatsuhiko Ida, this series launched in Monthly Sunday GX in September 2019. It focuses on the character Sawyer, a cleaner who specializes in dismembering bodies and cleaning up crime scenes.
- Black Lagoon Eda Initial Stage: Illustrated by Hajime Yamamura, this spin-off started in Monthly Sunday GX in April 2022. It explores the early days of Eda, a nun with a mysterious background and connections to the criminal world.
Anime Adaptations
The popularity of Black Lagoon led to multiple anime adaptations, further expanding its fanbase:
- Two Television Anime Series (2006): Produced by Madhouse, these series adapted the initial story arcs of the manga.
- Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA (2010): This original video animation continued the story, adapting the Roberta’s Blood Trail arc from the manga.
North American Release
Geneon initially released the anime series on DVD in North America in 2007-2008. Funimation later re-released the series on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in 2012 and again in 2015, ensuring its availability to a wider audience.
Rei Hiroe’s Other Works
Rei Hiroe is a multifaceted creator with contributions to various other projects:
- Re:CREATORS: Hiroe was the original creator of this television anime series. He also provided the original character designs and oversaw the scripts for the series, which premiered in April 2017 and ran for 22 episodes.
- 341 Sentōdan (341 RMR Battlegroup): Hiroe launched this manga in Shogakukan’s Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine in June 2019.
Where to Read
For fans eager to dive into the world of Black Lagoon or catch up on the latest chapters, the manga is available through several platforms. Viz Media offers simulpub chapters, allowing readers to access new content shortly after its release in Japan. Additionally, VIZ Manga provides a wide selection of other manga series for exploration.
Community and Discussions
Online communities, such as the Black Lagoon subreddit, provide platforms for fans to discuss the series, share theories, and stay updated on the latest news. These communities enhance the overall experience of being a Black Lagoon enthusiast.
