MAGES.’s new mixed media project Gray Sheep puts the spotlight on a conflict and collaboration between special forces and a vigilante crew.
Introduction
LOVE&ART, MAGES.’ otome game brand known for titles like “B-PROJECT,” “WAVE!!,” and “Meiji Tokyo Renka”, has announced the launch of a new project titled “Gray Sheep“.
The story focuses on the conflict and collaboration between a special force called “GOAT” and a vigilante group known as “BAD SKUNK“.
Renowned illustrator Kei Mochizuki, who has over 800,000 followers on X (https://x.com/key_999?s=20), is in charge of character design, unveiling visuals for the six characters in the narrative.
This mixed media project features drama tracks and music released by GOAT and BAD SKUNK.
Story
Snow, who was transferred to the East Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department, arrived in the city amidst a recent change.
Not long ago, East Kyoto was known for its poor public safety. It was gradually stabilizing due to the efforts of two organizations: the official police force, “GOAT,” and the grassroots vigilante group, “BAD SKUNK.”
However, a sudden resurgence of incidents and the unexpected declaration of a major corporate succession issue shook the stability.
What purpose lies behind the creation of “GOAT” and “BAD SKUNK”?
And why did Snow come to this city?
Behind it all, there are vile intentions, cruel destinies, and poignant desires, all concealed within the pure white darkness.
Cast
Gray Sheep counts with a total of 2 groups: GOAT and BAD SKUNK.
GOAT
GOAT＝Great Operation Ability Team
A special unit comprising elite talents, this team carries out mainly clandestine missions despite their public image focusing on improving the reputation of the police force through public relations activities.
They’re provided with dormitories and primarily reside there as their base of operations.
SNOW is voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita.
Due to past traumas, he tends not to express his emotions openly. Despite making jokes and retorting in his own way, his rhythm and vibe is unique and tends to be surreal.
COLOR is voiced by Kent Ito.
He’s a handsome guy who loves girls. While he finds joy in protecting and comforting girls, as the leader of GOAT, he also takes care of the members. He’s the type who gets fired up when being watched.
NURSE is voiced by Yohei Azakami.
He’s meticulous and has a caring motherly nature. He’s observant of other people’s conditions and changes but is a bit oblivious to his own matters. He’s aware that his face is a bit intimidating.
SPIDER is voiced by Shogo Sakata.
He has the most initiative and is quick to get into fights within GOAT. He dislikes people who flatter and sometimes faces challenges due to his straightforward nature. Overthinking his troubles sometimes results in him becoming a bit of a brute.
JOE is voiced by Tatsumaru Tachibana.
He has a quick wit and is well-informed, but due to extreme humility and fantasies, he often makes strange remarks. Despite being tall and having good looks, he is awkward and frightened around the opposite sex.
OWL is voiced by Shun Horie.
Although he has a flashy appearance, he is a diligent and excellent student who takes his work seriously.
When putting on makeup, he exudes charisma and is lively, but once he removes the makeup, he becomes an entirely different person, incredibly negative.
BAD SKUNK
This team is based in the flashy live houses of the entertainment area. They have established a significant position as influencers and possess a vast number of fans.
They manage various facilities and areas in the vicinity that are difficult for local districts or the police force to intervene in.
JUNKY is voiced by Makoto Furukawa.
Unpredictable and reckless, he acts according to his emotions, often causing destruction like a god of chaos. On the other hand, he has an exceptionally strong sense of camaraderie.
AK is voiced by Kentaro Kumagai.
According to Neru, he’s a junkie for money. He chooses what is most advantageous for the organization, even if it seems ruthless.
NERU is voiced by Shunichi Toki.
Contrary to the cuteness in appearance, his words are full of thorns. He understands his strengths and weapons well and knows how to use them effectively. Very adept at navigating through the world.
CHERRY is voiced by Yoshiki Nakajima.
He secretly supports BAD SKUNK from a position like that of an intelligent secretary, but in reality, he is ambitious and jealous. He is not comfortable with the unpredictable actions of the unpredictable junkie.
SPRING is voiced by Kouhei Amasaki.
An unbelievably kind person who trusts others to a foolish extent, serving as BAD SKUNK’s “normal” element. Although he often draws the short end of the stick, he doesn’t dwell too deeply on it.
YP is voiced by Yuichiro Umehara.
Easygoing and adept at blending into the atmosphere of any situation. A simple smile from him is often enough to make most living beings fall in love.
He has been skilled at playing the piano since childhood and continues to play to this day.
SAP
Adding to those two groups, the project also features 4 characters as part of the “AGENT” faction, SAP (or Secret Agent “Pig”).
BAKER is voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda.
Leader-like figure referred to as the “Head” by members of SAP. Calm and gentle, but his ability to anticipate things is unfathomable, leaving others wondering what he might be thinking.
EGG is voiced by Daisuke Namikawa.
Charming and naturally sociable, with a lively curiosity. He has a long history with Baker and is well-acquainted with aspects of him that others might not know.
TEQUILA is voiced by Showtaro Morikubo.
Living on spontaneity and displaying an energetic personality. He has a penchant for high risk and thrills, revealing a slightly dangerous side. He relishes situations that demand ultimate choices.
VANILLA is voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto.
A low-key and cool beauty with a bewitching charm. Skilled in using allure. He thoroughly eliminates beauty’s natural enemies and spares no expense to maintain his beauty.
1st Event
Gray Sheep 1st Event -Great Busters- was held at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on 17/02/2024.
The following cast members are confirmed appeared in this event:
- Seiichiro Yamashita
- Yohei Azakami
- Makoto Furukawa
- Kentaro Kumagai
- Shunichi Toki
- Shogo Sakata
- Tatsumaru Tachibana
- Daisuke Namikawa
- Showtaro Morikubo
Music
MAGES. announced the release of the 1st CD from this franchise. The CD includes drama tracks and the first songs by GOAT and BAD SKUNK.
Let’s check the releases in more detail.
Gray Sheep EP01
Gray Sheep EP01 is scheduled to be released on 24/01/2024 and is available in regular and limited editions.
The cover art is the following:
The tracklist is the following:
1 - Greatest homie (GOAT) 2 - Groovy Good Beat (BAD SKUNK) 3 - Greatest homie -Off Vocal- 4 - Groovy Good Beat -Off Vocal- 5 - DRAMA TRACK 1 6 - DRAMA TRACK 2 7 - DRAMA TRACK 3 8 - DRAMA TRACK 4 9 - DRAMA TRACK 5
A note:
- GOAT’s vocals feature Seiichiro Yamashita, Kent Ito, and Yohei Azakami.
- BAD SKUNK’s vocals feature Makoto Furukawa, Shunichi Toki, and Kentaro Kumagai.
The highlight medley is out. Check it out in the video below!
The music videos for BAD SKUNK’s “Groovy Good Beat” and GOAT’s “Greatest Homie” are out.
Here you can find the full review of “Gray Sheep EP01”.
“Gray Sheep EP01” is available for purchase at CDJAPAN.
SOURCES: PR Times / Gray Sheep official Twitter/X account / Gray Sheep official website
©GraySheep
