Tokyo MX
Also available globally
Originally created by Osaka-based artist Mori Chack, Gloomy Bear first debuted as a character in 2000 in postcards. His violent ways was this cartoonist’s attempt to protest those cute products Sanrio and Disney sold in stores worldwide. Instead of an entity who is cuddly and cute, he’d attack anyone who tried to possess him. Many animal activists are likely to understand what this talent wanted to see change.
A perfect comparison to this character for Westerners is the character of Gnome Chompsky in Trollhunters–he’d attack anyone who bothered him–whom Toby adopted, and often left alone.
The appeal of Gloomy and Pitty’s unusual relationship in this creator’s own product line–full of cuteness, violence, and surprising emotional depth–led to a wave of merchandise and high-profile collaborations in Japan. Eventually, Gloomy would win devoted fans all over the world as well.
The new TV anime series Gloomy the Naughty Grizzly is set to begin broadcasting every Monday at 12:57am starting on April 12 on the Tokyo MX station. Episodes will also be shared globally via Gloomy’s SNS, including YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.
Veteran actor Koichi Yamadera (the voice of Spike Spiegel in the Cowboy Bebop anime) has been cast in the lead role of Gloomy, while Natsuki Hanae (the voice of Tanjiro Kamado in the smash-hit anime series Demon Slayer) has been cast as Gloomy young owner Pity.
A special episode, featuring a chat between creator Mori Chack and voice actors Koichi Yamadera and Natsuki Hanae will air one week earlier on April 4th.
Gloomy 20th Anniversary History Video
