Black Lagoon 2nd Barrage Box S [DVD]

The hard hitting and butt kicking Lagoon company return for one last showdown in Black Lagoon the Second Barrage. This second offering of high octane mayhem sees the skilled outlaws up to their old tricks and causing as much chaos on the Middle Eastern sea while they do it. This time round we see less of the musclebound team leader - Dutch and the computer whiz Benny as the story shifts more towards the charismatic and slightly scary Balalaika (nicknamed fry-face for obvious reasons) and her powerful army-like gang - hotel moscow.

The first story arc of the second barrage is genuinely disturbing as it follows a pair of psychopathic children who thrive on killing and torturing people in horrific ways. Black Lagoon has already proved that is more than capable of creating intriguing backstories for it's characters and these screwed up youths are no exception. Definetly the most disturbing story arc, and sadly one of the ones with the least action. However, this all changes in the second disc of the set which sees complete and utter chaos break out. The reason - Lagoon are hired to protect a young computer who uses her skills to create counterfeit money, and as she has got herself in too deep with a major rival gang the team have a tough time dealing with the relentless onslaught of gangsters which include a chainsaw wielding goth and a big guy with a flame thrower. Like I said before, this story arc is complete chaos with bullets, blood and limbs flying all over the place. Pure awesome.

The final story arc sees Rock and Revy heading to Japan with Balalaika. The true extent of fry-faces ruthlessness is revealed here as she goes about creating a full on gang war. These episodes are entertaining enough but I was expecting something really spectacular and over the top for the finale, especially considering the adrenaline fuelled nature of the show. This arc instead goes about tackling some psychological issues with the characters as well as giving more than it's fair share of philosophical ramblings. The series ends on a satisfactory note, but ultimately, I was expecting fireworks and what we get is sparklers.

After watching the previous boxset, it became evident that the second barrage had potential to better it, however in my opinion it falls slightly short by introducing some interesting issues/themes but doing nothing with them. The guntoting Nun - Eda who is part of the rip-off church recieves some interesting characterisation in the second volume of this set, but nothing comes of it at all. I wont spoil it but you should see what I mean. Furthermore, it would have been nice to see a bit more of Revy's backstory...But hey, guess you can't have everything.

Despite this, this series is still a brilliant purchase as it has some great thrills and provides some genuinely funny moments as well. Black Lagoon is defiently a series that needs to be seen by action fans and anyone who loves sleek and beautiful looking animation (kudos to studio madhouse). Overall Black Lagoon is an exceptional anime series that has some of the best action and likeable cast of characters I have seen in a good while. Don't think, just buy it now!