Black Lagoon Volume 7-8
Story and Art: Rei Hiroe
Rating: Mature
Roberta, the head matron of the Lovelace family, returns to Roanapur to dole out vengeance on those who murdered her master, in the process plunging the entire city into a warzone. Sensing the potential chaos this might cause, the heads of their respective mafias hold a meeting to determine just how to handle the situation. Of course it’s not long before Rock and company are dragged into it when a second maid arrives in town seeking them out.
Fabiola, the younger but by-no-means less dangerous maid, is there on behalf of her master, Garcia, to request the aid of the crew in tracking Roberta down. Rock and Benny are more than ready to help but Dutch and Revy would rather not stick their necks out. After an enlightening conversation with Rock, Revy agrees to tag along.
Unfortunately for them, Roberta’s target is the United States. Unwilling to let her vendetta interfere with their operations, the mafia decides to take whatever actions necessary to protect their business, even if it means tearing down everyone in their path.
Though the bulk of the story focus’ on Roberta’s destructive quest for vengeance, many of the supporting cast also get the spotlight shown on them. Scenes featuring Eda serve to clarify her reason for being in Roanaour and readers are also given a glimpse into Chang’s true character. Even bit characters like Shenhua and Sawyer set their time to shine.
Both volumes are filled to the brim with action scenes that stand out as bullets and blood feature heavily. It’s nonstop explosive action done with a Hollywood like flare. The creative layout of the panels and the engaging use of the characters captures the audience and keeps them hooked for the long haul.
These are two solid entries into the series. When fans crave an action series with a healthy dose of wit, Black Lagoon will provide ultimate satisfaction.
Black Lagoon Volume 7 – A+
Black Lagoon Volume 8 – A+
Ultimo Volume 1
Original Concept: Stan Lee
Story and Art: Hiroyuki Takei
Rating: Teen
Yamato is your average run-of-the-mill high school student who’s more concerned with getting the girl than he is with saving the world. That all changes when he discovers a mechanical boy named “Ultimo” who is designed to be the “ultimate good”. Unfortunate for him, Yamato becomes tangled up in a centuries old battle between good and evil thanks to a promise his ancestor made to Ultimo in another life.
Ultimo is helmed by two legends of the business, Hiroyuki Takei of Shaman King fame and Stan Lee, the father of modern super heroes. Interestingly enough, Lee is only credited with the original concept while Takei seems to be handling both story and art though the interview within would imply that the two are dovetailing their ideas off one another. Also of note is the fact that Lee is drawn into the story as a means to get the plot rolling.
We find out that Ultimo is just one of hundreds of mechanical creations, also known as Karakuridoji, that are meant to battle each other to decide which is superior: good or evil. Ultimo’s polar opposite is Vice. He is the personification of evil and receives power boosts every time he spreads fear and destruction. Both of them are destined to duel one another until one finally triumphs over another.
While Ultimo is entertaining, it does fall into the typical trappings of the shonen genre. The unwilling hero who suddenly discovers a great power all the while being clumsy in front of girls not to mention the Pokemon like setting are prime examples.
The art style is also inconsistent as some panels are beautifully detailed while others appear rushed. It doesn’t take away from the overall entertainment but it would be nice to have pages look consistent. The designs of the characters themselves are a plus as their frail bodies and oversized limbs make it different from the majority of the work on the market.
Stylistic issues aside, the story is compelling enough that it is worth checking out at least once. At the very least, if for no other reason than to glimpse Stan Lee’s first foray into the world of manga. Good versus evil may be clichéd but Ultimo delivers a read that is satisfying enough that the audience will want to see how the story unfolds.
Ultimo Volume 1 – B-
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