Comic Review: “Black Lagoon” Vol. 7 takes us back to Roanapur

Black Lagoon has been one of the best properties to come out of Japan in the past few years. The animation, created by Madhouse, has been a breakout hit. Meanwhile, Viz Media has been releasing the original comic, created by Rei Hiroe, since 2008. And, if you want to experience more stories from the crew of Lagoon Company and of the citizens of Roanapur, then you must pick up the comic, as volume 7 continues a not-yet-animated story.

The story arc, El Baile de la Muerte, began in volume 6 and saw the return of Roberta, the former Cuban revolutionary-turned-maid introduced in volume 1 of the comic. Her boss was murdered in a terrorist act and the trail to his killers, who happen to be members of the U.S. military, leads her back to Roanapur. Even though she has yet to cause massive damage to the city like last time, all the gangs and cartels in Roanapur (which include the Chinese Triads, the Russian mafia, and a church that covers for a weapons dealer) are scared about what would happen when she deals her revenge. Meanwhile, the Lagoon Company encounters Garcia, Roberta’s young master, and Fabiola, Roberta’s subordinate and skilled gunslinger. They’re looking for Roberta and eventually get Rock and Revy, the two main stars, to help them out.

The series has been known for intense and explosive action, and this volume begins with a busy scene with Fabiola laying waste to a local bar and the Columbian cartel. The artwork during this scene is solid and maintains the chaos. And… that’s about it for the action. Save for a couple of flashbacks of Roberta getting revenge against her boss’ killers and a dream sequence, there’s not a lot of action. Those of you wanting action-packed moments on par with past volumes would have to look elsewhere.

That’s not to say a dialogue-heavy Black Lagoon is a bad thing. One of the most surprising things about the series has been its non-action moments that draw out the intrigue and drama in the series. Volume 7 has some of its best moments with its speeches. The best was when Chang, the leader of the Triads, explains to the various mobs what Roanapur is, how all the corruption in the city has been a good thing, and that Roberta’s vengeance may destroy that balance. Another good scene was between Rock and Revy as they discuss what their non-romantic relationship is and shows for the first time what Rock, the former salaryman from Japan, is becoming and his role after his return trip to Japan back in volumes 4 and 5. The slowdown also allows you to observe the solid designs of each character and of the city itself in one scene.

There are some faults with the volume. Pretty much all 9 chapters in this felt like one huge set-up for the next volume. The most obvious moments of this feeling deal with Roberta in the present as we get a glimpse of her slowly descending into darkness. The feeling keeps you engaged long enough to read through the book, but once you reach the 4-page gag comic at the end you will feel a little bit left down since it hits a moment where we might actually get some action. That’s not to say the gag comic, a part of the extras that include notes about Columbian and U.S. military forces, is bad because it is really good and does provide a skewed look at the eclectic cast.

The volume begins with the fourth part of the arc. It does recap some of the events that happened before this volume, but some people, including those new to the series, would need to pick up volume 6 as a recommendation to experience this fully. It’s also worth noting that the series is for mature audiences and does feature some nudity, drug-taking, and loads of swearing. If you’re offended by any of that in your comics, it’s best to look away. Plus, while the $13 MSRP may seem too steep of a price for the average manga, it is printed on a larger print and paper.

In short, Black Lagoon volume 7 is a tease. It’s still good and those who liked the series will enjoy it. Just prepare for the slowdown after the action-packed beginning and hope that volume 8 delivers on the set-up these 200 pages created.

Black Lagoon volume 7 was released on August 11, 2009, by Viz Media.