Black Lagoon’s Author Finally Confesses his 10-Year Battle with Depression

Rei Hiroe, the mangaka of Black Lagoon, has recently confessed that the slow progression of the manga’s chapter releases was mainly due to his depression. 

In a society where mental health issues are still looked at through a myriad of taboos and negative attitudes, I believe Hiroe sensei coming out with his problems is a brave decision.

The Black Lagoon manga’s release schedule has been pretty messed up in the past few years, and now it is clear that the brilliant creator is fighting with his own ghosts.

Rei Hiroe tweeted on 25th July, saying “my depression hasn’t gone away, so I can’t work as much as I’d like” Although the tweet was deleted very soon, it was archived in time, and we can now see a copy of it. 

No, I just can’t make a lot of work because my depression isn’t relieving https://twitter.com/otaku_dead4545/status/1419312903644073985

English Translation, Twitter Translate

After only two volumes have been published in the last ten years, it is common for the fans to be curious about their favorite series. It is to one such question that Hiroe bluntly responded about his depression.

The author’s Twitter account has been flooded with comments from sympathetic fans.

Fans are appreciating his honesty since he came clear to his fans. He has been dealing with depression for a decade now, and no doubt working is too difficult. However, he is still trying his best and pushing the manga as much as possible, even in his current state.

The ongoing pandemic isn’t a very conducive atmosphere for healing. Yet, I still hope Hiroe sensei can concentrate on himself first. We, as fans, will wait as long as possible for Black Lagoon until sensei is well enough to continue.

About Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rei Hiroe. It has been published in Shogakukan’s seinen manga magazine Monthly Sunday Gene-X since 2002.

A 12-episode anime television series adaptation produced by Madhouse aired in Japan from April to June 2006. A 12-episode second season, subtitled “The Second Barrage”, ran from October to December 2006.

Roanapur is a depraved, crime-ridden city where not even the authorities are untouched by the claws of corruption. Enter Rokurou Okajima, an average Japanese businessman who finally gets a change of pace with a delivery trip to Southeast Asia.

His business trip swiftly goes downhill as Rokurou is captured by a mercenary group operating in Roanapur, called Black Lagoon. Now abandoned and betrayed by his former employer, Rokurou decides to join Black Lagoon.

A non-stop, high-octane thriller, Black Lagoon delves into the depths of human morality and virtue.

Source: Rei Hiroe Twitter

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