| “ | Don't be so worried. The sea answers all questions. | „ |
| ~ Mr. Grizz's quote for the Final Fest: Splatocalypse. |
| “ | It means the end of your employment... and the end of the world as you know it, to be clear. As per my memo, I will be coating the planet in Fuzzy Ooze in an effort to restore balance. Don't call it "Hairmaggedon". HR doesn't like it. | „ |
| ~ Mr. Grizz to the New Squidbeak Splatoon as he flies into space on his rocket. |
Bear #03, better known as Mr. Grizz, is one of the two overarching antagonists (alongside Commander Tartar) of the Splatoon franchise.
He's a mysterious, manipulative, and ambitious grizzly bear and the founder and CEO of Grizzco Industries. Having survived on a fall from the Ark Polaris down to Earth, he found himself in a world now dominated by thinking marine animals, including the Inklings and Octolings. Looking at these aquatic monsters, Mr. Grizz developed a complex plan so that mammals could regain their throne. His ultimate goal is to wipe out all marine life and return the planet to a mammal-only world, like some sort of corporate restructuring of the natural order.
In pursuit of his ambitions, Mr. Grizz utilized his acumen and entrepreneurial perspective, establishing Grizzco Industries to exploit the Inklings and Octolings in their efforts to collect power eggs from the Salmonids. These acquired resources served to propel his doomsday rocket, which was laden with Fuzzy Ooze—an agent that has the capacity to metamorphose aquatic organisms into terrestrial mammals. Amidst his orchestrations, Mr. Grizz operates behind a seemingly benign radio communicator, projecting an image of professionalism while obscuring his genuine motives.
Appearance[]
Mr. Grizz is a massive grizzly bear with dark brown fur, a beige muzzle and ears, and glowing white eyes. He originally looked more realistic and animalistic prior to his experiments with Fuzzy Ooze. During the final battle of Splatoon 3, he is covered with blotches of Fuzzy Ooze, and later grows to a much larger size, gaining red eyes in the process.
He contacts his employees via a radio in the form of a kibori kuma wood carving, depicting a bear holding a fish in its jaws.
Biography[]
Background/Splatoon 2[]
Mr. Grizz, a 12,000-year-old grizzly bear with a business-centric mindset, was one of the mammals on board the Ark Polaris and the only survivor after it crashed back to Earth. He eventually found out that Earth was now dominated by sapient marine creatures and came to the conclusion that Earth, like a business, couldn't be run by the formerly aquatic life. Plotting to restore the presence of mammals on Earth, he set to work on priming the rocket from the abandoned human sanctuary of Alterna to launch into space one day and cover the Earth in the mutagenic "Fuzzy Ooze" he created via a combination of Alterna's liquid crystals and his fur, forcefully converting every marine creature, especially cephalopods like Inklings and Octolings, into fur-covered mammals. Since Fuzzy Ooze requires golden power eggs to produce, he also established Grizzco Industries, a company that hired inklings and octolings living in Inkopolis and Splatsville to steal the eggs from the Salmonids.
Splatoon 3[]
Eventually, Grizz kidnaps both Splatsville's Great Zapfish and a large amount of Octarians, using the Fuzzy Ooze to convert the latter into his soldiers. This prompts DJ Octavio, Cap'n Cuttlefish, and New Agent 3 and their Little Buddy to investigate, leading to all four being brought to Alterna by the Fuzzy Ooze. While New Agent 3 and the Little Buddy team up with the Squid Sisters and Agent 3 to investigate the rocket and Octavio is transported to parts unknown, Grizz captures Cuttlefish and traps him on the rocket's launch pad.
After New Agent 3 scales the launch pad, Grizz finalizes his plan by reaping Cuttlefish's essence, dehydrating and almost killing him in the process, before launching the rocket into space. However, with the help of Deep Cut, New Agent 3 and the Little Buddy follow him there, engaging the bear in battle upon the rocket, during which Grizz grows to an immense size and sends the two flying into space, only for Octavio to return and save them.
Upon singing Calamari Inkantation 3MIX, the Squid Sisters and Deep Cut transform the Little Buddy into the Hugefry so it can engage Grizz in a duel in space. As the two fight, New Agent 3 and Octavio absorb Grizz's fuzzballs with the Octobot King L3.Gs' Ink Vac, amassing all the collected ooze and firing it at him. The bear solemnly realizes that his quest to restore mammals will prove fruitless as their time on Earth is over and accepts his defeat as the rocket explodes in a blast of ink. He can later be seen floating around in space during the credits, meaning he could possibly return in a later title due to still being alive.
Despite his defeat, Grizzco remains open, with Grizz's radio replaced by one carved as a salmon eating a bear. His original radio is kept in the New Squidbeak Splatoon's camp on Alterna. This radio can be interacted with to rematch him in his boss fight.
Personality[]
Possessing a business-centric mind, Mr Grizz tends to be calm and cool-headed, speaking in technical terms no matter the situation, mentioning memos even during his fight when he reveals his plan to cover the Earth in Fuzzy Ooze, and considering himself CEO of the ecosystem and the one who has to keep it on track, being one of the last land-dwelling mammals alive. He also names things with a more business-esque vibe, calling the ropes he uses to tie up Cap'n Cuttlefish Corporate Engagement Facilitators. Mr Grizz is also rather blunt, as shortly after he gives the player the Salmon Run tutorial, he tells the player that working in Grizzco would only be a dream if their dream was to risk their lives fighting for Golden Eggs.
Mr Grizz is also quite greedy, breaking his normally calm appearance when the player collects enough Golden Eggs and acting excitably. He also demands the player's squad to keep going and collect as many Eggs as possible and when a King Salmonoid arrives, he orders them to stay for a mandatory overtime. Mr Grizz was also noticeably harsher to the players in Splatoon 2, constantly demanding the players to collect more Golden Eggs and seeming disappointed no matter the amount, however this seems to have toned down in Splatoon 3 and he appears more affable, likely because of his plan coming to fruition or simply because he decides to be a better boss. In the Japanese version of the game, Mr. Grizz is more polite and kind than his English version, matching a stereotype of certain Japanese sweatshops which Grizzco parodies, which are noted for employers using flowery language to try and trick people into working in these workplaces.
Despite being a very business-centric person, Mr. Grizz isn't a natural at business management, as shown by how in Splatoon 2 Grizzco seems quite run-down and low-budget, with a building located in a shady corner, low-quality VHS ads, and an unprofessional looking handbook with basic fonts and multiple formatting errors. However, he seems to have improved greatly by Splatoon 3 as not only is Splatsville's Grizzco branch a lot more in the open, but the interior also seems more organized with facilities such as proper lockers for workers to store their valuables, boot racks, and a washing machine to clean uniforms. The ads also seem cleaner and more appealing, with the handbook's formatting being improved to appear more professional. His more polite personality in Splatoon 3 may also be because he has learnt how to manage a business properly and now has more realistic expectations of his workers, realizing that encouraging them would be more effective at ensuring optimal egg collection as his plans come closer to fruition. Despite this, Grizz still seems rather greedy during the Grand Run as he continuously eggs on the players to gather more and more Golden Eggs, though seeing as most players should’ve completed the campaign by this point, it’s possible that these are recordings he made in preparation for a gigantic influx of Salmonids.
Quotes[]
Salmon Run[]
| “ | Hey, kid. How'd ya like to shape the future of Inkopolis? Welcome to Grizzco Industries. I'm Mr. Grizz. Here at Grizzco, we're tryin' to make the world a better place, see? And we need fresh young talent to do it. Yeah, it's just your run-of-the-mill, manual-labor type of work, but's for a good cause, and we pay well. So whaddaya say, kid? The next training boat is headin' out now. You ready to be part of somethin' bigger than yourself? | „ |
| ~ Mr. Grizz introducing himself in Splatoon 2. |
| “ | The egg basket is ready and waiting. Don't let me down. | „ |
| ~ Grizz at the start of every shift. |
| “ | You've got a Boss Salmonid incoming. Do your job! | „ |
| ~ Grizz whenever a Boss Salmonid arrives. |
| “ | Come to papa, little eggs... Adequate job so far. NOW BRING ME MORE! | „ |
| ~ Grizz at the first two rounds. |
Return of the Mammalians[]
| “ | Cuttlefish: OH! I mean, oh... I better shout whisper. SOMEONE'S COMING! Grizz: Ah. You've woken from your hibernation, have you, CUTTLEFISH! Cuttlefish: Hmph! That's, uh...former CAP'N Cuttlefish to... whoever you are! ...Who ARE you, anyhow? Identify yourself! Grizz: Grrrhahaha! You're lively for an old bag of... Does your species have bones? No matter! You can call me... Mr. Grizz. Cuttlefish: ...izz? Ksss-ksssh! ...know any Grizz... Ksss-ksssh! ...mister or otherwise! KSSSSSSHT! Callie: Nooo! It was getting so good! Gramps? Are you still there? Argh! I think we lost him. But we'll find him for real if we keep tracking the signal. That's all you, Agent 3. Let's go! |
„ |
| ~ Grizz introducing himself during the wireless transmission after defeating Shiver. |
| “ | Cuttlefish: Alright, Grizz, or whatever your name is... What's the deal with these ropes? Grizz: Ropes? Those are Corporate Engagement Facilitators. And they are helping me save the world. I simply require a representative of Earth. Like you. Don't you see? You're going to help me. Cuttlefish: Help YOU? Somebody help ME! Anyways, if you really DO want help, I sure can't do much like this. Untie me, and we'll yak about it. Grizz: Never fear. You will be free soon. And together we shall bristle forth... into a fuzzy and profitable new era! Cuttlefish: Oh, I get it. You've gone fishin'. Completely out to sea. You're just trawling us, right? |
„ |
| ~ Grizz to Cuttlefish after clearing Alterna Space Center Entrance. |
| “ | Grizz: The world as it exists now is out of balance. One cannot run a world-or a business-in this manner. Mammals and marine creatures have traded places. And not for the better. As CEO, I must be the one to restore balance to nature. For now... I will let the Fuzzy Ooze spread. And watch the Golden Eggs pile up... My employees have been extremely diligent. Cuttlefish: Hey. Buddy. You talkin' to me? 'Cause I got NO idea what you're saying. |
„ |
| ~ Grizz to Cuttlefish after clearing Alterna Space Center Hangar. |
| “ | Grizz: There are three components to my business plan: the vessel, the spirit, and the wisdom of ages. Someone is taking notes, yes? Cuttlefish: What are you blabbering about? HEY! D-don't come any closer! Grizz: Your brain, ensconced though it may be in your hideous form, contains the beautiful essence I need. Cuttlefish: Leave my brain out of this! HEY! What's that for?! Get away from me! AAAH... Ugh... Whaaa.... Callie: Um, it seems like things are going kind of badly for Gramps right now. Marie: Yeah, I hope his brain can hold out until we get there. Please hurry, Agent 3! Grizz: To be a visionary in business, and in life, one must be prepared to make tough decisions. I must leverage the suffering of my employees into a brighter, fuzzier future for all! |
„ |
| ~ Grizz as he dehydrates Cap'n Cuttlefish. |
| “ | Grizz: Welcome. Callie: Hey, you overgrown furball! Turn Gramps back into... Gramps! Grizz: Valued employees, we appreciate your feedback. However, it will not be implemented at this time. |
„ |
| ~ Grizz upon revealing his true ursine form. |
| “ | Well, well, such dedication to your work. I think you've earned yourself a break. Now come here... SO I CAN BREAK YOU. | „ |
| ~ Grizz before battling New Agent 3. |
| “ | You're not clocking out that easily. | „ |
| ~ Grizz after his first fuzzball is popped. |
| “ | Ah, a setback. But this is a GROWTH INDUSTRY! | „ |
| ~ Grizz after his second fuzzball is popped. |
| “ | You are proactive, aren't you? But it's time to clock out. In a few moments, Earth will be ruled by mammals once again. | „ |
| ~ Mr. Grizz after his third fuzzball is popped, before using the Fuzzy Ooze to "huge-ify" himself. |
| “ | It seems all my work... has been for nothing. The times have changed. The world can never be as it was. Moving forward... is the future. I suppose this it then. You will not receive severance paaaaaaay... | „ |
| ~ Grizz's last words. |
Trivia[]
- The second phase of the battle against Mr. Grizz is the second instance of a "Bad Ending" occurring as a result of losing the final battle in the Splatoon franchise, the first being the battle against Commander Tartar in NILS statue, where it shows Inkopolis being covered in ink after Agent 8 fails to cover the statue in ink in time.
- That said, Mr. Grizz's Bad Ending where he covers the entire planet in Fuzzy Ooze is notably more disturbing and graphic than Commander Tartar's Bad Ending, as the aftermath shows the cries of the Inklings and Octolings as the ooze takes effect and the entire planet turning into a giant fuzzball, which is all capped off by Mr. Grizz letting out a distorted and monstrous laugh, and is considered as one of, if not the darkest moment in the entire Splatoon franchise.
- It is unknown if Mr. Grizz is aware of Judd and Lil' Judd's existence as he seems to think that he is the only mammal alive and it is possible had he known of them he wouldn't have gone down such a dark path.
- Likewise, in the Unicorns Vs. Narwhals Splatfest Marina mentions her landlord being a narwhal, implying that most aquatic mammals survived the flooding and Mr. Grizz could have found companionship in them. However, Marina was likely joking about her landlord (in a similar vein to humans calling old-fashioned people dinosaurs) and it's very likely that aquatic mammals are also extinct, perhaps due to human pollution.
- It is implied Lil' Judd took over Grizzco after Mr. Grizz's defeat, indicated by the headset he wears after Story Mode is completed, which he could use to transmit information to the radio in Grizzco's headquarters.
- Some members of the Splatoon community theorize that Mr. Grizz might not technically be a mammal anymore, instead being a sentient mass of Fuzzy Ooze after his own experimentation, as he seems not to need oxygen during his boss fight, does not appear to possess a skeleton as shown when one gets a view of his insides after popping his Oozeballs, seeming to be completely hollow or full of Ooze, as well as being able to teleport via reforming himself from Ooze.
- This makes Mr. Grizz even more tragic as by trying to accomplish his plan of re-establishing mammalian control of Earth, he himself has unknowingly rejected his status as a mammal, now being a crude imitation of what he once was.
- Despite this, it's revealed in the Splatoon 3 artbook that Mr. Grizz still possesses a fairly normal bear skeleton, though slightly warped to fit his bizarre appearance.
- It is unknown how Mr. Grizz managed to set up Grizzco, as he would be instantly spotted and captured by the sentient sea life. It is possible that he managed to find a mammalian sympathiser and recruit them to his cause, using them to set up Grizzco, or managed to use the computers in Alterna to remotely set his company up via the internet.
- As Mr. Grizz mentions government regulations on shift durations and having insurance for crew wipes in the Dutch translation of Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3, it is possible that the Inkling government might be aware of his existence and are the ones who allowed him a permit to set up Grizzco to defend Inkopolis and Splatsville, covering up his true form from the general public, whilst being unaware of his true intentions.
- Judging by art in the Splatoon 3 artbook showing a pre-mutation Mr. Grizz playing with other bears, it's possible that he once had a family, making him even more tragic.
- Seeing as Mr. Grizz seems alive as he floats through space in the end credits and can even be heard singing in “Wave Goodbye”, it’s possible that he may return as a recurring antagonist or at least make his way back to Earth.
External Links[]
- Mr. Grizz on the Magnificent Baddie Wiki
- Mr. Grizz on the Splatoon Wiki
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 Villains
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