Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon
"The best Cowboy Bebop since Cowboy Bebop"

The above states my sentiments as succinctly as possible. I'm a fan of Bebop and it's overall (some would say, over-) production and putting it in the same league is high praise. It's not quite there though. That is to say, it aspires to the level of Bebop and falls somewhere short despite exuding the same level of style, execution and charm.
But the music is sharp, inspired and thematically appropriate. The setting is just original enough to feel fresh. And the characters are as loveable as they are flawed. Even the English dubbing comes across as enjoyable from time to time with Maryke Hendrikse aptly giving life to Revy. So well played was both the script and acting that there was a strong emotional response from myself in the final acts.
...Which is a tough sell to get from me typically. This places it among a handful of films that ever got such a reaction.

Clocking in at 2 seasons and only 24 episodes long, it's easy to watch and is not a breathless abomination most animes dredge toward either (will Full Metal Alchemist ever end?). I only wish I didn't sporadically watch it over the course of a few months. While I can't pick out a lull in particular, the last act had me riveted. I really just don't watch anime like I used to.