A TikTok Musical That's Truly EPIC

Gather around everyone. Today I'm to tell you the tale about a man that's truly EPIC.
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Patreon: / awkwardlyanimated
Second Channel: / @tooawkwrd
✦Discord: / discord
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✦Thumbnail Drawn by: x.com/Rimiichu
✦Additional Voice Work: www.instagram....
✦Additional Voice Work: ‪@CurmudgeonMedia‬
Featured Animations
‪@rochichan‬
‪@WolfyTheWitch‬
‪@gigi2820‬
‪@ximenanatzel‬
‪@sarahsworks‬
@Yon Hara
‪@Elcrafts‬
‪@anniflamma1496‬
‪@olinaw5145‬
‪@BENWELLAnimation‬
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0:00 There was an idea...
0:55 Prologue
2:28 The Story of Jorge Rivera-Herrans
4:58 My Heart Says Go
8:27 The Birth of EPIC
13:07 Adapting the Odyssey
15:41 Music That's Built Different
17:25 Bringing the Music to Life
21:04 Music that Brings People Together
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"The line between naivete and hopefulness is almost invisible. So close your heart. The world is dark and ruthlessness is mercy. Subscribe."
Poseidon (he totally said that)

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

My reaction to the WISDOM SAGA - kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4bZZqGHish8e8U Ultimate Breakdown of All Sagas - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6WcaKiMaZaGeMk

[@williamnygard5609]

Me

[@boopsy4439]

Me! For the 1000th time since it came out 😅

[@leoki-y5s]

Me

[@MrBeastFan-vz9kl]

Yea thunder bringer and Scylla are my favorite ones in thunder saga

[@daughterofaphrodite-t8i]

all sagas are equally really good.

[@farahherondale4196]

Talya got the role of Circe by auditioning for Zeus. That's why the "anyone can audition" thing was so nice.

[@morgancason7156]

It also shows that just because you didn't get chosen for a role doesn't mean you aren't good or won't have a chance later

[@myku1182]

Additional example is ??? (Forgor his name) Auditioned for The Prophet -> got Atinious role ??? (Forgor her name) Auditioned for Calypso -> got Penelope role ( 10:55 )

[@orbitfairy222]

​@@myku1182Anna Lea Casey auditioned for Calypso and got Penelope's role, and I believe it was Ayron Alexander who auditioned for Tiresias and got Antinuous' role :)

[@gmoney9425]

Yeah it was Ayron Alexander

[@cyankoopa8111]

Aeolus is a pretty good example of this too! In the original myth Aeolus is a dude.

[@juliaj1069]

Its great that you can actually hear how he goes from heavily hamilton influenced to finding his own voice and sound

[@peachnotperf]

YESSS i love it 💗

[@ccherry.berryy]

I know!! I’ve only recently joined epic my first saga that was released while I was in the fandom was the ocean saga (even though my goodbye was all over my shorts feed to the point where I had the clips memorized before hearing the full version) so I never got to see it from the ground up like the OGs did but it’s so cool to see how In his element Jay is now, his musical voice is just as recognizable and Lin’s is to me now

[@jackwriter1908]

I always thought of Jorge as a younger Lin Manuel, who uses the modern media to achieve his goals...

[@kevinvildosola1949]

Oh my god yes. It sounded good but when the narrator said he had his own unique voice from the start I was like I mean that’s fucking Hamilton 2

[@2160Tunes]

"but this was a hell of a twist! we were weak to a power like this!"

[@cheshirewolf1574]

CAN WE ALL APRECIATE THE CAST? THEY DIDNT GET A SINGLE PENNY FROM THE FIRST TWO SAGAS AND THEY *STILL* TOUGHED IT OUT OUT OF PASSION FOR THE PROJECT TO THE POINT THEY WERE DOWN TO REMAKE BOTH SAGAS?!?!

[@fleischsalat318]

This is the difference when you get your audience and fandom who loves your work already and just want to take part of it❤❤ The whole Epic thing is just such a unique musical journey 🫡❤

[@xsxeno]

Jorge’s probably paying them pretty well, and he’s so bubbly he’s probably just incredible to work with yk?

[@idiot528]

Jaylors version was epic

[@Mortensen_12]

Where can I watch the sagas?

[@fleischsalat318]

@Mortensen_12 I would recommend you start with the animatics to really get the story. There are many out there from different artists. Search up "Epic the Musical Sagas" on google and you are going to find some information and the right order for the sagas and songs. But after the animatics please also go on Jorge Rivera Herrans youtube channel and support the original work. It's worth it to follow his shorts. He shares so many insights in the process of this project. Also he is really funny. Enjoy it, its extraordinary. And welcome 🫡☺️

[@gigi2820]

Really cool video!! Makes me so happy to be part of the community ! :D

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. Love your work! 🙏

[@Slow_Internet]

Gigi your work has done SO MUCH for the community and you are one of the pillars of the animatic side of the community!! Thank you for all the work you’ve done, because of you I found epic.

[@felicitys3621]

BROOOOOO you are like. A PILLAR of the community

[@Personwtcats]

I love your Poseidon design in ruthlessness

[@HinaTheBlue]

Everyone knows the G in Gigi stands for Goat

[@Parrow]

Jay you need to get this guy to do the documentary about this musical. Let him in and let him cook!

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

How sick would that be haha

[@ahmedayman8163]

Jorge literally put this link on one of his shorts

[@StoneCatCreations]

Yes, please!

[@semper_ambitiose]

"Spoilers" is crazy... it's nearly 3000 years old... still SLAPS as it is revived here though

[@ArtemisRahl15]

To be fair… Epic is a LOOSE interpretation. He changes a bunch of stuff from the original source material.

[@blitzvalentine363]

​@@ArtemisRahl15Yup, spoiler for the Cyclopes Saga for people reading, but Polites didn't have a big role on the original Odyssey and doesn't even die, but he becomes Odysseus's best friend and the driving found behind his choices between welcoming and ruthlessnesd when he DIES

[@simosantoniou9784]

@@blitzvalentine363 He does die. Everyone dies. It just aint a big deal in the Odyssey.

[@blitzvalentine363]

@@simosantoniou9784 He doesn't die in the beginning, I think

[@simosantoniou9784]

@@blitzvalentine363 He gets killed by Scylla in the Odyssey.

[@ejayjusto3602]

I love the fact that Jay went from a Hamilton-ish to what it is now. It shows how good his music is and the originality of the musical

[@vismaykedilaya1318]

who just watched the Thunder Saga?

[@CreateXSGACHA]

Me! Bro it was A lot!

[@clover.doodles]

It sure was a ride 😢

[@jhonmimoya4824]

Me!

[@GzOreo]

I CRIED

[@ne0nbIack]

Me! It was such a rollercoaster

[@pers0n1ch]

Here after vengeance saga anyone? 600 men, 600 hundred deaths under my command, with one goal in mind, silence

[@Hollybeth_Folklore_Reputation]

Here

[@lenaurban7706]

here! i’ve seen this video after the thunder saga and decided i needed to come back 😭

[@mari_artsyy210]

YES OMG😭

[@crofoegbu6535]

Didn't know this existed but KZbin algorithm understood the assignment.

[@shelbywillis1993]

Me 👋🏻

[@akumukirihoko]

The transition from the auditions to the actual songs was actually genius🔥

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you 👌

[@KaijuMillie]

You know, I don't think I'll ever be able to be convinced he didn't hire an actual siren to sing suffering. her voice is just too good.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

I’m saying

[@StoneCatCreations]

I'd jump into her arms, tbh. Her voice is so comforting and consoling, beyond believable

[@leah.000]

EXACTLY!!! i just recently discovered the whole soundtrack and I’m in love!!! suffering specifically is such a good song and I love the girl who voices Penelope so much!!!

[@vickit5120]

"The very essence of creativity is exploration of the mind." - Mr. Pam Pam. (im getting this tattooed someday i swear)

[@jhonmimoya4824]

X2

[@damnthisisalongname_4764]

Did he really say that? That’s one of the best quotes I’ve heard! If I ever get a tattoo it’s going to be this.

[@adamharith782]

​@@damnthisisalongname_4764 Yes, he did.

[@wonderkive]

I've been in this community ever since Jay posted "Your Light," which is now a scrapped Polites song that was replaced by Open Arms. I've got to say that I'm really REALLY happy that this musical is getting more attention, because I remember sitting in my room hovering over his page and waiting for the next snippet, the next update, behind the scenes, anything. I remember when the Troy Saga was released officially and I was super hyped. Now the first saga of Act 2 is releasing in just a couple of hours. Couldn't be happier. I really appreciate you taking the time to make a video about Jay and this absolute masterpiece of a project. I adore the editing and the way you articulate just how special this guy is. Much love, man.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you that means a lot to hear from a fan! My goal was to make THE video people could point to if they wanted to get their friends or family into EPIC.

[@MildlyPerturbed]

@@AwkwardlyAnimated This will definitely help convince my friends to get into EPIC with me! Thank you!

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

🙏

[@thefollower89]

@@AwkwardlyAnimated sadly it’s a little late for me, I already try to show my family but failed at getting their interest, my brother literally has no time for it and my sisters didn’t even wanted to finish the first song cause they didn’t like how “Disney” it sounded, it’s the same reaction with everything I show them they disregard it as uninteresting, well sucks for them they don’t know what they’re missing or how wrong they’re for not giving it a chance

[@RayGainbows]

@@thefollower89 I forced my family to sit and watch an hours worth of animatics while i told them about the different instruments and emphasizing certain events in the story. Like, if im taking you and buying your groceries, i demand you give me this time to share my latest and greatest hyper fixation with you. Id tell my family about upcoming sagas and news when id drive them places. They were mostly like "oh. cool" at first but i loved it so much i kept mentioning it. Now my mom even listens to them and follows the saga. and my lil sis recently asked me for my animatic playlist. Still working on converting my lil bro.

[@ProfDragonite]

My wife, who has two masters degrees in history and philosophy, has cried at this musical, all while telling me she wants our kids to hear it when they study Greek and Latin in school. That tells me everything I need to know.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

That’s so sweet

[@ArsonTheShroom]

Just the fact that EPIC is free to watch makes it so much more accessible to everyone

[@MichuMelo]

it just finished... im like 5 months in the future

[@LaneyBug-s8n]

I love this musical so much! It is truly a masterpiece

[@loushendrikyung5546]

spread the fandom further. FURTHER FURTHER.

[@MusicalsOnMyMind]

@@loushendrikyung5546 In my opinion, we can see this musical gain one of the biggest internet fandoms over time

[@XSweetCherryBlossomX]

YESSSS MOREEE WINIONS COME TO USSSS

[@stale_cereal78]

FULL SPEED AHEAD

[@confringo667roblox]

WE’RE UP WE’RE OFF AND AWAY WE GO

[@rebecaissherlocked]

WINIONS RISEE 🔥🔥

[@cacavman]

2:05 “Epic already is on the track to becoming one of the most popular musicals in the last DECADE” That sentence makes me so happy and giddy

[@lavapug]

I love how, as time goes on you can see Jay develop his style for music. I feel like in My Heart Says Go and the very early beginning stages of Epic he writes fast paced rapping songs very similar to the style of Lin Manuel Miranda in his plays Hamilton and In the Heights. However as he developed Epic he moved away from that style and now has the video game boss battle-like style you mentioned. Once this style was developed that's when his music really started to shine and gain a lot of popularity, because it was reflecting his personality better. As someone who loves Hamilton I think it's pretty obvious that Jay took a lot of inspiration from it while working on Epic which can be seen in the story, pacing, and characters. I also think it's amazing that this musical is getting very popular because it draws a lot of new eyes to musical theater by creating a large online fan base in a way only Hamilton has done before (of this scale). In that way I see Epic as a lot like Hamilton but for a newer generation. After the musical theater scene was kind of dead for a while due to covid, it's really great to see it getting kick started again by Epic. Anyway I just think Epic is rlly cool :)

[@ajregister5974]

I'm glad some one else not only could tell the clear Hamilton/LMM influences in the early days, but also has the same appreciation and experience around the Hamilton days specifically and how it's shaped the musical theater landscape today. It really is crazy how huge that one musical was, and that now we're experiencing a prime example of the legacy it creates through talented artists like Jay

[@luissaumeth8000]

The videogame-like music in The Wisdom Saga is so notorious is awesome, I love it

[@vinnymadelynelamata6255]

EPIC is NERD MEDIA ON STEROIDS. There is so much emotion in one song, hell in even ONE BEAT. *It's not just a good listen, it's a whole experience.*

[@hackjack-5636]

marketing genius for you to post this right after thunder saga

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

😎

[@veevzdrawz8499]

i didnt even realize that circe is represented by the cello, and thats why i was so drawn to her as a fellow cello player myself

[@parrot027j8]

I think a big part of EPICs success is that Jay is not only an _extremely_ talented musician (and he did the right marketing) but also an amazing person. Like you said, he is so nerdy and bubbly and his happy motivation is so contageous, he makes it feel like he is right there in the fandom with you. This and the fact that he sees himself on one level with everyone he works with makes him so fit for leadership, because he hypes everyone up and includes the success of everyone instead of getting arrogant and/or distant. He is awesome in every way💙💙💙

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

@@parrot027j8 couldn’t have said it better myself

[@This_Is_VeryNotFine]

Clever timing with video with the release of Thunder Saga 😉

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

You have no idea what it took to get this out on time 😅

[@TomatenUndZwiebelSuppe]

@@AwkwardlyAnimated and using the newest album cover too! Props to you for promoting the newly made album, since Jay told us the he didn't get paid by that studio for the old Troy and Cyclops saga

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Yea the moment I found that out I made sure to push the newly released tracks for him

[@xavierellis9836]

It's crazy how he created his own style since the start bc when you see his old work you can tell he picked up from lin Manuel Miranda he take his punctuation of syllables and everything but he slowly veered off

[@DrewFilms05]

10:10 The transitions from audition to final performance in this little section were CRISP. Props to the editor.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Preesh

[@KingsBard]

Bro, when Jay is on someone else's camera he moves his face like Matthew Lillard

[@tuyetlam2102]

I just recently discovered EPIC and I am completely obsessed with it. When I watched this video and learned about the entire process, I couldn't stop admiring the talent of Jay and the team. Many thanks to the team for creating such amazing music, and thank you for making this video 😭

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mrmatrixmusicman8787]

it’s so good to have more fans… but how DARE you join late, you don’t have to wait now!!!!!

[@tuyetlam2102]

@@mrmatrixmusicman8787 Ikr? I watched all the snippets and now I can't wait for the next release! The wait is killing me! 😫

[@veronicavasquez7281]

Me too, I can't believe I didn't get to it sooner. I love it.

[@Slow_Internet]

How did you discover it?

[@buggo_bug]

dude your editing is freaking immaculate, people need to say that more often 😭 love the video dude

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

thx bro 🫶

[@KevinFlowersJr]

I have to say, I've never seen someone who understands the multiple layers of how amazing this project is: 1. Jay's musical vision and genius 2. The community involvement and support 3. Specific influences compared to Jay's compositions 4. The inspiration the project gives to others Thank you for making it easy to share with friends who don't have the time to dig into why this is such an amazing phenomenon. You have my deepest gratitude 🙏

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

No problem it was my pleasure. I wanted to craft a video that makes it extremely easy to explain EPIC to someone while also not spoiling anything. Hoping it gets more people interested.

[@lightningjules658]

finally, someone who is as crazy about The Challenge as I am. that song literally transcends musical theatre and in my eyes is definitely deserves a spot in top 50 songs of all time.

[@AzziyaOnline]

No talent show within a 50 mile radius is safe once that saga comes out, all of my friends and I WILL be using that song.

[@thecockatiel]

The challenge is possibly the best song I've ever heard

[@Sair3nity]

Dw bro I am obsessed with The Challenge

[@pixelplayer1156]

When he said Just A Man didn't originally resonate with him but with each song it got better I knew we where on the same boat waiting for Odysseus' next foe.

[@minibex5258]

I like how you said you didn't jive with "just a man" at first, but every time you hear every other song, it gets better. I audibly said "RIGHT?!" I have always liked that song, but you hit the nail on the head, it DOES get better the more often you hear every other song. Thanks for the vid, btw

[@Anituer13]

The way this man revived a community of artists with this musical is insane. I've started back drawing and writing. He's an absolute force that we seldom see.

[@charbird20]

Eyyyyy! I just watched the Thunder Saga last night! There were over 50,000 people there at one point! It was amazing! So many artists and amazing people came together to make this project the best it can be, and I couldn’t be prouder of Jorge. He is a genuinely kind and passionate person, and he deserves the world ❤

[@carktheshark]

It was a great live, loved every minute of it

[@elenjulia8271]

It was such an amazing live! Jay even cried a bit🥺

[@Dawn_the_dragon]

It was so great. I don’t know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t that. I sat in shock for a hour and 30 minutes before I calmed down enough to go to sleep. I was call with a friend who I was trying to introduce to epic and i immediately texted my winion friends when it ended. It was ISANE

[@harleyloraine7699]

Dude it was wild I joined right at 10 and there were 32k ppl and not even 20 minutes later it was at 45k

[@Emerald.She-Ra]

It was amazing! I was embroidering whilst listening. Almost a Penelope move. 😂

[@ryanfierro4897]

Holy hell the skip from Luke’s audition to the studio recording made my heart skip a beat it was fantastic

[@gryranfelt5473]

As a writer myself, what I love about Jay and his project is that you just feel the fucking love this guy has for his project and his attention to detail. There's SO MUCH to explore in the story and the music, so many easter-eggs, and it's all so seamlessly put together. I rarely come across anything this well-thought-out and when I do, I just marvel in it. WHAT HE DOES IS SO INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT, yet he did it! It's amazing!

[@TainoMoya]

as a puerto rican both him and lin Manuel miranda make me proud. cuz these are the only musicals I've liked/loved. was never a fan of musicals till these two and it was two brothers from PR

[@tristanwellisch2637]

Somehow the first song I heard from Epic was Get in the Water and it just intrigued me. I was like "What is this and please tell me if there's more!" and i was so happy to find everything else. Jay having a super infectious personality and the community being the most welcoming I have ever seen has solidified my love for this project. I will always be excited to see what the team puts together.

[@Thejaronimo]

Im here after its all done now and omg i cried so much

[@FlannelVr99]

Omg same

[@bapattack5706]

Jay brought a 1200 year old story so anchored to humanity and gave it music, depth, personality. True Talent

[@damnthisisalongname_4764]

I came across Epic through a ‘Get In The Water’ snippet, and just needed to see where it came from, because it had been playing in my head non stop. It lead me to Epic two weeks after he’d released the Circe saga. I’ve listened to all the songs (Thunder Saga included) too many times to count, I know the order of them all, I know the lyrics to just about all of them, I was on the livestream for the Thunder saga, I joined the discord server, I’m trying to get my friends to listen to it as well, I plan on reading the Odyssey now after I finish an audiobook of the Iliad (though I haven’t even gotten it yet, I might some time this week) and honestly this musical has just transformed my life. It gets me so hyped and happy and Polites’ part in the underworld killed me and Mutiny and Thunder Bringer and Oh. My. Gods. His music makes me feel so many emotions, and the snippet of I Can’t Help But Wonder got me sobbing and AHHHH Mr. Jalapeño is the best and everyone in the community absolutely loves him!

[@vkdragonfire2123]

I had seen a couple edits for other fandoms with Just A Man pop up here and there on Tik Tok last year, but I didn't look into it then. I too got into the musical when I came across a Get In The Water snippet - specifically Morgan Clae's audition which was circling around for a little while. That one drew me in right away and I started to learn about Epic from there. :D

[@IvanIsYda_]

I unknowingly fell in love with Open Arms back in January and didn’t know it was part of a musical. When I started listening to the songs individually, I was skeptical how they’d fit together in a musical until I listened to them in order. Now, I’m looking forward to each saga to come, and to every and anything Jay has to offer. Whether they’re behind the scenes content, new sagas, and new musicals

[@zenari6471]

BRO AND THE NEW SAGA..... OH MY GOSH...

[@shrimpythirty-eight]

The amount of editing and clip-finding you must have put into this, let alone your script and animation bits is amazing!!! Really hope Jay sees this!

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you! ☺️

[@karamel5644]

The series just ended. Jorge did an amazing job on Epic and so did the cast. So happy I got to see its development throughout the years :)

[@ZyleakHalfNote]

All I gotta say is bro makes only bangers for this mostly with his choice in people for the voices like Hermes is like my favorite voice in Epic

[@mercuryinretrograde]

THE CHALLENGE IS A MASTERPIECE I CANT FREAKING WAIT FOR IT TO COME OUT

[@crimsonmaverick8237]

Your “Music That’s Built Different” section is my favorite part of the video. In such a short duration you perfectly articulate why the music is as amazing as it is.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you so much! I’m really proud of how that part came together. My favorite moment as well.

[@BENWELLAnimation]

Haha Oh my god this video got recommend to a friend of mine, so we watched it together and suddendly saw my own animatic 20:26 xD Thanks so much for featuring my work! And great video!

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

That's awesome! I’m glad you both enjoyed it haha And yea your animatic was awesome. Great work!

[@abbster515]

That last section had me tearing up…the music of the Challenge behind it was just 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you!!! 🥰

[@Theletter_f]

Ive been watching since the Circe Saga which isn't awhile compared to others, but I've watched all of his yt shorts about EPIC and I feel like I've been here since the beginning. It's one of the most beautiful and inspirational projects I've seen. (which may seem like an exaggeration but it's really not) I'm glad more peoole have found this masterpiece and that it's finally getting the attention it deserves.

[@yay29823]

I remember discovering Epic and being very excited about it while the Ocean Saga wasn't even out yet. Oh the good but frustrating times 🥹

[@besthokage7822]

I also started in between the ocean and Circe sagas

[@lukedoesroblox9338]

I started at the Troy Saga…it was so frustrating waiting for the first 3 sagas. I’m so happy that it only takes a month or 2 for a new saga now!

[@IEatpaints]

I also found it since right around the circe saga but I was really lucky cause that was the time I moved schools and I immediately became friends with someone who had been there since the Troy saga lol

[@karsyn6209]

It’s finished. And it’s absolutely wonderful

[@ShyyGaladriel]

I’ve been waiting for this moment for the perfect video deep dive. When you’ve made the post Yeah that’s all I got. But yeah; I’ve been waiting for someone to make this kind of video about epic. Well done my friend. Well done.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you, I’m glad I could do it justice 🤝

[@skyden4637]

Love that the first (I think) instrumental during the commentary was from “Charybdis” its a really underrated

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THAT DAM SONG MAN 😫

[@skyden4637]

@@AwkwardlyAnimated JUST TWO MORE SAGAS

[@elenjulia8271]

There was also Dangerous and God Games, I am so excitedddd for those two!!

[@sk3ru]

​@@elenjulia8271 DUDE I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR ALL THE OTHER GODS AAAA

[@peachnotperf]

@@elenjulia8271 I CANNOTTTTT WAIT FOR GOD GAMES OML 😭😭😭

[@nitatv3395]

I remember becoming aware of EPIC sometime 2 years ago because of the skits one of my favorite youtubers (CrazyCae) made. I wasn't really into it because the only songs I heard were Warrior of the Mind and My Goodbye and I didn't think to dig deeper until about 4 months ago. I started actually getting into the fandom and I absolutely do not regret that decision. It's fun to watch Jay and the cast do their shenanigans, listen to the music on repeat, and talk with others about it. I'm glad I'm able to be here and watch/listen to is as it's being developed and released.

[@tearie4150]

wolfythewitch was my real introduction to epic and if I had a nickle for everytime an animatic/fandom artist got me into a musical id have many MANY NICKLES LOL

[@lordrakes5528]

Well after hearing the first sentences : Yes, you did it Jorge. I'm a video game nerd and my sister loves musicals, she showed Epic to me and I literally only listen to Epic since 2 months now haha thanks a lot for this. And for clarifying why I love this musical in particular. You love video games too and it actually feels like a video game, but I never really thought about it. You just built it very well so that it speaks to video game fans haha

[@zhayne1774]

despite being a late fan who joined REALLY listening to the songs when circe saga released, I just cant fathom how much I enjoy listening to every single saga day in day out (mostly just thunder saga cuz its amazing and pain-inducing first time I heard it)

[@Stardipped_Paws]

Here just after the Wisdom saga was released, this is amazing! I'm going to be back after the final saga comes out, mark my words.

[@McJethroPovTee]

I'm a recent listener of Epic the musical, and I cant believe I missed all of it before. But thankful was able to catch some part of its creation before its release.

[@Tiny_Tim2018]

Coming back to this video after the finale is so bitter sweet.

[@BitesforNugget]

I just got my sister into Epic: The Musical, recently. I've been trying for probably a couple of months and she just wasn't interested or at the very least didn't remember the musical until recently. We sat together in her bedroom put on gigi's animatics and watched all of them. Start to finish, back-to-front, and one of the songs that she really liked was There Are Other Ways. And she liked that song so much that she kept rewatching it, relistening to it and eventually, just sat by herself- and listened to the entirety of the musical. Start to finish on Spotify, then listen to the Original Odyssey, the storytelling of the og Odyssey then watched the musical again and she loves it. A friend of mine also recently got into it and I get so happy every time. I love musicals, and I'm glad I get to share my interest with people who do, too. It's a truly Epic experience.

[@happyslowpoke8982]

Goddamnit that clip at the end of him taking the solo interview shot and actually spotlighting the people both literally and figuratively behind him in this project is exactly why this damn musical is so special

[@puffy6763]

here after the ithaca saga 💔 sadly i only got into epic, or greek mythology in general, about two months ago when my teacher introduced me to epic to help understand our greek mythology unit better. (as i am a visual learner) I’m so happy to have experienced such a beautiful musical :)

[@itsblingblingpop8636]

jay's excitement for the project is contagious. i think everyone who works with some art form or long term project can really appreciate when they see someone that is so passionate about what they do.

[@Im_noob-ld1yb]

EPIC THE MUSICAL IS GETTING MORE ATTENTION!!! WO HOO

[@jomarisuan4122]

Damn. The last musical I was this obsessed was Hamilton. And now here I am. in awe with the whole tracklist and Jorge himself.

[@Quin_The_Winion]

Has anyone else been part of the epic community since before the original troy saga released? I say that to my friends and they think I'm mad, being so invested in something that isn't even finished for so many years. But like many people, I know true talent takes time. Side note the thunder saga TOOK. ME. OUT. Absolutely mental go listen ⚡⚡⚡

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

They just weren’t locked in. We see the vision.

[@FairFeline]

YEP.

[@Lady_Sherin]

I had been obsessed with Fight Little Wolf snippet for over a year before the Cyclops Saga was released (that's when I was truly introduced in the Epic) not knowing from what it is XD. So kinda yes and kinda nope if that makes sense.

[@cleocarlucci6858]

I found EPIC while the first draft was still being written and seeing Jay’s growth and the development of this musical is so inspiring especially with the message behind it and seeing the community that surrounds it from the cast of singers, the artists, the production and the people who keep EPIC’s community alive. It just keeps getting better and better as the sagas come out and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

[@AthenaBelmont]

I saved one of the cut songs from Jay's TikTok and listened to it nonstop. It was Calypso my darling song. Ever since that song snippet, I used epic to shape my fiancé and my own DnD characters

[@BlackoutZak]

pahaha he mentioned all the honorific titles for jay lmaooo

[@RobertBAceret]

And now the concept album is finished :’)

[@romanignatenko1551]

Dude I never saw you before but let me tell you the writing in this was so great even though i knew most of the facts [adhd brain go brrr] i was so captivated by the pacing and how well you made it and wathed the whole thing though. Thank you and i 100% agree that the challange is litteraly perfect [ might have cried to that one couple of times ]

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you for the lovely comment and yea I cannot wait for Ithaca saga 🥲

[@cinnamongirl2.0]

I remember first stumbling over the musical Epic when there were animatics of Warrior of the Mind popping up everywhere on Tik Tok and Instagram and I’m so glad I listened to the full song and discovered this masterpiece! Loved every saga since! And the Thunder Saga absolutely destroyed me ngl

[@The-Busy-Beeeee]

No fr I was on the BUS listening to underworld sobbing my heart out

[@lunawolf3645]

So, I'm a Greek mythology slut, and when I heard about this project, I was worried it would be some half baked "retelling" like you see with many Hades and Persephone "retellings". You don't just see how Jay loves the story, but you can feel it in EVERY single song. Everyone loves the project, loves the characters, loves the story, and you can hear that. Every single song sounds like an epic, a huge boss battle, like you said, and even in Mutiny, they keep that up, though it is more "tame" do to the threat only being mortals, but also friends. I also love the techno-y sweet tune Jay puts when a spell is under the character or a magical creature that is attempting to harm the crew. You see it with Circe but also the siren. The way that the music is conveyed makes me love every song because it puts just as much love, action, and such natural predatory beauty into it that it's impossible to let go. You can see clear as day what's going on in your head and it's just as, if not more breathtaking than the actual story. I also love seeing the creative liberties and modern takes on the creatures. He is making Broadway worthy material and NO ONE can say otherwise. The numbers, the score, the easy to access visuals, the demand for it. I don't have tiktok, but God am I tempted just to scroll through this man's mind. Needless to say, I'm very excited to hear father and son scheming like the two owls of Athena that they are. Also very curious to hear what Poseidon tells Odysseus when he turns the ship to stone. Also, after Eurylochus delayed getting to Ithaca twice, maybe thrice, I don't blame Odysseus for just killing the whole crew. Opening the bag, then causing a mutiny, and killing a cow that is clearly on Helio's land. Like, come on, after being betrayed by your right hand that often, I'd just want them all dead and to just get home to my clever wife and my not so baby boy too. Since I've only read the abridged versions of the Odyssey they give us to read at school and not the whole long thing, I'm curious if the relationship with Athena was creative liberty to further show the theme of "Ruthlessness is mercy for yourself" because the of Odysseus' family line is so beloved to Athena do to the bloodlines wits, cleverness, and cunning. Either way, it's brilliant and I love how the lack of Athena's guidance is due to Odysseus not being ruthless enough and not because no one wants to cross Posedion's wrath.

[@_-drowsy-_]

I OFFICIALLY love you. Just checked out your latest video and I was like “ya know, this guys pretty funny and chill, let’s check out some of his other videos” AND YOU PUNCH ME IN THE GUT WITH EPIC???? LETS GO???? I LOVE YOU AND EPIC AND EVERYONE HEAVEN ON EARTH RIGHT HERE OML…I don’t have an obsession I swear.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you! 🥹

[@delrodriguez9422]

Yeah there's no debate about this Epic just is my favorite musical of all time and in my top pieces of media of all time probably top 10 honestly

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

It’s up there for me too, it just hits different

[@karma_pup]

I loved this breakdown of EPIC and Jay's history and his passion for his creations. I honestly just got into this community, though i remember the auditions for Calypso when they rolled around. And im so glad to be a part of this wonderfully chaotic and uplifting community.

[@IvyNott-kh2sm]

While listening to this I heard “hold them down” and I love it so much

[@Glebblegweb]

Those transitions of the cast's auditions into their official roles is the coolest fucking editing ever

[@annahks]

god this musical is SO good, I can’t wait to have the full version of all the songs

[@rusty_copper2308]

I genuinely couldn't agree more about the whole thing about the first like two songs, I wasn't a fan but every time i listen they get better and I do not understand how or why but I'm 100% here for it. The sheer amount of reappearing of certain lines throughout each song to point to things absolutely blows my mind and I'm so glad EPIC has been getting the attention it deserves.

[@kitkatr5861]

IT'S US, WE ARE THE OTHER NERDS GOING "YEAH!" 🎉

[@severigne_m7652]

I learned about My Heart Says Go about a year ago and as a writer and theatre enthusiast forced to be in med, it carried me through months of premed internship. The music is so inherently Jay's style that I can almost hear him singing it despite having a different cast. Its also amazing because you can kinda see how current Epic songs started the way some of the MHSG songs feel the same as Epic songs

[@Wxlfgangv]

The amount of talent that Jorge has is absolutely unreal. EPIC is by far my favorite musical and it's only a concept musical. It's truly the only musical I've encountered where every song is an absolute 10/10. The storytelling is ridiculously good.

[@anxiousoptimism5517]

The first I saw of the musical was the Done For TikTok a while ago. I was impressed. I looked into more and became further invested. I adore your video.

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Thank you 🙏

[@haleylightcake4844]

The day Jay releases the challenge (and the whole Ithaca saga) my life is his

[@ScarlettKatty]

I found this a lil while ago through one animatic of Ruthlessness. (I’m not on TikTok :P ) I was entranced by the song but didn’t really look further. Then I found more and more animatics. I never knew they were connected to each other until finding Jay on KZbin. Then on instagram. Then I found a compilation and I was purely amazed. All the callbacks, all attention put into the smallest details and the story and the singers and it just pulled me in. It’s entrancing. And just beautiful to hear everytime. Now I’m here and I was there to hear the Underworld Saga and Thunder Saga come out. And I’ll be around more cause Jay is just an inspiring man who’s just so cool. Sorry I’m rambling again!

[@melikesmuffins6676]

0:25 HOLY SHIT IT DOES THO The little jingle at the beginning of Ruthlessness is so reminiscent of an old video game villains opening battle song

[@dylanfooler]

This musical is one of my favorite to sing and to attempt to match pitch with, idk if there's any spots/open calls for anymore singers but it'd be so cool to be able to attempt to sing a character from Epic

[@Brook_55]

Fr! All the different voices are amazing and I found that if I can't match the main voice, I could usually join in with the background voices.

[@HelloitsMeli]

10:28 OMG THAT CHANGE LUKE ARE YOU SERIOUS!? ❤❤ I joined the community of Epic when the Troy Saga just came out and I was intrigued about the song 'get in the water' because at that moment many people auditioned. I'm so glad to share this with such amazing people who are so kind and talented, never regretting to be here and be part of this Epic journey ❤️

[@flixchix95]

I keep coming back to this video because I love it so much, but to also add to that point at 13:01 , that the 3 new saga releases (Thunder, Troy Redux, Cyclops Redux) all managed to get top spots, like top 3 for Soundtracks and top 10 for music in general on iTunes.

[@keepperspective]

Thank you for this! As someone who discovered epic very late it really helps to have early context!

[@sunni5628]

What a great documentary! I especially loved how you broke down Jorge's specific boss battle style of music. It is, as the title of this musical suggests, truly something epic!

[@Carols989]

in that indigo rap you can really see a strong hamilton influence, and its awesome to see how different his music sounds in epic. it's not a diss, every artist starts emulating and inspired by someone else, and its beautiful to see that turn into it's own voice

[@TimeTickingVenus]

15:15 was my first time introduced into epic, I didn’t know what it was at the time but I liked the song so I liked and scrolled, then a few months later that part got stuck in my head and I went to find it and found epic, but I hadn’t Listened to the full musical till recently

[@Eluminatez]

It honestly makes me cry. But in a good way. Jay is such a passionate human being and it's been so cool seeing all the behind-the-scenes and the background of what made Epic, well, Epic!! Everyone apart of this project has come so far. Thanks for shedding more light on this EPIC musical my man, you're a real one!

[@AwkwardlyAnimated]

Np!

[@not_a_demo]

2 minutes in and gotta take a breather, i’m so deep into this hyperfixation that i get more exited when people talk about than recognition of my own stuff. Jay really is so talented

[@Martill10-g9h]

Hold them down while you talk about tension in the family about dropping out of med school gave me chills

[@karoline2622]

The Thunder Saga was a hell of an emotional ride 🤧

[@XSweetCherryBlossomX]

SO TRUE! I’ve listen to it about…… 50 times now probably lol