Beyond The Grave, or simply Grave (ビヨンド・ザ・グレイヴ, Biyondo Za Gureivu), nicknamed the "Gunslinger of Resurrection" and the "Grim Reaper", is a legendary Deadman gunslinger, the reincarnation of Brandon Heat, and the main protagonist and anti-hero of the Gungrave series.
As Brandon Heat he was a hitman for Millenion, eventually becoming a full member of the Family, Millenion's innermost circle. He was then betrayed and killed by his former best friend Harry, who subsequently usurped Big Daddy's position as the boss of Millenion. Later, Brandon was brought back to life as Beyond The Grave by Dr. T, despite Big Daddy demanding that Brandon be allowed to rest in peace.[1][2] Soon after his resurrection, Grave took in Mika Asagi, his former boss's daughter, who was being hunted by Harry. Grave then began his quest of revenge against those in the organization who had betrayed him and those closest to him.[3]
Grave was created by manga artist Yasuhiro Nightow. Though he is silent throughout most of the games, he is voiced by Tomokazu Seki in all media in Japanese, and Kirk Thornton in the English dubs.[4]
Appearance[]
Physical Appearance[]
In Gungrave and Gungrave Overdose, Grave is depicted as a tall, hunched, broad-shouldered man with unnaturally long limbs. His skin is tanned, and his hair is dark and long, usually covering one of his amber-colored eyes. Over his right eye is a scar from a wound caused by Harry.
In G.O.R.E,, Grave's features become sharper, and his skin is lighter.
Attires[]
Despite the simplified design in Overdose, it's much more over-exaggerated design from the original Gungrave returns; however, not without changes; the dark purple jacket returns; but with a much more futuristic-like design, with an added shoulder pads and a metal band. The collar is replaced with a lapel collar, however, the Jacket remains opened. All of the jackets attachments has a red-lining or, inverted; purple lining and red insides. Underneath the jacket, he wears a plain, white long-sleeved shirt and completed with a dark pants and a pair of shoes. He also wore a belt, and the big, white saddler is replaced with a normal-yet-taller-than-average black saddler to hold Grave's Cerberus pistols. He also wears a pair of black gloves instead of a white gloves and the glasses makes a return from the previous two games.
Personality[]
In the game, Grave is an extremely silent person, even more than when he was human. Despite being almost incapable of feeling, he proves to still be his kind self to his friends. For the most part, it's true that he's more often than not; a stoic, silent and cold character. However, his horrid and unfortunate past and him having a hard time trying to remember anything at all - it's easily excusable. His "get the job done" and cold demeanor sort of gives him that "cold character" aura, however, it's true; he's cold and for the most part, emotionless; his fight with Bunji in the original Gungrave and Overdose is a little proof of it, with Bunji giving a monologue while Brandon just's there, standing still[5]; however, it makes him quite unpredictable a little. His silent and cold personality gives him an advantage-yet-a-disadvantage.
However, it can be accurately stated that Grave does not care at all about someones fate; usually, someone he fought and would kill them ruthlessly. Dr. T described Grave as Millenions "worst nightmare", and all of their members would go to their graves; every last one of them.[6] Despite this, he's a loyal and caring friend; Mika Asagi, the daughter of Big Daddy was in-danger, however, Grave would do anything to protect her[7] - albeit, usually just nodding when he's ordered to do something.[8] Despite this, his cold demeanor could mean that he's still suffering from amnesia[9], as he's literally just brought back; and is only awakened when needed, therefore; he has a limited time exploring the world, as his body constantly needs to hibernate.[10] Sometimes however, he lets actions speaks itself, constantly looking down throughout Sherry MacDowell's monologue on how it doesn't matter that she dies, because she can finally see her beloved again - which could mean that Grave's a little sad, thinking about life once more and again, he still has respect and loyalty.[11] Still though, it is still unknown if Grave chose to be silent himself, or, he simply forgot about it; having being reawakened with simply amnesia - which, he is clearly suffering from.
Plot[]
Past[]
After Brandon died at the hands of Harry MacDowell, Dr. Tokioka, at Brandon's request, salvaged his body and began the process of resurrecting him, planning to use him to cleanse himself of his sins (creating SEED). Big Daddy found out about this and punched Dr. T, asking for him to never bring him back to life, for he deserves to be in peace.
Gungrave[]
Thirteen years later, Dr. T has noticed that the Millennion Organization is on the move; realizing this, he awakens Brandon, whom he now named; "Beyond The Grave", in case he ever needed protection. However, seeing a loud bang on the door, Dr. T, who was working on something; gets up and goes to the door with his pistol, ready to fire in case if its an enemy. Turns out, it was a young little girl, whom which, he took in and patches up her injuries. Seeing the briefcase that she brought in, and knowing that someone must've chased her if she's bleeding all over, Grave quickly suits up; which, Dr. T asks Grave again, if he really wants to do it. Grave doesn't answer and instead, puts the brief case on the table and opens it; showing a twin pistol named, Cerberus. With Dr. T telling him to freely do whatever he pleases, Grave equips the coffin named, the "Death Hauler" and just before leaving, he stares at the young girl. Dr. T then reminds him to not overdo it, stating that he's not in top-condition yet.
He then goes outside, and ventures the city of Billion, in a quest of revenge against Millennion's leader, Harry MacDowell. Grave targets a club that's owned by an important member of Millennion, with the attention of letting Millennion know that he's back, after entering the palace, he quickly goes at the owners whereabouts in the club, and gives the clubs owner, a death stare, and when one of his guards approaches him, Grave, without any hesitation; punches the guard, knocking him out easily. Seeing Grave distracted, the club's owner quickly ran away from the scene, and since the club was filled with Millennion lowlifes, Grave starts a massive shootout. With little-to-no-scratch to even his clothing, Grave massacres them, showing no mercy at all. At the rooftop, after securing the place; he sees that the man had already escaped. However, without a second thought, Grave jumps down from the roof, lands on a car and begins firing at them; killing the owner in the process.
Then, after finishing this; he goes back to where Dr. T and the young girl is at, whom Dr. T, after letting Grave know that the Millennion knows that he's back, tells him that there's no turning back. The girl then talks to Grave, asking him if she had met him before; knowing that he's apparently an old friend of her mother's. Feeling sorry, she apologizes for dragging Grave into this "horrible situation".
Going outside, Grave targets a factory owned by Millennion; with the intention of crippling their SEED factory. However, turns out, they knew that Grave would target this location; and therefore, planned to trap him. But with his superior marksmanship compared to theirs and with a durability unlike any others; Grave easily wipes them out. Soon after almost securing the place, Grave found himself battling with the head of the factory; with ease however, he kills him. He then leaves the factory with a couple of strange, pale men watching him.
Going back to Dr. T's lab, Mika tells Grave that he had met Harry before; just once, and he shook her hand, patting her and then laughed about it, and then expresses her confusion on why they're targeting her now. Venting to Grave about how she has nothing to do with them anymore, she tells Grave that she knows that she's the daughter of the late "Big Daddy", former head of Millennion. She then asks Grave about his relationship with her mother, to which, Grave doesn't respond to. Dr. T then tells Grave that the city had gotten a lot quieter than before, and it's not just because of the supply of SEEDs that has been shutdown; people are holding their breath as they watch the battle between Grave and Millennion. Dr. T then tells Grave that they're saying that Grave is the city's last hope, to which, Dr. T found the name fitting. Dr. T then tells Grave that someone has some information on Harry's whereabouts they'd like to sell, before telling him that it's an informant from the Chinatown in Block K-2.
Thinking that this is a 50/50 at best, Grave decides to go to where the informant is at; Chinatown. In an alleyway, he met a man dressed in red; which turns out to be the one who sent Dr. T the tip. The man tells Grave that they'll leave from the block below, today, in the airship named "Friedrich". With this information Grave plans to go there immediately. However, in the middle of the conversation, Millennion lowlifes found where they're at, and quickly attacks them with a barrage of bullets; ended up killing the Informant, however, not Grave, whom protected himself with his Coffin. Leaving the scene, he quickly starts opening fire on them, and then, after streets filled with Millennion goons, Grave finally found Millennion's hideout and enters it. However, after finding himself fighting another Millennion agent, whom Grave killed, a massive Excavator comes out of nowhere and starts attacking Grave. Luckily, Grave defeats it without a scratch and hears the sound of a massive Blimp under the bridge.
Correctly assuming that it's the "Friedrich" the informant talked about, he jumps from the bridge and just directly in front of the massive window on the front, smashing through it and causes a massive shootout once again, which ended in Grave prevailing once again. With the loud noises, as such, the executives of Millennion heard from afar, and goes there. Clapping from a distance after watching Grave massacring the Orgmens they had sent to deal with Grave, the Big Four of Millennion (Bunji Kugashira, Bear Walken, Balladbird Lee, Bob Poundmax) and its boss, Harry MacDowell, finally gets the chance to meet with Grave, whom they insulted for being a traitor and a "corpse". Several of them comments on him, but when Grave points his gun at Harry, Bunji Kugashira points his gun at Grave, to which, Bob Poundmax, with such confidence, tells Bunji to stop; with the intention of fighting Grave. Bob tells Grave that if he wants to fight, "then bring it on" with pure hatred in his voice. The Big Four then proceeds to leave Bob to deal with Grave, and soon enough; Grave battles with Bob.
However, with ease, Grave defeated Bob and his goons pretty easily; and had the chance to chase the other Big Four and Harry. However, it unfortunately was too late, and ontop of all that; at the top of the blimp, to which, Grave had chased the Helicopter that the executives of Millennion was in, Bob Poundmax emerges from below with his "Superior" form, which looks like a Helicopter or some sort, and began battling Grave once again. Luckily, the intense battle ended with Grave winning and ending Bob, with the Friedrich also exploding. And soon enough, Grave returns back to Dr. T's lab.
With Bob Poundmax now gone, Dr. T informs Grave about Harry's current whereabouts; the Tower. T also informs Grave about the rumors circulating around "pale, undead" Millennion's soldiers. Dr. T later suggests to Grave that they should leave this town and everything in it after this is over. Mika later asks Grave about the "scary men" that attacked her, and the description perfectly matches what Dr. T said; so pale that they didn't even look like that they're alive.
Just before going out to hunt down the other Big Four, Dr. T stops Grave; suggesting him to rest for a little since the chambers ready to use. However, while hibernating, Dr. T and Mika waits outside; therefore, giving the enemy to strike at any time without Grave there to defend them. Tragedy struck and the Millennion attacks Dr. T's lab directly; kidnapping Mika and shooting the Doctor. With his last breath, Dr. T asks Grave to go safe Mika; and releases him. Once Grave comes out of the chamber, Dr. T once again tells Grave to go somewhere far away, and then, calls Grave by his real name; "Brandon".
In a fit of rage, Grave chases the kidnappers, and actually manages to catch up with them - to the Subway. With no mercy, Grave chases after them with the intention of killing them all. However, this turns out to be a trap to lead Grave to the other Big Four, Balladbird Lee; who's there for revenge. The men leads Grave into one of the trains that started moving, and multiple of the "undeads" and once he wipes them up, he finally meets Lee, who's holding Mika hostage. Seeing that Bob had failed, Lee began asking Grave his reasons for treason, however, with no reply; he mentions Grave's loyalty to Big Daddy, in which, Grave began to stare at him. Taking it as a yes, Lee was surprised at Grave's noble sentiments, especially from a "corpse" and after asking if Big Daddy's child is that important to him; Lee throws Mika out of the moving train, seemingly killing her. And then, the train crashes.
Being sent flung out of the train just right after the crash, Grave began wondering if Lee had died in that crash; until Lee, in his superior form, leaps towards Grave's location and tells Grave that he will pay for Bob's death. The two soon began battling within the fiery train station, and with a little bit of trouble; Grave manages to defeat Lee. Soon enough, Mika appears out of nowhere and hugs Grave, with them watching Lee explode.
The two returns to Dr. T's lab and Mika tells Grave about the man who saved him; telling Grave that the man told her to tell Grave to "See you at the Tower." Thinking that it might be a trap, Mika tells Grave to be careful, before Grave goes out to finally finish of the remaining two of Big Four, and then, Harry.
With an especially modified Motorcycle that he had found, Grave drives towards one of the Big Four's base; however, while on the bridge; he found himself attacked by an unknown aircraft and then, falls of the bridge; however, he fires a missile with the motorcycle, which destroys the aircraft and knowing that the motorcycle can still even work on walls, he drives to the sewer and wanders through the sewer, without his motorcycle however.
The sewer soon enough, is literally conveniently, under one of Millennion's Tower. However, inconveniently the sewer is also filled with Millennion goons; therefore, making it a little bit more difficult. Despite this, Grave manages to kill them all, and then, after hallways, corners and such; Grave found himself to be on an elevator that goes up and then, based on the view, hes seemingly in a building. After getting at the top of the building, he walks forward and enters a traditionally Japanese house, also known as a Dojo; where Bear Walken is resided. Shortly thereafter a brief introduction, the two begins their battle after Bear had transformed into his Superior form in an instant.
The transformation Bear did causes the Dojo, and everything else in the rooftop to be destroyed; and as such, the two immediately battles. However, once Bear was weakened, he transforms again after a short talk in which, he understood why the other two was defeated by him. Eventually enough, Grave prevails and just after Bear had been defeated, the building was filled with explosives; and was detonated by an unknown man, whom the man, took the chance to talk to Grave like an old friend; mentioning how even he had forgotten everything, he's still as strong as ever.
Endgame[]
- Main article: Gungrave (2002)
Grave fell and lands on a seemingly old, destroyed ruins and an old mansion is directly in front of Grave, in which, he knew that he would be facing someone soon enough. Just before that however, the Walkie-talkie Grave had wield in case Mika was ever in trouble, shakes and as such, Grave picks it up; and fortunately, its Mika. The latter was glad that Grave is safe, and so, Mika said that the explosion of the tower was so big, that its shockwave was felt by Mika. Telling Grave about how scared she is, she says that she'll wait here however. Mika then ends the conversation by assuring Grave that she'll be safe, and pleads to Grave to end this once and for all.
With no other choice, Grave soon enters the decrepit old mansion and was met by Bunji, the final member of the Big Four; who turns out to be the one that saved Mika from Lee, and the one to detonate the explosion within Bear Walken's tower. Bunji reminisces about the past, while Grave still tries to remember it. With no avail, Bunji tells Grave that everything he's gonna do; he learned from him and then, begins to fight Grave. Being the hardest opponent Grave had fought with, Grave won the duel and stares at Bunji, who was injured and was nearly dead. Surprisingly, Grave listens to what Bunji had to say; whom the latter tells Grave that he knew that he couldn't win the fight. However, was glad. Bunji, with his last words, tells Grave that he sure wouldn't want to remember that this pathetic loser was once; a student of his. Depressed and felt lost, Bunji felt like he could repay everything Grave did for him when he was still in Millennion, by killing him, but he couldn't even do that. Bunji then apologizes to Grave, before disappearing.
Grave stood still for a couple of seconds, before walking towards the elevator, in which, it's revealed that this was actually the bottom of the Millenniun's tower.
While on the elevator, Grave now remembers what had happened; here, it's revealed that when he was working with Millennium and on the elevator with Harry MacDowell, who was his bestfriend at the time, Harry suggest to Grave that they should kill the boss, telling him that Maria Asagi (who was his lover at the time) will even be his. This statement greatly angers Grave, who had promised to the late Asagi that he'll protect them and then, punches his bestfriend in the face. Calling him a coward, and a disappointment, Harry pulls out his pistol; and shoots Grave multiple times, before putting his gun directly in front of Grave's right eye; then pulls the trigger, instantly killing Grave as his body plunges below from the tower.
Now remembering what had happened, Grave stood still; in anger. Finally reaching to the top of the tower, Grave arrives and then; hearing Harry's voice from a feet away, Grave shoots without hesitation, in which, Harry comments on how he still haven't changed; still impatient as ever. As Harry reminisces about the past, Grave still points his pistol at him. However, Grave doesn't listen; knowing this, Harry "forgot to show him something important" and then, shows Big Daddy's mutilated, superior form. Soon enough, Grave battles Big Daddy and the battle ends with Grave winning. But however, after Grave won, an Alien-like creature appears from below and devours Big Daddy, who then Grave fought.
Tirelessly, Grave fought the creature and ends up winning. Seeing how Grave defeated them both with little-to-no-scratch, Harry gives up; telling Grave that it's his turn now. Grave then shoots him, and after doing so; light begins to shine on the gloomy, dark city; acknowledging that Grave is their savior. After this, Grave returns back to the lab and puts on the disguise; with Mika Asagi bringing a radio with her, Grave and her rides the motorcycle, with the intention of going away to somewhere safe.
- Main article: Gungrave (Anime)
Some time before his showdown with Bunji, Grave attacked Millennion's research facility. He killed Orgmen and destroyed the lab, but he spared the scientists. Unfortunately, this later enabled Biscoe to re-hire them to produce Anti-Necrolyze bullets.
As Grave went to face Bunji, he reminisced his last few moments with Mika. Mika asked him if they (Mika and Grave) were a family. Smiling, Grave nodded and answered with a 'yes.' This delighted Mika, who then hugged him and said that she would have faith in Grave, who would come back to her. Unfortunately, the happy moment did not last long. Mika soon discovered that Grave's body was falling apart.
As Grave walked into Millennion's building, he remembered the moment a crying Mika begged him not to leave, forget about his revenge, and leave the town with her. Knowing that his time was about to end, Grave consoled Mika and told her to move on. Mika however, was still crying, and Grave decided to knock her out to leave. Inside the building, Grave met Bunji. A massive gunfight ensued, but Grave's weakened body hindered him. Seeing this, Bunji picked up Grave's Left Head, which he had just knocked off from Grave by shooting him on his left arm. He then asked Grave to 'end the fight.' Grave agreed and reloaded his Right Head with Anti-Superior clip. Bunji was defeated in a Western-style exchange.
Grave then headed to Harry's office. However, he didn't find Harry; instead, he only saw Harry's old pictures, which included the old gang. Soon, Grave's left arm broke off.
After that, Grave walked down the streets slowly (and limply) and headed towards his old home at the slum. Due to his weakened body, he passed out in the middle of his journey.
When Grave finally arrived at the slum, he met Harry and pointed his Right Head at Harry. However, it turned out that he was out of bullets. Later, Grave (Brandon) and Harry entered Jolice's bar and sat across each other at a table. Harry started the conversation, which led to a question: why Brandon didn't kill him back then. Brandon answered that he believed Harry would become the boss. Harry said that Brandon was correct, and after some arguments regarding Millennion, Harry took out a bottle of bourbon and proposed a toast.
Harry began talking about Big Daddy, and he soon pointed out that Big Daddy was as evil as his crimes. Brandon argued back by saying that Big Daddy was actually aware of his crimes, which was why he sought harmony. Unable to stand Brandon's loyalty towards Big Daddy, Harry smashed the bottle of bourbon. Then, he tried to figure out when everything went wrong.
Soon, Harry took out their old guns from their encounter in the elevator: the black one Brandon's, the white one Harry's. After a moment of silence, they pointed their guns at each other to challenge each other to see who would kill the other first. However, the Millennion agents arrived before either fired. Brandon and Harry fought back, but then, a few agents managed to make their way into the bar and aimed at Harry. Brandon took the bullets for Harry and fought off the agents without killing them. This confused both sides, Harry and the agents wondering why Brandon protected Harry, which resulted in Brandon becoming a Millennion's target as well. Brandon and Harry continued to fight off the agents, but Harry soon took several bullets to his midsection. In response, Brandon took out the offending agent with his bare hand before scaring off the other with misdirected bullets.
During the intermission, as Brandon fiddled with his old gun by pulling its trigger (which only resulted in a click instead of a gunshot), he heard Harry reminiscing about their past. They began to see the visions of their past and all their old friends. Harry asked Brandon why he still protected him despite everything he had done to him, including murder Big Daddy and Maria and attempt to murder Mika. Harry then asked Brandon to kill him, because all his loved ones were no more and he couldn't bear the shame of living as a shadow of who he used to be. All of a sudden, a grenade was thrown into the building. Brandon noticed this and quickly dived on top of Harry to protect him.
The grenade detonated, destroying the old bar. However, Brandon managed to protect Harry from getting crushed under a slab of concrete. Brandon got up and took out one of the offending agents. Unfortunately, he soon took an Anti-Necrolyze bullet to his leg, forcing him to his knees, but soon, Harry tossed him his (Harry's) old gun. Brandon used this to disable the agent who had just shot him. Sadly, Harry's action of tossing Brandon his old gun made him an open target and Harry was soon gunned down by the agents. Seeing this, Brandon got up and let out an anguished scream.
As per Biscoe's order, the attack was suddenly stopped. Brandon stood still with Harry's old gun in his hand, but soon, his leg broke off and caused him to fall backwards. Harry then approached him, and seeing Harry, Brandon tearfully admitted that he kept making the same mistake of choosing Harry over Millennion every time. However, Brandon had no regrets and could never shoot Harry. Harry broke down in tears and apologized to Brandon profusely.
Once again, they reminisced their past as children in the orphanage. Brandon suggested that they shoot each other to return to the freedom they once had. Brandon pointed Harry's old gun at Harry, while Harry pointed Brandon's old gun at Brandon. They smiled at each other and called each other's name once more before pulling the triggers.Gungrave: Overdose[]
- Main article: Gungrave: Overdose
Note: This is from Grave's perspective.
Overdose is set about five years later, after Grave is put into a hibernation state similar to after he died. Through this time Mika had met a new friend, Spike Hubie.
Grave in his Overdose attire
After the house that Grave was in came under attack, Mika tried to defend it, but was forced to the floor by an Orgman. Grave awoke and attacked the Orgman, as well as killing all the Gangsters outside. He and Mika then left for the Truck, fighting off some gangsters on the way. Here Grave met Spike in person, and leaves to Hotel Gargoyle, where he could begin his new quest of destroying Seed. Here he meets Jyuji Kabane and Rocketbilly Redcadillac, who mistook him for the hotel manager that was receiving Seed from a mysterious woman. The two fought Grave, and their weapons were locked as Mika arrived to calm the three (two really, for Billy didn't want to fight). Jyuji discovers who Grave is and how "the man's a legend" in the Underworld. Billy and a refusive Jyuji joined the team, and the group went on a hunt for the source of Seed. After many searches, they arrive at a Casino, where the manager, after a beating from Jyuji, claims that Richard Wong of the Gatou gang is the one behind it all. The gang breaks in to their base of operations and meet Wong, who reveals that the Corsiones are the true villains behind it all and how he is infact the teams ally. The hideout comes under attack, and as Grave cleared the way, the team made a swift get away after Wong informs them to find a contact of his at Metaslica Imperial University. The contact is shot dead as the gang comes under fire from new enemies, mercenaries under Zell Condorbrave's command, a Corsione high ranker. After fighting their way out, the team enters the Corsione mansion, and Grave searches for three chess pieces that open the door. At the other end, the Hotel Manager - who has been turned into an Orgman - greets them. Grave swiftly defeats him, yet the Corsiones escape. The team then enters a mental hospital/lab where Seed was created.
Grave lies battering and bleeding.
The team discovers a huge creature constituted by Bear, Lee, and Bob. Grave beats it and escapes the exploding lab to meet Garino and Fangoram for the first time. Grave opens fire but his bullets are pushed away by Fangoram's Center Head and is hit by a shot, flying backwards into a wall. Grave is hit head on and knocked unconscious, critically wounded. Jyuji helps him back to the truck, where he is unconscious for a few hours. He manages to stand on his own without much blood, helping Jyuji stop Mika from giving him a direct blood transfusion, which would most likely have lead to her death.
Grave and the team attack a castle where the Don is hiding out. He meets Zell, and defeats him and his elites, yet lets him live. As the three meet up again, they are interrupted by Fangoram bursting through a wall. Billy holds him off, despite protests from Jyuji and Mika, and the gang continues on the Don's trail. He plans to take off in his private plane and has the rest of the Corsiones hold Grave and Jyuji back from him and his son. After fighting through the runway, Grave meets an old friend, the ressurected Bunji Kugashira, now a Deadman. The two duke it out in their final battle, and Bunji loses yet again. Glad to fight and die against his friend, Bunji tells him he'll be waiting in Hell.
Mika picks up Grave and Jyuji on the Truck as the plane begins take off. Jyuji stays behind to protect Mika and Spike as Grave jumps into the plane. After fighting through the cargo bay, Grave meets Sherry Walken, Bears daughter and wife of Harry McDowel. She fights to avenge her husband's death, but is beaten. She questions how many must die before Grave is satisfied. Fighting a bit further Grave finds the Don on his knees to a hologram of Garino, who has taken over the Corsiones, now the new Don, he injects Denito with Seed, and shifts him into a huge spider monster. He explains that the plane is rigged with explosives, and Grave will die in the explosion. Grave gets onto the outside of the plane and fights Denito, beating him with ease before riding the plane down to the ground, strangely unharmed. Searching around the wreckage, he finds the Truck, with the injured bodies of Jyuji, Mika and Billy. Jyuji explains how Fangoram kicked open the back with an unconscious Billy before beating Mika and Jyuji. He pointed the Center Head at Spike, who had Mika in his arms, yet did not fire, and left. Spike then injected Mika with Seed.
Mika awakes, glowing an icy blue, Jyuji angrily curses Spike for turning Mika into a monster, yet she objects, for Spike saved her life with Seed. With Spike missing and Jyuji spectulating his teaming with Garino, the team track him to the Lab where Grave met Fangoram, and go deep under it, finding Spike at a large door. Jyuji opens fire, yet Mika defends Spike from the bullets, as Spike asks how she is. He explains how Seed works, and its different effects on people. Spike shows the door is made to be indestructible, and is opened bya DNA scanner. Spike puts his hand on the scanner, and it reads him as Garino. As the door opens he explains who he is, Garino's clone.
Grave and Fangoram faces off each other head-on.
Explaining why he stayed with Mika was to exploit Grave and use him to get revenge on Garino. He also says how much he despised Mika, barely being able to stand her. Jyuji asks if he betrayed them, Spike denies this, and Jyuji believes him. Mika slaps him and laughs, annoyed about how he hates her despite making soup for him once. The gang goes through the door, ready to fight Garino to the death. After going through an enemy filled room, Grave finds his dreaded rival, Fangoram. Fangoram, angered by the deaths of his friends at Grave's hands, prepares to fight Grave to the death.
Grave, Jyuji and Billy charges their greatest powers to finish off Garino.
After many wounds, Fangoram finally dies, lying on his Center Head which is standing in the shape of the cross. Going through one last tunnel, Grave finds Garino. Jyuji opens fire but Garino holds the bullets in the air with newly acquired powers, and reveals a large space craft. He explains how he met an alien race known as Methuselah, or Seed, that wish to expand its reign, and in exchange for their technology, he'd allow them to. He then focuses his strange psychic abilities to levitate Spike, claiming that their minds are connected, thus he was able to see and hear everything Spike sensed. He forces him to fire upon himself, but holds the bullets in the air. He sighs at how much of a failure Spike was, before releasing the bullets, hitting Spike. Spike, with the last of his strength, fires at the spacecraft, before falling into Grave's arms. In anger he, Jyuji and Billy prepare to finish Garino. His spacecraft is destroyed and the 3 use their greatest powers and finish him with combined demolition shots.
Garino falls to the floor, passing the counter-seed to an almost transformed Mika. He claims its only a prototype, but hopes it can help, a present for them entertaining him. He asks Jyuji if he believes him, before dying. Jyuji believes him, and as the Spacecraft explodes, Grave injects the counter-seed in Mika, speaking gently and wishing that Mika lives.
As Jyuji and Billy leave, Grave is back in hibernation, to sleep until needed again.
Gungrave VR[]
- Main article: Gungrave VR
Gungrave VR U.N[]
- Main article: Gungrave VR U.N
Gungrave G.O.R.E[]
- Main article: Gungrave G.O.R.E
Relationships[]
Allies[]
Mika Asagi[]
- Main article: Mika Asagi
The two maintains a simple "father-and-daughter" relationship, with Grave doing almost anything to protect her.[12] Mika can also command Grave, however, more-often-than-not; she usually helps Grave in battles. It can be accurately said that Grave respects Mika the most, with him giving her a headpat every once and a while but to an extent, he smiles while doing so. [13] Initially put off by Grave's quietness[14], after some time together and witnessing his intense loyalty to her parents[15] and their wishes even after their deaths through his actions.
"You must live, Mika"
Grave's love as Mika as a foster father, is shown clearly when in Overdose; he tells Mika to go live - before injecting the Counter-SEED serum onto her.[16] Notoriously, that scene is also one of the very few time Grave does talk in the game; to an extent, even in the first game, he doesn't have a voice actor.[17] Furthermore, Mika treats Grave as some kind of an actual family, which, isn't that surprising; she's known to treat her friends as an actual family, like Spike Hubie for example. However, to an extent, she loves Grave the most; even going as far as being the one who had feed him blood all these years to keep him alive, in which, Jyuji was enraged when he heard about this.[18]
Dr. T[]
- Main article: Dr. T
Jyuji Kabane[]
- Main article: Jyuji Kabane
Rocketbilly Redcadillac[]
- Main article: Rocketbilly Redcadillac
Spike Hubie[]
- Main article: Spike Hubie
While there's nothing much to say about their relationship; except for the fact that they were good friends of course. However, Graves loyalty towards his friends droves him mad when Garino had killed Spike - he was so mad that Graves long hair goes upward and the Demolition Shot Gauge refills without needing to hit him; which, proves how loyal Grave IS, and especially how he basically confirms that he thinks Spike as an actual friend.[19]
Cheni "Quartz" Angel[]
- Main article: Cheni "Quartz" Angel
Dr. Aso[]
- Main article: Dr. Aso
Enemies[]
Harry MacDowell[]
- Main article: Harry MacDowell
"Go for it, Brandon. It's your turn now."
While the game's handling of Harry and Grave's relationship as somewhat mysterious, in a cutscene; it is implied heavily that Grave at some point when he was still a human, was betrayed by Harry.[20][21] Furthermore, in the cutscene, Harry notoriously shot Graves right eye at point-blank range, which would later give Grave the scar and the iconic the cross-shaped rectangular-framed glasses that he has.[22] To an extent, the game's plot is about revenge, so it can be said that he definitely doesn't care about Harry's fate; as he's literally silent throughout the whole game, it is hard to exactly tell what his true feelings are about Harry - which, made their relationship a bit more complex and mysterious.[23]
After the defeat of Alien Head, Harry gave up and lets Grave kill him; which, Grave obviously do so, and ends the game.[24]
Bob Poundmax[]
- Main article: Bob Poundmax
Their relationship is completely one-sided; they both hate each other. With Bob telling Grave about how ungrateful it is that even after what Millennion had done for him, he tries to take it down. Seeing this, Bob declares Grave a "traitor" and tells Bunji that he will take on Grave, confident that he would defeat him. As such, Bob being defeated was inevitable - however, Bob didn't give up; but instead, turns into his Superior form and tries to take on Grave again; until he was eventually finally killed by Grave.[25][26]
Balladbird Lee[]
- Main article: Balladbird Lee
Despite Lee's apparent hatred towards Grave, he simply finds his loyalty and nobility "amusing", because of the fact that he assumed correctly that it's because of his loyalty for Big Daddy and Maria that he'd go this far to save their daughter. From a corpse, Lee was surprised to see such noble sentiments within him. However, just like the others; he was confident in defeating Grave - believing that this will be his final stop, in which, inevitably; he lost the fight with Grave and was eventually killed by him. Graves final thought about Lee and Bob's still unknown.[27]
Bear Walken[]
- Main article: Bear Walken
Mickey[]
- Main article: Mickey
Don Corsione[]
- Main article: Don Denito Corsione
Garino Creale Corsione[]
- Main article: Garino Creale Corsione
Graves visible hatred for Garino is shown; in which, he was literally the only person to make him go so mad that during the fight, Graves hair goes upwards and the Demolition Shot Gauge refills automatically, without needing for the player to attack him.[28] From what we see of Grave, he lets actions speak louder than voice; in which, because of the many scenes where Grave turns from his usual stoic face, to a face that actually looks like he had enough, which can be presumably assumed that Grave thought Garino was just another selfish scumbag.[29] Garino's motivation for doing what he did is unclear, but Graves hatred towards him is not limited to Grave only; but however, to all of Graves allies - to which, they all performed their strongest moves to finally end Garino once and for all at the end. However, even so, Garino states that Grave and the others has been the most "entertaining", therefore, they deserve the prototype of the Counter-SEED, in which, they used it to save Mika.[30]
Fangoram[]
- Main article: Fangoram
Sherry MacDowell-Walken[]
- Main article: Sherry MacDowell-Walken
The late wife of Harry MacDowell, whom the latter killed; obviously she held an unimaginable amount of grudge towards Grave. As such, her lust of revenge led her to went straight after Grave after she had been resurrected through the necrolyzation process. After finally meeting Grave, Grave actually had a hard time trying to remember her; to which, Sherry mocks him for it. She states that she could never forgive Grave after for what he did, and that he took everything from her - just before calling Grave by his real name, Brandon Heat. However, after the latter had been defeated by Grave himself, Sherry states that it doesn't matter if she dies or not; to which, if she dies, she can finally meet her beloved ones. However, throughout the monologue, despite Grave not speaking a word - when Sherry was defeated, Grave visibly looks down; which can be assumed that the past is taking over him for a split second - before he finally moves on after Sherry had died.[31]
Ganpo Essex[]
- Main article: Ganpo Essex
Turonty[]
- Main article: Turonty
Bigwushen[]
- Main article: Bigwushen
Yensen the Boostmaster[]
- Main article: Yensen the Boostmaster
Complicated[]
Bunji Kugashira[]
- Main article: Bunji Kugashira
The Two Rivals, with Bunji struggling to pull the trigger to finish off Grave once and for-all.
While the two used to be great friends; after the incident, the two had a more "complex" yet a simple rivalry relationship. However, it's not always like this; Bunji mentioned that he used to be Grave's student, and that everything he's gonna do; he learnt it from Grave himself. Their relationship was mysterious in the game, however, there was some hints placed throughout the game, like Bunji apparently being Grave's student when Grave was still a human. Despite having lost to Grave, Bunji knew that he couldn't win. However, he's glad that he's finally able to fight Grave himself and later, said to Grave that he sure wouldn't want to remember that Bunji was once his student and then calls himself, "Pathetic".[32]
However, their complex relationship doesn't end there; as Bunji later returns in Overdose and specifically, in Jyuji's campaign; Bunji mentioned that he returns to fight Grave, and will do whatever it takes to do so; later stating that he sold his soul for his new body for a one more chance to fight Grave. In Grave's campaign however, they met and before the fight, he stated that after insulting his own body; he also knows how to beat him. Despite this, Bunji eventually lost the fight and later said that he expected to lose. Furthermore, he also noted that he was happy after losing at the hands of Grave, later saying that; during their time as a duo or a student-and-teacher, those were great days.[33]
Bunji's complexity about how he truly feels about Grave is very visible; on the other hand, there were great respect and fun times with Brandon, however, at the other hand; a burning hatred and a quest to defeat him.[34] It is unknown how Grave truly feels about Bunji however, as he's silent throughout Bunji's monologue, but however, one thing is for sure; Bunji sets his whole life's priority into defeating Grave, and later, he returns in the epilogue of V.R UN to do the job.
Others[]
Zell Condorbrave[]
- Main article: Zell Condorbrave
Big Daddy[]
- Main article: Big Daddy
Though most of his relationship with Big Daddy remains unknown; it is implied that they were close to each-other - to an extent, Grave when he was still a human couldn't betray the boss, which led him to punch Harry when he asked Grave if he's willing to work with him to kill Big Daddy.[35][36]
Maria Asagi[]
- Main article: Maria Asagi
Abilities and Skills[]
- Superhuman Strength: Graves strength is literally above that even the strongest of humans; to start, the Cerberus twin pistols are specifically not meant for humans, however, it is meant for the strongest deadman. Furthermore, he is able to hold his coffin and the Cerberus twin pistols at the same time with no difficulty being shown; always using it in a stylish and nice way. To an extent, he has no visible recoil while using the Cerberus pistols, which shows how strong he is.
- Superhuman Speed and Reflexes:
- Superhuman Durability and Endurance:
- Aestivation:
- Hibernation:
- Regeneration:
- Inhumane Marksmanship:
Quotes[]
| «♱ | You must live, Mika. | ♱» |
–Beyond The Grave, to Mika Asagi - Gungrave: Overdose. | ||
| «♱ | My name is Brandon Heat. | ♱» |
–Beyond The Grave, to Who-Knows-Who - Gungrave G.O.R.E. | ||
Trivia[]
- The game manual lists Grave as being 26 years old. This would apply to him at the time of his death, as more than 13 years pass between Brandon's death and the events of Gungrave.
- Graves has multiple references to the 1996 movie, Desperado; which includes to one of his Demolition Shots and his weapon:
- Graves weapon, the Death Hauler was directly inspired by Desperado's main character; who wield a coffin with a Gatling Gun inside.
- The said coffin also has a missile, in which, the Main Character uses it to fire at a car. He also strikes it with the same pose as Grave did when using the Demolition Shot; which, is the Death Blow Demolition Shot.
References[]
- ↑ Gungrave: Episode 14
- ↑ Gungrave: Episode 16
- ↑ Gungrave Stage 1
- ↑ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2635
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 1
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 4
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 1
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 3
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 4
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 8
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 1
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 1
- ↑ Gungrave: Episode 18
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 4
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 9
- ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340143/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 9
- ↑ Gungrave: Episode 14
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave: Episode 19
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 3
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 4
- ↑ Garino Creale Corsione#Boss_Battle
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 8
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 9
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 8
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 8
- ↑ Gungrave: Overdose/Stage 8
- ↑ Gungrave: Episode 14
- ↑ Gungrave (2002)/Stage 6