Series & First Appearance
Revy (レヴィ), also known as Rebecca (レヴェッカ), is a prominent character in the anime and manga series Black Lagoon, created by Rei Hiroe. She first appears in Black Lagoon Chapter 1, which was serialized in 2002. The anime adaptation debuted in 2006 and is produced by Madhouse.
Profile at a Glance
Revy is in her mid-20s, serving as the female protagonist of Black Lagoon. She is a key member of the Lagoon Company, primarily acting as the group’s enforcer due to her exceptional combat skills. Her signature weapons are a pair of customized Beretta 92FS pistols, known for their deadly precision and enhanced modifications.
Personality & Motivations
Revy possesses a fierce, competitive nature characterized by a short temper and a penchant for violence. She exhibits a nihilistic worldview, often expressing disdain for emotions, religion, and societal norms. Despite her brutal demeanor, she has moments of vulnerability, such as her complex relationship with her teammate Rock. Quirky traits include being notably ticklish, and she often uses a torrent of foul language, showcasing her no-nonsense attitude.
Abilities / Powers
Revy is renowned for her unparalleled firearms proficiency, often engaging in gunfights with superhuman reflexes. She is ambidextrous, earning her the nickname "Two Hand" among the underworld figures of Roanapur. Besides her gunplay, Revy can dodge bullets with remarkable agility and thrives in chaos, showcasing a combat style that emphasizes brutality. However, her reckless approach occasionally exposes her to dangers, reflecting the limitations of relying solely on brute force.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Revy’s narrative arc in Black Lagoon is heavily influenced by her tumultuous past. Flashbacks reveal a troubled upbringing in Manhattan’s Chinatown, marked by theft and violence, the most traumatic being the murder of her father. Throughout the series, incidents such as her cold-blooded killings and her interactions with Rock reveal her internal conflicts. Notable turning points include her explosive introduction during confrontations with enemies and her complex development in relation to Rock, ultimately displaying moments of loyalty masked by emotional barriers.
Notable Relationships
Revy’s relationships are significant to her character development. Rock serves as a foil, often challenging her violent worldview while earning her grudging respect. Their dynamic oscillates between hostility and camaraderie, especially evident when Revy saves Rock during critical moments. Other significant figures include Dutch and Benny, who comprise the Lagoon Company, providing her with a semblance of family amidst her tumultuous lifestyle. Her relationship with Balalaika, a ruthless mob leader, further complicates her loyalties and showcases her adaptability in the criminal underworld.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Revy’s most iconic moments occurs in Episode 6, when she decimates a group of Neo-Nazis in a fit of rage, punctuated by the chilling coolness of her combat style. Her line, "I’m gonna send you straight to hell!" exemplifies her ruthless character and reflects her enjoyment of violence. Similarly, her relationship with Rock culminates in a tense confrontation in Episode 7, where her point-blank shooting attempt symbolizes the complex emotions she wrestles with.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Revy has garnered a significant fanbase, evidenced by her ranking as a favorite character among over 22,000 fans. In terms of voice acting, she is portrayed by Hayasaka Rei in the Japanese version, with the English voice performed by Sarah Williams. The character’s popularity is further underscored by her frequent appearances in merchandise and cosplay. Revy’s notorious reputation extends even to the fictional NYPD’s 27th Precinct, hinting at her almost legendary status in the narrative. Moreover, her character design incorporates a blend of classic femme fatale elements and contemporary action hero tropes.
Through her complex personality and gritty storytelling, Revy stands out as a compelling anti-heroine, illustrating the dualities of violence and vulnerability in Black Lagoon.
