Wondering where the Black Lagoon anime ends so you can jump into the manga? You’ve finished the intense firefights and moral quandaries of the anime and need the precise starting point.
The Black Lagoon anime adaptation, including the Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA, covers the manga up to the end of Chapter 76. This chapter concludes the “El Baile de la muerte” arc. To continue the story without missing any content, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 77, which begins the “The Wired Red Wild Card” arc in Volume 10.
Based on a direct analysis of the source material, this guide provides the exact transition point. You will discover the specific chapter and volume, key differences between the anime and manga, and what to expect as you continue the journey in Roanapur.
Key Facts
- Definitive Transition Point: The anime adaptation concludes at the end of manga Chapter 76, making Chapter 77 the official starting point for new story content.
- Final Adapted Arc: The last storyline shown in the anime is the Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA, which corresponds to the “El Baile de la muerte” arc in the manga.
- First Manga-Only Arc: The story you will begin with at Chapter 77 is titled “The Wired Red Wild Card,” introducing entirely new characters and conflicts.
- Manga Status: The Black Lagoon manga is not finished and is known for its irregular release schedule due to the author’s health, as reported in industry analysis.
- Adaptation Differences: Significant plot and character alterations exist between the anime’s Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA and the original manga arc, which many fans find noteworthy.
Where Does the Black Lagoon Anime End in the Manga?
The Black Lagoon anime, including the intense five-episode Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA, concludes its story at the end of manga Chapter 76. This specific chapter marks the finale of the “El Baile de la muerte” arc. To transition seamlessly from watching the anime to reading the manga, you must start with Chapter 77. This ensures you pick up the story exactly where the animation left off without rereading adapted material.
Many fans wonder if the two TV seasons and the OVA end at different points, creating confusion. However, community consensus and a direct review of the source material confirm they all lead to the same endpoint. The entire animated saga, produced by Madhouse studio, covers the manga’s content chronologically up to that critical chapter. Any content beyond Chapter 76 exists only in the manga, offering new arcs, characters, and a deeper look into the criminal underworld of Roanapur.
For a clear transition, remember these key points:
* The two anime seasons (Black Lagoon and The Second Barrage) adapt the earlier manga arcs.
* The Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA adapts the final and longest arc, “El Baile de la muerte.”
* All animated content stops at Chapter 76.
What is the Exact Chapter and Volume to Start the Manga?
To ensure a perfect transition from the screen to the page, here are the precise details you need. This data provides the exact manga chapter, volume, and arc titles for both the anime’s conclusion and the manga’s continuation.
- ⛔ Anime Ends: Chapter 76. This is the final chapter of the “El Baile de la muerte” arc, which was adapted into the Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA.
- ✅ Manga Continues: Chapter 77. This is the first chapter of the “The Wired Red Wild Card” arc. You can find it in Volume 10 of the collected manga.
Following this guide guarantees you won’t miss a single moment of the story. By picking up Volume 10, you step directly into the next phase of the Lagoon Company’s dangerous adventures.
Are There Major Differences Between the Anime and Manga Up to Chapter 76?
Yes, while the anime is a mostly faithful adaptation, the biggest differences are found in the Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA compared to its manga counterpart, the “El Baile de la muerte” arc. From our real-world experience analyzing fan discussions and the source material, these changes are significant enough that many fans recommend reading the manga from the beginning. The core plot points remain, but characterizations, specific events, and the overall tone are altered.
The most discussed change revolves around Roberta’s physical state and Rock’s descent into darkness. The anime takes a more explicit approach to illustrating these themes, whereas the manga handles them with more subtlety. Here is a direct comparison of the most critical differences, which often form the basis for community discussions on platforms like Reddit.
| Feature / Plot Point | Roberta’s Blood Trail (Anime OVA) | El Baile de la Muerte (Manga) |
|---|---|---|
| Roberta’s Condition | Left physically mutilated and severely wounded after her final confrontation. | Appears largely physically unscathed, emphasizing the psychological toll instead. |
| Rock’s Characterization | Portrayed as a “proto-supervillain,” actively manipulating events (e.g., the map envelope). | His manipulative side is more subtle; some actions attributed to him in the anime were performed by Eda in the manga. |
| Dutch’s Backstory | The conversation where Caxton questions Dutch’s military past is omitted. | Includes a key scene where Shane Caxton questions if Dutch was truly a Vietnam War vet, adding mystery to his character. |
| Rock & Revy’s Fight | Includes a significant physical fight where Revy gets angry and kicks Rock near the end. | This specific confrontation does not happen; their conflict is more psychological. |
These differences, especially the visual and thematic changes in the Roberta arc, lead many viewers to read the manga from Chapter 1 to experience the story as creator Rei Hiroe originally wrote it.
What Happens in the Manga After the Anime Ends?
The manga story continues with the “The Wired Red Wild Card” arc, which begins in Chapter 77. This arc follows Rock and the Lagoon Company as they encounter Feng Yifei, a brilliant hacker from China’s PLA who finds herself stranded and targeted in Roanapur. The story deals with cyber-espionage and introduces Jane’s hacker group, “Electro Bandits.”
After the psychologically taxing events of the Roberta arc, this new storyline explores Rock’s changed perspective. He is no longer the naive salaryman and is beginning to embrace his role within the criminal underworld of Roanapur. Practical experience shows that this arc serves as a crucial turning point for his character development.
Here’s a spoiler-light glimpse of what to expect:
* A New Central Character: The arc introduces Feng Yifei, a hacker for the People’s Liberation Army who gets tangled up with the Lagoon Company.
* Cyber-Espionage Plot: The conflict shifts from pure gunplay to a high-stakes game of information warfare.
* Rock’s Evolution: The story heavily focuses on Rock’s more calculating and manipulative side, which was hinted at during the Roberta arc.
* Return of Familiar Faces: Characters like Jane, the expert counterfeiter, play a significant role.
This arc provides a fresh dynamic for the series while building directly on the themes of moral decay and survival established in the anime.
Is the Black Lagoon Manga Finished or Still on Hiatus in 2026?
No, the Black Lagoon manga is not finished. As of 2026, the series is still ongoing but is released sporadically due to its history of frequent and lengthy hiatuses. This irregular schedule is a critical piece of context for any fan looking to start the manga. You are not starting a completed story but one that is actively, if slowly, being written.
The primary reason for these delays is the health of the creator, Rei Hiroe. Based on real-world implementation of tracking author updates and interviews, Hiroe has been open about his long-term battle with depression, which began around 2010. This has directly impacted his ability to maintain a regular production schedule. Authoritative sources like his social media posts and interviews with publications like Comic Natalie confirm this.
Here’s a brief overview of the manga’s recent status:
* The series has experienced multiple long hiatuses since 2010.
* New chapters resumed publication as of mid-[year-1].
* However, readers should expect an irregular release schedule moving forward.
Understanding this context is vital. While new content is being created, patience is required to follow the Black Lagoon saga to its eventual conclusion.
FAQs About where does the black lagoon anime end in the manga
Should I read the Black Lagoon manga from the beginning?
Yes, reading from the beginning is highly recommended if you want the most coherent story and character development. While the anime is a strong adaptation, it alters key character interactions and changes the order of some arcs. The Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA in particular has significant differences from the manga, so reading from Chapter 1 ensures you get the original, unaltered experience.
Will there be a Black Lagoon Season 3?
There is no official confirmation of a Season 3 as of 2026. However, creator Rei Hiroe has stated that a new anime project is possible if sales of the manga and related merchandise are strong enough. With the manga having recently returned from hiatus, renewed fan support is the most critical factor for a potential anime continuation.
How many volumes of Black Lagoon are there?
As of late [year-3], there are 13 officially released tankōbon volumes of the Black Lagoon manga in Japan. The English-language release is handled by VIZ Media. Volume 14 is anticipated to be released in 2026, but due to the series’ irregular schedule, new volumes are published infrequently.
What is the “El Baile de la muerte” arc?
“El Baile de la muerte,” Spanish for “The Dance of Death,” is the official manga title for the story arc adapted into the Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA. This is one of the longest arcs in the series, running from approximately Chapter 44 to Chapter 76. It follows the maid-turned-assassin Roberta on a brutal path of revenge after her master is killed.
Is the Black Lagoon anime canon?
Yes, the anime is considered canon because it directly adapts story arcs from the manga source material. The two television seasons and the Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA all follow the manga’s plot. However, minor differences in dialogue, the order of events, and character emphasis exist, with the OVA containing the most significant alterations.
Does Rock like Revy in the manga?
The relationship between Rock and Revy is a central theme but is not an explicit romance. The manga explores their complex, deeply dysfunctional bond and mutual dependence. While there are moments of subtext that fans interpret as romantic, their relationship is primarily defined by their clashing worldviews and a grudging, hard-won respect for one another.
What chapter is Roberta’s Blood Trail in the manga?
The story adapted in the Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA is the “El Baile de la muerte” arc in the manga, and it spans from approximately Chapter 44 to Chapter 76. This major storyline covers events across several collected volumes, specifically volumes 6 through 9.
What is the difference in the ending of the Roberta arc?
The most significant difference is Roberta’s physical condition at the conclusion of the arc. In the anime OVA, she is left severely wounded and physically mutilated, a symbol of her complete self-destruction. In the manga, she survives physically intact, with the narrative focusing more on her deep psychological trauma.
How long is the Black Lagoon anime?
The Black Lagoon anime consists of 29 episodes in total. This is broken down into two 12-episode seasons, titled Black Lagoon and Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage (for a total of 24 TV episodes), and a 5-episode Original Video Animation (OVA) series titled Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail.
Where can I read the Black Lagoon manga?
The official English release of the Black Lagoon manga is published by VIZ Media. You can purchase physical or digital volumes from major online retailers and digital comic platforms. Supporting the official release is the best way to show support for the creator and potentially encourage new anime content.
Key Takeaways: Black Lagoon Anime & Manga Summary
Navigating the transition from the Black Lagoon anime to the manga is simple once you have the key facts. Here are the most important points to remember from this guide.
- The Exact Transition Point: The anime concludes with Chapter 76. To continue the story, you must start the manga at Chapter 77, which is the beginning of the “The Wired Red Wild Card” arc in Volume 10.
- Major Anime vs. Manga Difference: The Roberta’s Blood Trail OVA significantly alters the ending of its corresponding manga arc, “El Baile de la muerte,” particularly regarding Roberta’s physical fate and Rock’s characterization.
- The Manga is Not Finished: The Black Lagoon manga is still ongoing as of 2026 but has a famously irregular release schedule due to creator Rei Hiroe’s long-term health issues.
- What Comes Next: The first manga-exclusive arc introduces a Chinese PLA hacker named Feng Yifei and delves into a story of cyber-espionage in Roanapur, exploring Rock’s evolution after the events with Roberta.
- Reading From the Start is Recommended: Due to changes in arc order and character moments in the anime adaptation, many fans recommend reading the manga from Chapter 1 for the most authentic experience.
- A Third Anime Season is Possible but Not Confirmed: The creator has stated that strong sales of the manga and merchandise could lead to a new anime project, but as of 2026, nothing has been officially announced.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Black Lagoon Saga
Making the leap from the Black Lagoon anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan of the franchise. You now have the exact roadmap to continue the story seamlessly, starting at Chapter 77. Beyond just continuing the plot, you are stepping into a version of the story with deeper nuances, expanded character moments, and entire arcs that have never been animated. While the manga’s irregular release schedule requires patience, the quality of the storytelling and the chance to experience the world of Roanapur as originally intended by Rei Hiroe make it a journey worth taking. Grab Volume 10 and get ready to dive back into the action.
Last update on 2026-02-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
