Gungrave

Aired Date:2003-10-07

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:76/100

Genres:Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

Season:1

Total Episodes:26

Duration:25 min/ep

Studio:Funimation

Source:VIDEO_GAME

Format:TV

Director:Toshiyuki Tsuru

Review:N/A/100

Watch Online: Hulu Crunchyroll

Synopsis

After a tragic scene with the murder of his friends, Brandon Heat follows his only friend Harry McDowel into Millennion, the largest mafia syndicate. While Harry McDowel is striving for power, Brandon is only staying in Millennion to see the girl he loves whose custody was gained by the leader of Millennion, Big Daddy. But as the years pass and Brandon proves loyal to Millennion, Brandon learns the true purpose and passion of Millennion, and that's when true conflict arises. (Source: Anime News Network)

Trailer

Characters

Brandon Heat MAIN

Harry MacDowel MAIN

Mika Asagi MAIN

Milanda SUPPORTING

Scott SUPPORTING

Jolice SUPPORTING

Cannon Vulcan SUPPORTING

Balladbird Lee SUPPORTING

Dr. Tokioka SUPPORTING

Brad Wong SUPPORTING

Essential Notes on Gungrave: A Gritty Anime Masterpiece of Vengeance and Betrayal

Gungrave (2003-2004, Madhouse, streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation) is a 26-episode dark fantasy and crime drama that remains a cult classic in anime history. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow’s PlayStation 2 game and directed by Toshiyuki Tsuru, this overlooked gem blends noir aesthetics, supernatural grit, and heart-wrenching tragedy. With a 7.8/10 on MyAnimeList and a loyal fanbase still buzzing on X, Gungrave is a must-know for fans of Trigun or Hellsing. Below are the most critical notes on its story, production, themes, and impact, optimized for searchability and packed with insight for anime enthusiasts.

Core Narrative: A Tale of Loyalty and Loss

Gungrave centers on Brandon Heat, voiced by Tomokazu Seki (Kirk Thornton in the English dub), a small-time crook turned undead gunslinger, and his best friend Harry MacDowell (Tsutomu Isobe/Kenji Hamada). The story kicks off in a futuristic city, where Brandon, resurrected as the monstrous “Beyond the Grave,” hunts his former allies. Flashbacks reveal their rise in the Millennion syndicate under boss Big Daddy (Iemasa Kayumi). Brandon’s loyalty and sharpshooting prowess make him a star enforcer, while Harry’s ambition fuels betrayal. The non-linear narrative—episodes 2-16 dive into their past, 17-26 return to Grave’s vengeance—weaves a tragic saga of friendship torn by greed. Key arcs include Brandon’s romance with Maria (Kikuko Inoue) and battles against necrolyzed monsters, culminating in a gut-punch finale. Covering Nightow’s game loosely, it’s a standalone epic, with X fans calling it “Goodfellas with guns and zombies.”

Production Excellence: Madhouse’s Noir Brilliance

Madhouse delivers a gritty aesthetic—dark alleys, rain-soaked streets, and grotesque bio-weapons evoke Blade Runner meets Berserk. Tsuru’s direction, paired with Yousuke Kuroda’s scripts and Tetsuro Araki’s storyboards (pre-Attack on Titan), crafts a moody vibe. Character designs by Masanori Shino balance Brandon’s stoic cool and Grave’s skeletal menace. Tsuyoshi Shibuya’s score, blending jazz and haunting strings, amplifies the noir tone, with “Akai Bara” by Soul Flower Union a perfect opener. The English dub, featuring Kirk Thornton and Michael McConnohie, rivals the Japanese cast’s intensity. Animation holds up, though some CGI monsters feel dated.

Themes and Impact: A Timeless Tragedy

Gungrave explores loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power. Brandon’s selflessness contrasts Harry’s ruthless climb, making their fallout Shakespearean. Themes of redemption and sacrifice resonate—Rei’s arc mirrors Brandon’s pain, earning praise on Reddit for its depth. The anime’s mature tone, minimal fanservice, and focus on male bonds set it apart in 2003’s shonen-heavy landscape. Its influence lingers in crime anime like 91 Days.

Key Details and Accessibility

Airing October 2003-March 2004 on TV Tokyo, Gungrave spans 26 episodes, with an OVA (Gungrave: Overdose) extending the story. Stream it on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or grab Geneon’s Blu-ray. The manga, by Nightow, is a companion piece. At 8/10, it’s a noir gem for fans of emotional depth and gunplay.