"Black Lagoon was animated by Madhouse, with sponsorship from Geneon Entertainment. Expect this one to throttle the previous track record of lackluster reception for coproduced works. While its level of violence is a substantial liability in finding a high profile spot on North American television, Black Lagoon is ready to weigh in as a serious contender for supplanting Cowboy Bebop's audience. By out Hollywood action-ing Hollywood action and setting a tone that is neither ponderous nor disengaged with the state of the world, Black Lagoon is an aesthetic success. " --Scott Green, Ain't It Cool News