Three hit properties from Japan are on their way to bigger, better and more cutely sinister things as Reemsborko signs on as the EMEA agent for the Octas brand catalog, including Gloomy Bear, All Purpose Bunny and Mimi & Neko.
Not your grandmama’s teddy, Gloomy Bear was created in 2000 by manga writer and illustrator Mori Chack, who took to selling art and merchandise featuring the character on Osaka’s bustling streets during his free weekends. The cute-yet-edgy, cuddly-but-violent character soon took hold when counter-culture enthusiasts embraced Gloomy Bear as the perfect antithesis to traditional “kawaii.” Who wouldn’t love a seven-foot-tall, pink grizzly bear that beats his owner to death?
Fueled by 30 short, humorous anime episodes that will stream everywhere, Gloomy Bear is being licensed around the globe and saw a plethora of products hit the Japanese market in 2021. New international partners on board for 2022 include Funko, Bioworld, Isaac Morris, ID Supply, GE Animation and Fossil.
A long-form Gloomy Bear anime series is planned, which will stream globally.
Mori Chack also created All Purpose Bunny as an outlet to explore his animal rights activism — usually by showing cute animals getting revenge on exploitative humans.
APB’s story begins as a test subject in an experimental lab. Genetic modification led to the rabbit’s strange properties and unnaturally long ears, and it eventually retaliated against humans for the years of abuse … All Purpose Bunny and Gloomy Bear often team up to extract vengeance!
Finally, Mimi & Neko are a friendly, “cheeky” cat and bunny duo. Their backside story begins as regular household pets who aspire to become human. One day, a magic star came along and granted their wish … but it was only about 50% effective. Now, Mimi and Neko are cuddly critters with humanoid hands, feet — and distinctly cute behinds.
“Reemsborko continues to sign the most interesting IP out there. Octas are masters in securing very cool properties that will delight anime fans everywhere,” said Max Arguile, Founder & Owner of Reemsborko. “There are some great partners on board already and if this looks right for you, please email max@reemsborko.com.”
Vince Shortino of Octas commented, “Octas bring Japanese artists and their IP to the World. We are delighted to have Reemsborko as the agent for all our cherished properties and look forward to the hussle they will bring.”
U.K.-based licensing agency Reemsborko specializes in pop culture stand-outs from anime, anime-adjacent properties, film, TV, comics and even tattoo art. The company’s roster includes global anime stalwarts like Dragon Ball, Lupin the Third, One Punch Man and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure as well as newer series like Tower of God, Trese and The God of High School.
Octas was established in 2018 by Shortino, who also founded Crunchyroll Japan. With a mission to connect Japanese creators and their IP directly to fans around the world, Octas provides artists with collaboration opportunities, marketing support, brand management and business development.
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