God Games | EPIC: The Musical Animatic

[@nealillustrator]

Thank you all so much for you patience while I worked my way through this! If you want to support some of my original work I have a webtoon, Covenant 13!, that I would love for you to check out! I am excited to potentially do more original work in the near future and really get back into the swing of animating.

[@kako_v]

I was just watching the whole musical on different artists videos and then i had to watch this song of the EPIC musical and you just released this cinematic, i love your art and how you show the expressions and movement on every frame

[@trishfick3355]

Your animation is the best animation that I’ve seen for animatics in a long time I’m a big fan of ruthlessness and thunder bringer now that I have seen God I am really just amazed at your animation. Please keep up the good work and please keep doing more songs💯💯

[@GMHAO....]

This is stunning!

[@kipz1895]

Was that a hidden Conan I saw in the cloud throne 👀

[@dorismarestrada9614]

All I have to say is job well done you managed to make me cry your art style and how smooth it is and the details on it I love it well done hopefully I can animate like you one day and I’m being serious you made me cry whit the animation 😭❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gigi2820]

HOLY SHIT THAT WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT

[@BiscutBud]

AHAHAHAHAH I LOVE YOUR WORK GIGI SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO ME! 💅💅💅YOURE SO SLAY!!!

[@nealillustrator]

Thank you!!!💖💖💖 I’m so excited to see yours next!! And what you have cooking for the next saga!!

[@BiscutBud]

WOW AHAHAHAHHAAH YALL ATE SUCH A POWER GANG LIKE DO A COLAB AND MY LIFE IS YOURS!!!!!

[@froilandragon5693]

EYO?

[@MrMrStacho]

Gigi? Damn we got the whole crew here.

[@claracatlady9844]

Ares, God of war, fighting with a baby pink heart sword while his GF is clinging to him like a Koala is something I didn’t know I needed to see

[@Shaaydiia07]

RIGHT!! 😂

[@Shaaydiia07]

Oops.. caps lock….

[@holeinthewallproductions]

It also “extended” at her touch lol

[@myoung3411]

@@holeinthewallproductions Yeah, that got a laugh out of me and everyone watching with me. I was on a Discord call with my buddies watching it almost as soon as it dropped, and I had to pause the video and wait for some of them to stop cackling at the implications.

[@KingNanoA]

Giving me bad Radahn flashbacks.

[@vivithevalkrie]

Ares calling out for Athena when she's fighting Zeus is such a unique detail! Especially since it's Ares who asks if she's dead after Zeus's initial blow. I love that

[@littlebean4585]

He may not always agree with her but Athena is his perfect foil to the end.

[@MoriahRMunroe]

SAME.

[@brooklynmattson5476]

they may be different and fight but their family

[@josephperez2004]

I always liked the interpretation that Ares and her have a special relationship as war gods. When Zeus asks if everyone is up for a game, most of the Gods just agree with little fanfare, but Ares sounds straight up excited and eager. He wants a chance to go head to head with his big sister (chronologically speaking, Athena is Zeus' first child, while Ares is one of the last) to show her what he can do. There is little actual malice there, Athena is just seen as the favorite, while Ares is actually considered kind of a screw up. But she can see he tries, and she respects that.

[@claracatlady9844]

Also when Zeus separates them First instinct: Protect girlfriend! Second instinct: where is my sis? I stan this version of Ares

[@SirusXIII]

I love how Athena's hair and facial features look so much like Zeus'. It really helps hammer home the message that she's his daughter, more than he's her king when she ends her attack with a hug.

[@ladyodragons3849]

Not to mention in the beginning, the camera passes behind one of the pillars showing Zeus holding baby Athena (Lightning bolt and little owl pins) but since it's behind the pillar, we can see it's a side Zeus doesn't like to advertise openly (possibly because it could raise the point of favoritism)?

[@AdorableFloof1999]

​@@ladyodragons3849 in mythology at least Zeus is very open about favoring Athena. Her being the only other God allowed to use Aegis (Zeus's shield) and hold, if not fully use, his thunder bolts.

[@Laritamiau]

SINCE WHEN THIS INDUSTRY QUALITY OF AN ANIMATION IS CONSIDERED AN ANIMATIC, THIS IS INSANE??????????????

[@nealillustrator]

Had to flex my old industry animation muscles to get ready for future projects!!

[@neospiderman2165]

​@nealillustrator bruh that's cheating😂

[@daring6983]

All of their automatics are insane, it's just a fact.

[@LAQUINDANUMDAINELLE]

​@@nealillustratorwell you didn't need to flex it

[@hellomoron]

0:11 is an amazingly subtle nod the relationship. Only caught it when I slowed it down and went second by second, but it makes it so much cooler!!!!!!!!!

[@ecowo57]

I love that Zeus is holding Athena at the end. After all, she's supposed to be his favorite,

[@NetherStray]

Born from his very own mind, fully formed and armored. His very own vision. Makes it all the cooler to me when she defies him.

[@sammjaisais7135]

YES!

[@felixsonofscouty]

yeah, it just feels right for zeus to do something in anger, and then immediately regret it once he sees the actual consequences

[@ana_aura]

Right? It was so well drawn!

[@lailaauto33]

If you look at the start when Athena is walking towards Zeus, you can see a statue of Zeus holding a baby with Athena's owl symbol just like the final shot

[@etoilemauve7682]

Ares fighting with the power of love is genius ngl

[@j_fenrir]

nothing like the passion of war huh

[@CaymanGiordano]

Ares, Promised Consort of Miquephrodite

[@OokamiTheFadingFlower]

If I remember correctly, Jorge also mentioned that he imagines Aphrodite's power working that way, so it's really cool that Neal incorporated that!

[@leCuttlefish]

little did he know that the power of love does not match the aroace swag

[@freshcupofangst]

@@leCuttlefish unstoppable force (power of love) versus immovable object (aroace swag)

[@hue_lord_4208]

Athena losing: Time to bust out my ultimate strategy! Her strategy: Pwease🥺

[@rosellaraven2222]

She learned from Odysseus

[@nunyabusiness1058]

I mean, it DID work

[@sitiumayrah3373]

i mean she is his favourite

[@hue_lord_4208]

​@@sitiumayrah3373 Well it also almost worked on Aphrodite, and as far as I can tell, Athena isn't Aphrodite's fav. I say almost, but it totally would've if Ares hadn't interviened. lmao.

[@fcasanova3]

Girl dads can't survive the Pwease....

[@dylanconnolly7183]

WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT HOW COOL THE IDEA HAEPHESTUS' FORGE IS IN A GIANT ROBOT!!?

[@charlieseely3464]

I KNOW RIGHT!!?!? THE DAMN THING LOOKS LIKE TALOS MIXED WITH A DREADNOUGHT FROM 40K AND ITS AMAZING!!

[@YoutubePez]

It's bc in a vid where jorge described how he thought each god would fight he said that haephestus wouldn't be very strong if he suddenly had to fight someone, but if given prep time he could be one of the strongest by building robots or gadgets or machines or something

[@bradleybarnett1469]

Honestly, it’s probably Talus! His famous giant robot from Jason and the Argonauts (another group of poor mother fuckers who has to sail the same sea Odysseus and his crew did)

[@MichaelxVoorhees]

yea this was a really cool take

[@elieli2893]

I *know* right?! Hephaestus Mecha for the win, oh my god that's cool! Also how he himself looks like a partly crumbled statue or something!

[@InternetsDadGaming]

I am DYING at Aphrodite riding Aries like a fyuckin Dark Souls boss XD

[@Bailey_The_Kid]

Def gave me Lothric and Lorian vibes

[@halcyonhusky5249]

literally Miquella riding Radahn

[@fern_8729]

Aphrodite riding Ares* BUT YES, IT WAS SICK

[@InternetsDadGaming]

@@fern_8729 pfft, well that was a typo XD

[@eiradraws]

My thoughts too!

[@franciscorosa1498]

Aphrodite dissolving with sea foam cause thats how shes supposed to be born is such a beautiful detail, being the oldest olympian and one of the strongest

[@jasonhudson4966]

Please stuff me into a locker for being a giant nerd, but Homer (Author of the Odyssey, and most likely the family tree Jorge is utilizing) had Aphrodite as Zeus' daughter with Dione, so no sea foam birth and less of the cosmic love that flowed through the universe even before the Olympians for this version of her, but that shouldn't stop the "rule of cool" that we love Neil for always following.

[@orianefaton1885]

@@jasonhudson4966 This depend on the version of the myth. The other is that Aphrodite is born from when Chronos defeated his dad by... cutting off his... "instrument". And that said "instrument" landed in the sea. Homer picked one. Red, from overly sarcastic even demonstrate that for example, Aphrodite was a war goddess, but Homer took this away from her characterisation, because the idea of a goddess of love and fertility and all that being a goddess of war was.. outrageous for most of greece (except Sparta, wich is those who imported her. Because she wasn't in the even more ancient, ancient greece. We have no trace of her name)

[@VoidWalkerOblivion]

@@jasonhudson4966 Yeah but Homer is not the original author, he was just the person that wrote a generally known fable down, and he wrote his version with an active agenda. He did *a lot* of the Greek Gods dirty because he was pushing a specific pro-Athens narrative. When you see Athena acting like the best, she is being literally the personification of Athens in his story. He changed Aphrodite's origin specifically because Homer and Athens were sexist. Aphrodite was originally a goddess of WAR AND love. She was very powerful, because she was an expy of *Isis and Ishtar*.

[@jasonhudson4966]

@@VoidWalkerOblivion put me on game then 🤝🏽😤🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@taddad2641]

actualyl think that is clay. there is one myth that has her bring clay to life.

[@catlinmarie]

The body tape clothing for Aphrodite, and Hephaestus just idly making a kick ass shield for Athena while she is fighting him cracks me up.

[@shiisiln6122]

Oh my god it didn't even click that that's what he was doing. that's awesome.

[@moonflames9392]

The way that Athena, after all the fighting, just hugs Zeus is getting to me so bad. And the way he falters, not expecting anything but to be fought with, and relents and can be seen carrying her in the credits…aughh

[@KhyannArts]

imo it gets even worse when you notice the statue at 0:10 is zeus holding baby athena. But while in that statue he holds her along her helmet like proud of what she can become, now he is holding her weak and clearly sad about the state of his dear daughter

[@Rumi12456]

yes!! it's the most odyssey-accurate rendition i've seen yet.

[@NetherStray]

I love it so much because really, that's how you defeat Zeus. Stand toe to toe with him in terms of power? Impossible. He's the king of the gods for a reason. But, for better or worse (often worse, judging by a LOT of myths), the dude has a big heart with a lot of room in it. Athena knew exactly how to "fight" him: survive, then appeal to his emotions. You'll never outmatch him! But you can outplay him!

[@moonflames9392]

@@KhyannArts oh thats crazy i didnt even notice that but that makes it mean that much more thank you for pointing it out!!

[@gasterg.continent3118]

It also makes sense since athena by most account is his favorite child.

[@JimFaindel]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the fact the pantheon finally feels like a family here? You can tell there's actual familial love between each of them!

[@Crosss31]

boi, i sure wanted that the love shared in this family was half true in greek mythology

[@KitkatPocky-bm2so]

They feel like a real family disagreeing about funding a kid to go to school

[@Matheus-ql7mn]

Yes! They interact as "people" who've known each other for a very long time and that will be together at the end. They disagree and fight and eventually punch, but they really care for the other. I love specially when Athena offer a hand to Ares.

[@LIFEAINTLIFING]

The open arms channel need to react to this rn

[@emmadai2200]

ares and athena's sibling relationship is soo good omggg like they annoy each other but they do care abt each other a lot tho

[@TiffanyHoL]

Gods, Athena and Zeus remind me of the quote 'My father is the worst man alive...and I am his *favourite* daughter'

[@rjmanary4087]

Where's that from?

[@riverandromedaschannel3927]

@@rjmanary4087from the lightning thief show on Disney+

[@joejocas8748]

@@rjmanary4087 from what I searched, it’s from the psychological thriller series “You” (2018). But I swear the quote could fit Gamora from “Guardians of The Galaxy” as well.

[@rjmanary4087]

@@joejocas8748 Thank you for the info 👍

[@Bluemoonplayz]

Lol

[@lystournesol]

A kind of sad detail I noticed after rewatching again is Hera. When Ares asks “Is she dead?”, Hera is sobbing into her arms, and when Athena wakes up after being hit by Zeus’s lightning ball but looks like she’s struggling to hold her own at first, Hera has tears streaming down her face and then buries her face in her hands. Like so many people have said Neal, you really did an incredible job of showing that this is an actual family and I love how you showed Hera being a worried/heartbroken mother at this situation!

[@dragonstouch1042]

This is your PSA that of all of the god kids of Zeus’s that are not hers, Hera respects and acknowledges Athena (golden apple not withstanding) as she is the child of Zeus’s first wife and thus, not a product of betrayal

[@Natasha-ew6qu]

This is very accurate to the mythology because Hera and Athena actually had a pretty good relationship. Remember Athena with Zeus's child from a previous marriage before he married Hera so she didn't usually go after her the same way and they did work together during the Trojan War a lot so this adds a lot of sense

[@EJAG404]

So many awesome details: Apollo is basically just chilling out and clearly isn’t super invested in the drama, so he and Athena (arguably the two most revered deities of Ancient Greece) just have a friendly spar. Hephaestus piloted a goddamn Mech Suit. Nothing else needs to be said. Aphrodite isn’t just a passive force in this animatic like others, but is just as lethal as any other God. She isn’t just a symbol of romance, she is a Goddess of Chaos, of Emotion, of Impulse. Had Athena not used her Domain Expansion, she would’ve been cooked. Ares actually manages to distinguish himself uniquely from Athena as God of War. While Athena is a symbol of the perfect warrior, of elegance and bravery, Ares is the true nature of war: an encompassing presence of terror and death. The way his face acts as negative space within his helmet is masterfully done. Hera unleashing a torrent of arms in the visage of a Peacock, to strike down from all directions, really does demonstrate his power as Queen of the Gods. All of the Gods emerging behind Athena, not being passive observers like in other adaptations but in clear support of the winner of Zeus’s game is a nice touch. Zeus, of course, is the absolute personification of pride and power. This is a man who can do whatever he wants whenever he wants with zero repercussions. I always thought it was weird how Zeus got so angry from Athena beating his entirely reasonable challenge (why give her a clearly achievable aim if you weren’t going to tolerate her winning) but here it’s demonstrated clearly: All the gods are supporting Athena against HIM, the KING OF THE GODS. How dare they act like he is compelled to do something, to feel responsibility, to win his game! Athena is by far my favorite part of the animatic. She is the heir to Olympus, the most powerful of Zeus’s children, the Goddess of Wisdom and War, and it thus makes sense only she could actually land a blow upon Zeus. And with a smile on her face no less! Yet her strike was tempered into a compassionate embrace, a kindness that Odysseus and Telemachus helped her discover. And it managed to break the resolve of the God King himself. 10/10 Animatic, love it, incredible.

[@mira2492]

10/10 explanation 🌟

[@annderainer1277]

Great explanation! I really love that they portray Aphrodite as a war goddess because she is

[@daring6983]

​@@annderainer1277 If she wasn't before the Trojan War, I wouldn't be surprised if she was after.

[@annderainer1277]

@@daring6983 it's actually one of her epithets! She's always been a goddess of war!

[@daring6983]

@annderainer1277 Interesting. Well, you learn something new every day.

[@gankgoat8334]

Apollo and Hephaestus just needed an excuse to say yes, Aphrodite and Ares needed to vent about losing the Trojan War, Hera just needed to check he was better than Zeus at staying monogamous, and Zeus needed that second headache for being the root cause of all this.

[@windjager2177]

Fr

[@InsaneLaughter01]

The irony is that Ody was a notorious cheater to the point he has his own epic (thus the name). But thanks to the dude writing the musical, everyone thinks Ody was some helpless SA victim. If he was gonna rewrite the story and straight up ERASE one of his kids that have a huge role in his story, He might as well have make Zeus celibate because that’s as accurate as the play is. As an SA survivor, It feels vaguely insulting to write a notorious cheater as a victim of SA.

[@hybrid3006]

​​@@InsaneLaughter01 All of my info that I have here was either from the Summary of the Odyssey by Overly Sarcastic Productions, other comments, and also google so it may be inaccurate, feel free to correct me. 1. I'm sorry that you had to go through that, I hope you're doing better now! 2.. The Odyssey is not an Epic because of Odysseus Affairs, it's an epic because it's a tale about a Greek hero's travels and is named after him. Where did you get the info that it was named an Epic because of his affairs? 2. For Circe, the version I heard was that Odysseus threatened Circe to get his men back, and that him staying on the island was unexplained. However, that could just be sanitization from either the source that the video used or it was a time when they didn't want to speak about the abhorrent amount of infidelity in Ancient Greece. However, the most common interpretation I've heard is that he basically HAD to do it with Circe or his men would be pigs forever, which sucks. 3. For Calypso, the summary I watched, and a bunch of other comments said that he did not even want to touch Calypso in the original Odyssey, although I've seen other comments stating otherwise so I'm not completely sure on this. 4. Odysseus' son with Calypso is basically the equivalent of fanfiction, being written (I think) 1000 years after the Odyssey was first made. And also, if Odysseus did not want Calypso like I've heard for the original, then the boy is not a product of consent. 4. Odysseus wasnt known as a notorious cheater at all (Once again, could be wrong about this), especially compared to other Greek figures (Jason, Zeus, etc.), he was known as a noble trickster that was bad because he pissed off the gods way too much. Overall I think emphasizing Odysseus as an SA victim makes sense, if what I've heard and read is true (I will read several translations to figure out which is the most common versions of Circe and Calypso). Especially considering that EPIC is probably partially inspired by Circe (the book). Odysseus was basically forced to do it with Circe (regardless if he wanted it or not) and was forced by Calypso. Once again, could be wrong but those are the most common interpretations I've read. Thanks for reading this if you are and I really hope you're doing fine now.

[@Alice-fd4ln]

@@InsaneLaughter01 Dude has never actually written the odyssey. "Calypso seeks out Odysseus, who is still weeping. In the nights, true, / he’d sleep with her in the arching cave - he had no choice - / unwilling lover alongside lover all too willing” (5.170-172) Literally what is written in the goddamn book. That is not cheating, that is SA.

[@auiak7689]

@@InsaneLaughter01He WAS a victim of SA even in the original Odyssey though, and the child you’re talking about was written MUCH MUCH later than the Odyssey and isn’t canon to the original story at all. Circe was also technically SA since she threatened his men. Not to mention the inherent power imbalance between a goddess and a mortal. So, no, the musical is actually accurate to the Odyssey in terms of his “affairs” which he canonically didn’t want in the og version. There are many versions, yes, and in some there was cheating and not SA, but the original one did have SA, as he was literally described to be WEEPING when with Calypso and BEGGED to be let go.

[@user-DragonWhiskers]

not zeus getting handsy with the clouds again 😭

[@nealillustrator]

He has to learn to keep his hands to himself

[@sirpattheperson]

@@nealillustratorAnd sadly he isn’t getting a passing grade

[@ITSAZULEZ]

​@nealillustrator sadly, hades is the only one of the big three who doesn't fuck everyone he sees, the man's a family man at heart

[@Omen-l9k]

@@nealillustratorHe has to learn to keep it in his pants.

[@sirpattheperson]

@@ITSAZULEZ Preach!

[@Edric_Orion]

I’m going absolutely feral over Aphrodite and Ares holy shit. This is insanely beautiful, and love that it even hints at Aph’s own warlike nature. And gah, Athena hugging Zeus at the end as she ends her plea

[@NobodySpesh-1]

does it change anything to know this is happening in front of her husband?

[@j_fenrir]

3:25 HERA'S PEACOCK OF WARRIORS IS INSANELY GENIUS

[@reneehunt5590]

A Disco Queen's gotta have Background Dancers too! Brilliant!

[@joshuafrazier3904]

That was my thoughts

[@PiaPancakes]

My dumbass didn’t even get that at first 😂. Its amazing

[@Muleadin]

The gasp I gasped when the arms appeared and the turned into her warriors! SO COOL!

[@Bluemoonplayz]

@@reneehunt5590yeah

[@patchworkgolem]

He always described the series as a boss rush AND WE FINALLY HAVE A PROPER BOSS RUSH!!

[@nealillustrator]

He said fights scenes and I said how many do you want lol

[@Husky-gj3fe]

@@nealillustratorwe fucking love you for this Neal!!! Seriously this was so fucking worth it!!! 1000000/10

[@spleens4200]

I fear when this musical gets put to stage, nothing will compare to the animations and animatics like this

[@Mirage8989]

yeah and one of those boss fights were up against FUCKING CONSORT RADAHN

[@queenster1]

@@nealillustrator you really went "say less"

[@KittyKat-vr5vm]

I love how almost all of them are just literally playfighting. Especially love how Apollo and Athena are literally not even trying to hurt each other, just doing the most "rule of cool". Was really awesome seeing that they actually care about each other, and it seems like even Ares and Athena aren't bitter enemies here, just rivals.

[@KittyKat-vr5vm]

Also they all (except Aphrodite) look related? Like omg, you can see the similarities to both siblings and parents/children here.

[@thegoodplaceisthefriendswemade]

@@KittyKat-vr5vm yeahh and it makes sense too because Aphrodite isn't related to the other gods by blood, she was born from sea foam and basically married into the family (with hephaestus)

[@someoneawesome8717]

Well yeah Ares is her younger brother, of course she probably kicks his rear in non lethal ways on the regular

[@ItsMinnowSeason]

​@@thegoodplaceisthefriendswemade from sea foam...y yeah...sea foam...aha...nothing- nothing else no...aha...

[@Onitheus]

@@ItsMinnowSeason Definitely not by a certain cut off part of a primordial sky god, yeah.

[@withach3rryontop]

Ares protecting Aphrodite while Athena was doing her spear arrow thingy at the end was so cute omgs

[@maxbuvardi]

“Never once has he cheated on his wife” the deadpan delivery and instant win, I’m dying x,D

[@LaurenBazov]

Real

[@UnholyMinty]

Hera just went “Oh yeah. Why do we have the ONE faithful Greek locked up”

[@crazymissdaisy]

I love how the ending went a whole different way from all the other animatics. This is now my headcanon. Athena is Zeus FAVORITE child. This makes a lot more sense

[@ChasoGod]

Well Athena isn't just Zeus' daughter, but also the daughter of Zeus' first wife Metis.

[@panisalittleman2662]

@@ChasoGod Also, the only immortal child of Zeus that Hera truly likes and most likely considers a daughter. Since Athena was not born out of an affair and was the child of Zeus’s first wife, Hera considers her birth legitimate. Of course Hera would be absolutely devastated seeing Athena beaten down by Zeus because it’s like seeing her own child being brutally beaten in front of her. Especially a child who’s done nothing wrong and played the game right, to see her husband play unfair once more.

[@ChasoGod]

@@panisalittleman2662 the only daughter of Zeus that he didn't have with her that Hera accepts as an adopted daughter.

[@JustABubbleTea]

​@@panisalittleman2662 it makes a lot of sense that Hera would love Athena as her own daughter, since she isn't a bastard, Athena is both Zeus's and Hera's girl, they both love her

[@flamenami]

@@panisalittleman2662 It’s so funny that you didn’t count Ares even tho he’s like, one of three legitimate children of Zeus and is Hera’s actual son.

[@Jackie-McCann]

3:16 I love the little shared smile between Athena and Ares when she helps him back up. Total sibling energy.

[@j_fenrir]

the war siblings and their love hate rivalry lmao

[@midnightzgamer20k]

It does make sense that they respect each other tbf. They're both war Gods.

[@halothere6995]

That’s how it is: big siblings tease their younger siblings but at the end of the day they still care for each other.

[@peternguyen7530]

Then does Aphrodite Athena's sister in law who viewed her as a sister as well? Even in-laws have to bond in the family.

[@emcat52]

@@peternguyen7530 In Sparta, Aphrodite was also a war goddess in addition to being the goddess of love and beauty so I could see the 3 of them bonding over that

[@Victorianghost-qc1jk]

2:39 love how Aries uses a pink sord with a heart shape, showing his love to Aphrodite in the weapon

[@theheroingreen]

It’s a brilliant little detail isn’t it? His broken sword becomes completed by his lover, such a fucking awesome little tidbit but it’s probably my favorite part with those two

[@JennaRose369]

Hephestus giving her the shield that she uses to block Zeus' attack was such a cool detail. They were all secretly rooting for her.

[@marcveralalmela7321]

In some myths he had a crush on her too

[@hazelbautista8701]

​Damn?!-

[@hasturthekinginyellow5003]

​@@marcveralalmela7321 I mean, they did had a child together: Erichthonius the minor God of Soil and Serpents raised either by Gaia or Hera (depending on the myth) who's body was crafted by Hephaestus and who's soul was created by Athena

[@sinnamonrolls6077]

He-um he spread his seeds on her legs ​@@marcveralalmela7321

[@mysonisrude]

@@marcveralalmela7321really peace🫡✌🏽

[@breadboiyt35]

Bro Athena hugging Zeus it actually had me tearing up no other animatic had me like this bro… AMAZING JOB

[@jadarose_]

RIGHTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@trla6505]

Yess, I thought like wow bold to make Athena win but in reality it was a daughter asking for his father help, reminds me of how in Skyrim, dragons fighting is just a discussion

[@Mad_Heretek]

@@trla6505Exactly, in the original myth, this was all just a discussion, with Athena begging her father to go behind Poseidon, his brother’s, back and release Odysseus from Calypso’s island. Zeus, being moved by his daughter, and the tale of Odysseus’ families plight, finally agrees, not for the sake of Odysseus, but for his daughter, and Odysseus’ family, who desperately needed him. This is at its core not a battle, but a court hearing, with a very controversial topic being hotly debated by everyone involved. It’s a daughter asking her father to ignore his misgivings about the defendant, and trust her.

[@habersmashery]

Such a smart moment to add. It worked so well.

[@trla6505]

@@Mad_Heretek greatly put

[@boh9276]

The fact that you followed what Jorge thought were the fighting styles of the gods in an hypothetical game makes it so much better

[@Viramon2.0]

ATHENA BESTING ZEUS BY HUGGING HIM OMG IM ACTUALLY CRYING. This is so gorgeous, the attention to detail, the support from the other gods omggg I love this so much

[@OnyxThePearl]

Even in myth she’s his favorite child cause she came straight from his head

[@mer_acle8101]

"Hera!" *wipes her away Well that's the most accurate depiction I've ever seen lol

[@sugar-cyanthia]

Time?

[@augmundfireweave5348]

​@@sugar-cyanthia 1:06

[@mer_acle8101]

@@sugar-cyanthia 1:06

[@vihuynh3576]

The disrespect 😭

[@leonidasashton]

4:30 never fails to make me tear up because Telemachus is greeting Athena WITH LITERAL OPEN ARMS the EXACT same way Odysseus tried to do with Poseidon

[@HallowandNeya]

This life is amazing when you di- greet it with open arms :(

[@midnights2631]

I'm going to cry

[@heroofhyrule9027]

@@HallowandNeya BRO-

[@romanosorio3142]

Polyphemus: wanna see a magic trick **Polites squishing noise** Polyphemus: tada

[@Hazel_Levesque026]

@@romanosorio3142 NO U DIDN’T-

[@milomystique]

3:40 i literally gasped at the transition from athena's hair to zeus'. its such a brilliant way to show their mythological relation of daughter and father

[@SevAngelo0316]

you could also add that since Athena was literally birthed from Zeu's cranium it was a reference to that

[@ItsMinnowSeason]

Glad that Athena gets to inherit her father's cool hair as the one born right outta his crome dome

[@gwennorthcutt421]

the hair texture is like 1/3rd of why i enjoy this so much. there's real weight but also stylish dynamism going on

[@deathbykonami5487]

​​@@ItsMinnowSeasonWould you still think that after finding out that only happened because Zeus couldn't handle all the wisdom that came from eating Metis (who was the first Athena)? Why, you ask? Cause Zeus feared his offspring revolting against him like he and his siblings did to Kronos, so he swallowed Metis, his wife before Hera, while she was pregnant with Athena.

[@kaitlynsiders7086]

I love how we they were fighting one of Athena’s eyes changed to match Zeus’

[@Chaotic-Golden_Fleece]

OMG AAAH!!!!!!! I CANT BELIEVE ITS TAKEN ME THIS LONG TO FIGURE OUT WHY 2:37 FELT SO FAMILIAR AND THEN IT HIT ME ITS BECAUSE ITS LITERALLY ARES AS PROMISED CONSORT RADAHN & APHRODITE AS MIQUELLA OMFG!!!! ITS LITERALLY AN ELDEN RING DLC REFERENCE AAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

[@williamharmon4039]

My first thought was actually the twin princes from Dark Souls III who did it first.

[@greydemonamvs8389]

SOMEONE GETS IT HELL YES

[@Zephirite.]

I absolutely LOVE the way you incorporated Aphrodite into this! Not only is she the goddess you'd least expect to surprise Athena, but she pools her powers with Ares and lets him fight with and for her, explaining why Athena addresses both of them at the end of their segment. And the gods' sportsmanship after each fight really sells that they're immortal siblings who can unleash all-out attacks on each other, then brush it off and laugh about it. They were all genuinely rooting for her (which also explains why some of them got convinced so easily). It's such a lovely little subversion of the gods' usual egoes, and it contrasts perfectly with Zeus' pride at the end. He's so insecure he takes this rare instance of Olympian solidarity as a threat to him and how he rules. It makes you realize that the only one who benefits from the gods' feuds is their king. After all, the king of the titans (Kronos) was usurped by Zeus for being a tyrant. Perhaps Zeus saw the Olympians marching toward him, united, and for a moment, wondered it was his turn on the end of the scythe.

[@skiara8152]

I wonder if the way Aphrodite fights on Ares’ shoulder is a reference to Elden ring !

[@reicho3034]

@@skiara8152 I like to think of it as something similar to how Jorge described what a boss fight with each of the Greek gods would be like? Aphrodite’s not really that strong in a fight here, she uses illusions to look more powerful and intimidating. Though they are tangible, these illusions are easily dispelled by Athena’s Quick Thought. Aphrodite’s more of a supporter-type, which you can DEFINITELY see when she latches on to her “lover” Ares by focusing on giving him a stronger sword so he can fight both for her and himself.

[@reicho3034]

I just thought that Zeus was upset how at the very last fight with Hera, Athena indirectly threw shade at him by referencing how Odysseus isn’t a cheater (like Zeus) to gain Hera’s favor. He unfortunately did not put down any real rules for Athena to play by, so he brought that part on himself.😅 But instead of accepting it with grace, he forgets that he’s the moderator of the games, not a player. His ego is hurt, and goes into a MASSIVE fit of rage.😅

[@flounderingfish2480]

⁠@@reicho3034 I personally interpreted it as Hera choosing to side with Athena over him, and he’s like, “Hera. _Hera._ I am your husband. Why did you do this to me?” And yeah, the other gods also did that, but he probably expected his wife to be loyal in this regard.

[@reicho3034]

@@flounderingfish2480 I’m still surprised Zeus thinks of himself as a loser in the game.😅 Again, he’s not really a player, just the maker and moderator of this unexpected game of the gods. His rules to Athena are to either convince Apollo, Hephaestus, Aprodite, Ares, and Hera that Odysseus should be released, or to convince himself instead. Athena goes the other route which would obviously be easier considering how Zeus is very stubborn in nature. She did not choose to fight him, so he never really “lost” since they never “played”. The moderator does not have a “side”. However he still flies into a rage when Athena successfully completes his game. For me, it has to be Athena using a tactic that involved indirectly shaming Zeus for being the worst husband there is to the goddess of MARRIAGE. Athena made him feel “shame”, and I think that shame comes from the Hera fight since she honored his rules of the game.😅

[@ascalexkale]

The author's own understanding of the relationship between Zeus and Athena is unique, especially at the end when it highlights the fact that Athena rallied the other gods of Olympus against Zeus, which rationalises why Zeus finally burst into a rage

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Athena is the "substitute" for a son prophetized to be strong enough to kill him. They love each-other, but she's more of a rival for him than any of the others will ever be.

[@kale3250]

I always took it as he had told her to convince ONE of the list he gave, it’s especially cemented by the “or me” bit, instead of “and me”- so it’s even worse I think that by convincing them ALL- it hurt his pride /severely/

[@neutronalchemist3241]

@@kale3250 It's "all of them, or me".

[@anandbleep2337]

@@kale3250that is a cool interpretation but he does say “convince *each of them* he ought to be released” I think by Zeus saying “or me” it was more him saying “if you want me to release him either convince me I should do it or convince everyone else I should do it”

[@taddad2641]

oha yea. so far there has been three cycles of gods being urusrped by their own children. so he freaked out over it.

[@reljadujkovic3489]

Couple things i noticed: The amazing shot of Apollo shooting an arrow at Athena near the end of their fight Hephaestus having a difformed top of his head because he was thrown from Olympus as a child, also it looks like the top of a volcano, which he is a god of I love the fact Aphrodite uses a dagger because its such a personal and intimate weapon Ares covering Aphrodite as Athena strikes down at them with her spear at the end Just gotta mention how awesome that around shot of Hera was, animation at its peek

[@robertolanzone]

Animation at its peacock

[@ritajitpal3323]

​@@robertolanzone Lmao 😂

[@cannibalistic_arsonist]

"Never once has he cheated on his wife)" "...Release him"

[@gac7324]

The fact that she was convinced from that tells you everything bro. 🤣

[@jesteriv5414]

So, to recap: Hera surrounded her, Aphrodite attacked from behind, Apollo kept distance in mind, Ares stayed in her blind spot (had to keep turning to block him), Hephaestus narrowly missed striking her heels (along with the rest of her feet), and Zeus showed her he was deadly

[@windjager2177]

Lmao

[@idks93]

She got pretty exhausted by the end too

[@N0ah_.14]

oooooh I see what you did there🧐

[@Mochiii._.]

I see what you did there. im not sure if Polyphemus did though

[@Rose_WhiteRose]

YALL THIS IS EPIC!!!!

[@veterum924]

0:10 OH MY GOD, there is actually a statue of FATHER ZEUS holding BABY ATHENA, amazing little detail, love the animation!

[@Pechhka]

I DIDN'T NOTICE BEFORE READ

[@mysteroads5598]

It is *such* a cool detail that adds so much to the final scene!❤ (I literally just paused to see who the baby was, then saw your comment, lol.)

[@roar_wishpawz]

I didn’t see Zeus so I thought it was hector😭

[@alexhamham1776]

OMFG AND AT THE END, HIM HOLDING HER AGAIN

[@JustABubbleTea]

Funny considering Athena was born as a full grown adult out of Zeus's head, but still, I love it

[@musicalmaniac2901]

I love the fact that the THUMP on Hephaestus has more weight on it, especially because he IN A GIANT MECH. I also love how each god has a unique way of fighting. Great job!

[@nealillustrator]

Gotta add the umph to the sound to make that mech sound weighty

[@Villacno97]

Yes! It actually made the THUMP feel louder. Has to rewind that part

[@marcelomassamba685]

4:41 Ares yelling for Athena is so sweet it rly shows hiw much he cares about her ❤ *starts to sob 😭😭*

[@RiotQueen144]

Wait. No, No. This has to be the best animatic for this song. I love how they are actually fighting and they all have different fighting styles and How at the end Athena is fighting almost on par with Zeus only for it to end with the classic "please, dad" hug that only a daughter could pull off. Everything about this is just yes. 100% yes.

[@angryaliens2]

The “please dad” hug is what broke me. That’s literally the favorite kid’s weapon to get their way.

[@Ghettofinger]

She isn’t fighting on par with Zues, he’s going easy on her. Zues could literally fight all the gods on Olympus at once and win. Athena couldn’t begin to touch the power of Zues, don’t be ridiculous.

[@Ghostiehatesithere]

First of all HOW DARE YOU!? That final boss battle with Zeus ending in a daughter hugging her father and genuinely pleading with him to save her friend. MY DADDY ISSUES AREN'T HEALED ENOUGH FOR THIS

[@pancake9651]

I love how Zeus’ flirty personality was toned down from Thunder Bringer. Like it shows the effort and care to show the familial bond while also keeping a key part of him AH I LOVE THE LITTLE STUFF IN THIS

[@nealillustrator]

He may be flirty but he knows to tone it down in front of the kiddos

[@tsutomumybeloved7411]

@@nealillustratorZeus actually knowing how to tone things down is not something I expected, but it’s oddly fitting

[@NordemRay]

​@@nealillustrator Unless he's flirting with one of the kiddos

[@lowkeyjsachillguy]

this is for sure the best god games animatic ive seen, literal tears at the sight of ares calling out for zeus to stop

[@VoidWalkerOblivion]

I love your body language throughout all of this. You tell so much. Zeus goes from being God King to *Daddy*, and Athena from Great War Goddess to Daddy's Little Girl in an instant, and it changes everything.

[@ellapowell1316]

The Ares/Aphrodite team up stole my soul, it was so cute and made me so happy :D

[@tiger5oo]

Im pretty sure that is a nod to the "Radahn, Consort of Miquella" fight in the the Elden Ring DLC it took me a sec to notice that and if im wrong oh well.

[@Ithraine]

I'm really hoping it's a reference to the final fight in the Elden Ring DLC. Because that stood out to me instantly.

[@surimonizarro9791]

Poor Hephaestus

[@diamondsans9629]

Righttt after all they are lovers so that's makes sense lol

[@ellapowell1316]

​@@surimonizarro9791*cough cough* deserved *cough cough*

[@MistressAly]

Can we talk about how amazing that hug is at the end? It really shows Athena appealing to her father, not the King of the Gods. Zeus allowed his anger to take control, but Athena is still his favorite child, the one he rarely says 'no' to.

[@wispythreads1807]

In love with all of the visual details and such cool fight choreographies, but especiall just loving - Aphrodite being just as much of a tough fight in her own right - Her draped around Ares after he enters the conflict and adding a patch to his broken spear, just really great for how closely tied together they are in the myths and during this song in particular - The many hands extending and fanning out like a peacock's tail feathers behind Hera - The swift transition from what looks like Athena about to land a knock out revealing underneath their powered up forms a daughter clinging to her father in a desperate hug, not trying to win a fight against him physically but pleading for his heart

[@passerinity]

I LOVE that they all, ESPECIALLY ATHENA, have some aspect of Zeus. It’s so perfect.

[@leiliabug5240]

All of them except for Aphrodite!!!

[@passerinity]

@@leiliabug5240 no I think her too even. Besides the obvious promiscuity really emphasized here, she can also turn into a cloud like form as Zeus does

[@nemasisdemarini8339]

@@passerinity I think it would actually be the other way around, with Aphrodite. Zeus would possess something akin to her. Since she is, technically, the last child of Uranus, being born from sea foam when Cronus castrated him. Meaning she completely pre-dates every other Olympian.

[@passerinity]

@@nemasisdemarini8339 ohhh yk what you’re correct. I completely forgot abt that. Shared trait then

[@leiliabug5240]

​@passerinity I feel like it's more of a shared trait, like nemasisdemarini8339 said! They just put it better than I could. I think Neal did a good job with building Hera as a sort of foil to Zeus, too! She has shared traits with him, but her design is softer and contrasts nicely with him. Also, it's interesting that Ares looks the LEAST like Zeus. I feel that's a really good visual representation of this juxtaposition: A) While Athena is supposedly Zeus' favorite, he's willing to put her in danger, and B) While Ares and Athena have a rivalry of sorts, they do care about each other, and Ares respects Athena Which is really cool because it's like Ares is rejecting the sins of his father

[@justinehercthehuman]

SO MUCH CREATIVITY IN THI!!!! 1. Apollo's instruments as weapons! 2. HEPHAESTUS IN A MECH?!?! 3. Hephaestus giving Athena a shield 4. The hands animations on Aphrodite?! 5. APHRODITE CLINGING ON ARES FOR THE WHOLE FIGHT!!! 6. Hera's "peacock warriors" made my jaw drop! 7. The others standing behind Athena only for Zeus's power to break them all apart was such a smart choice! 8. THAT ZEUS vs ATHENA FIGHT IS TOP TIEEEER! 9. Athena's final blow being a daddy hug 😭😭

[@markuspilyouknowhim7885]

Perfectly summarized. The hug at the end brings tears to my eyes :D

[@SolarmatrixCobra]

oh my fuck yes!! I don't usually judge art styles in animation or the quality of the animation itself that much (it's so incredibly hard and I appreciate and salute any artist attempting to do this) although this art style is so *chef's kiss*, but ideas and concepts is something anyone can do and this video truly has the best ones by far with how creative and attention-to-detail everything was for all the reasons you mentioned! don't forget the identical hair of zeus and athena!

[@chaunceybutts6429]

not to mention the detail of Ares covering Aphrodite when Athena does her spear attack

[@36goblinsinabag]

Like im not okay

[@36goblinsinabag]

Also how when Aphrodite forms from the cloud, her forming a heart with her arms: keeping the love motif. IM SO INSPIRED

[@nickakiyoshi3228]

Hera is crying in the background when Ares asks If she's dead... Now I'm crying too

[@Bluemoonplayz]

Same

[@Retrixai_Vivia]

I love the amount of detail on this,on how they actual are concerned for Athena and seem to have like a frenemy bond with all of them,and how the animator doesn't show Athena js giving up, but makes her fight instead near the "let him go" scene.

[@HistrionicBookworm]

I really like how you chose to portray the bonds between the various gods! Rarely are they depicted as a family that ultimately cares for one-another, despite their differences and disagreements, but that's the sense I get here. It's a very refreshing take, and your designs are excellent. Thank you!

[@nealillustrator]

Thank you!! In the end they are all a weird family having a fight no matter how big and scary Zeus gets

[@empathictitan9538]

i love how all the hands coming out of hera looks like a peacock, because she’s the goddess of peacocks, and damn it looks awesome. Plus, the giant hephaestus mech robot with the forge drawn at its back behind him is amazing, because the fire and the circle of the forge’s opening feels like a halo for him. not a halo he was born with, but a halo he built through hard work by himself. it’s just amazing. I love every second of it.

[@nealillustrator]

YOOOO that’s a wicked interpretation for Hephaestus!

[@watcheraya8237]

0:11 - The statue of Athena as a baby and Zeus holding her with different necklaces to show it!? (Athens was an owl, Zeus was a thunderbolt) THAT IS SUCH A SMALL DETAIL AND I LIVE FOR THAT!! It shows Zeus's true care and love for Athena even when giving her a bit of tough love with Odysseus! Such a good animatic!

[@FosterF.]

Ahh that’s so cute ^^

[@ArtisticCeleste]

It also looks like the helmet Zeus is holding in the statue is the same Anthea's wearing! So possibly the one Athena has was even passed down!

[@bethanyyoder2957]

Also she's still wearing the pendant! It's on her hip!

[@dylanfooler]

Also the same pose he holds her at the end of their fight 🥺

[@PixelRockett]

@@bethanyyoder2957both of them are!

[@tesoruccia]

“He didn’t even fight Scylla, *DIDNT EVEN TRY TEQUILA* “ LMAOOO

[@vivithevalkrie]

Omg I think I finally understand why Aphroditie was so upset about Odysseus abandoning his mother! Throughout Greek mythology, Aphroditie is always depicted as a fiercely protective mother who goes out of her way to protect both her godly and mortal children. This really adds to her character as more than the goddess of romantic love and is really shown through your animatic! Love this!❤

[@jans.g6033]

Also a bit of an overprotective mother lol, especially with her trials for her daughter in law *cough* Eros' wife *cough*

[@RogueAngel97]

If I remember correctly, Odysseus didn't abandon his mom. He was forced to fight in the petty Trojan War.

[@uhhhpringles9226]

​@@RogueAngel97 Wasn't Aphrodite a big reason the Trojan War was even started? So it's kinda her fault he even had to go to fight in the first place

[@RogueAngel97]

@uhhhpringles9226 I think she gifted Paris Helen's hand after he had agreed to be the judge of a beauty contest between herself, Hera, and Athena. They were pretty much shooting dice on which side would win the war afterward.

[@silversiren7046]

I've thought long and hard about this. I thought about going into detail about how Apollo is both sun god, god of music and archer here and how his circlet is actually symbolic of the sun. The environment he appears in is a forest...his sister's area of expertise and one he too indulges in. He's not just a musician, he's a hunter and his clear respect for Athena in battle is apparent. I thought about how cool Hephaestus' gundam-like, space-marine-esque battle suit with the forge for eyes was so original and different to everything else I've seen. People forget that a smith must understand his weapons to forge them...and he's the god of the forge. His weapons, and the shield he provides Athena with, are the best. Trust is, he sings, forged and she forges that with him during the sequence by showing him her own willingness to fight for her friend. I've thought about how Aphrodite has hands for an outfit, her backstabbing, how she's seductive and manipulative almost and how she clings to Ares. How she shows power not in combat but in the strength of her love by gifting that power to him. I thought about how Ares has a helm designed like a maw, a skull of some beast, the vicious strength of his movements in comparison to Athena's where you can see the power in each blow. The way his armour isn't some shiny, decorative parade-wear. Its used, scuffed and worn from battle, decorated with a spartan plume and a wolf's head on his shoulder to as a nod to those that traditionally run with him in battle to represent the unbridled chaos he unleashes on the battlefield. Yet, he takes her hand and smiles graciously. A warrior, yes, but not a brute. I thought about Hera's amazing peacock-accents on her dress and in her jewellery. The way hands fan out behind her like a peacock's tail...and resolve into handmaidens who fight FOR her because, as Queen of the gods, why would she ever lift a finger? When Zeus attacks Athena she can't even WATCH. Amongst all the gods present she's the only one to turn away and cover her face. She's completely inconsolable at the thought of what Zeus may have done and this, along with her teasing but encouraging "try harder, you can do better than that!" during her own clip, shows a soft, maternal fondness that's reflective of both her role as goddess of marriage and her own love for the younger daughter of her husband (if Hera is her mother is up for debate but she clearly thinks of her as her own either way). I thought about Zeus and how he lounges so casually atop his women-shaped clouds, head and shoulders above everyone else, sitting just so smug and kingly and suitably perverted. His transcendence into the living, thunderous celestial storm. How the other gods scream and plead against him during the fight, how they turn their faces because they can't bear to watch. How he holds his daughter, finally, when he realises what he's done. The regret...and the respect in that gaze. Something of a redemption to his character. I thought about how his hair looks so similar to Athena's, perhaps a slight nod to his being, technically, her father in mythos and Athena's eyes changing colour to reflect, perhaps, not just the damage his thunder does but also that familial link? That same sense of Majesty and leadership that he is capable of, when the mood suits, that she displays so well. She actually beats him here. She pushes through, using all of her power, to break the storm in order to get to him. Yet, she clings to Zeus, begging, at the end rather than attacking further. Perhaps she's pleading as a fellow ruler but, also, as a daughter desperate to make her father understand what she needs. Hugging him and not without affection. There's love there and he does visibly reciprocate. Favourite daughter indeed. I thought about writing prose about the designs and the sheer skill in the animation. How everything is so precise, so beautifully illustrated, and so lovingly constructed with care not just for the artist's own ideas but for the original source material. But, for all the words I could try to use to express myself? There's really only one that suits. EPIC. (Edit: Every time I watch this I see more details! Gah! The muses desert me! Even Shakespearian quotations would toil to evoke such imagery)

[@lisamoony3024]

you wrote a whole analysis essay with an EPIC ending in just a comment and im here for it

[@chastaylor7372]

This is my favorite analysis comment out of all the videos out there. You really made me pay more attention to the details.

[@guilhermedantas3660]

I am a history teacher and I can tell you are accurate and your analysis is awesome. I feel the same way. Your ideas are EPIC too.

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

Fun fact from their ruthlessness animatic, Zeus has three braids somewhere in that hair of his since he's the youngest. Poseidon's two are much easier to spot which means Hades would have one braid

[@cfaithllewxam]

this comment is perfect omg

[@Ax3LDrawZ]

Genuinely amazing.. The ending hurt my soul and also made me think ZUES IS THINKING ABOUT BEING A GOOD DAD?! WITH THAT HUG?! Immaculate

[@nealillustrator]

She learned to Greet the world with open arms!

[@distinguishedallureproduct879]

​@@nealillustrator OMG.....Yes, this is my favorite GOD Games version just from that!!

[@trla6505]

To be fair he tends to be. Good dad to her ....

[@Ax3LDrawZ]

@@trla6505 Shes his favourite

[@trla6505]

@@Ax3LDrawZ yeah hehe

[@ChronoNecroGamer777]

The emotion depicted on their faces during this entire animation is amazing and so on point! Athena's face as Zeus is growing bigger is pure perfection!!!

[@Haloister]

I like that Athena and Ares seem to be more well meaning sibling rivalry during their bit, even his interruption seems to be more like she's annoyed at his impetuousness than anything.

[@mushroomsupremacy2091]

The way Athena's helm covers her eyes,,,,, im hooked from the very start oml

[@Shocked-Face]

Love how they actually look like family, Apollo, Athena, and Zeus all have similar hair, and several other similarities!

[@tylermcneeley3136]

Accept for Ares who..... doesn't look like either of his parents. If anything Athena looks too much like Hera despite Hera not being her mom.

[@G.F.SF55]

​@@tylermcneeley3136Well, technically Hera is her aunt, so still works out

[@tylermcneeley3136]

@@G.F.SF55 That still doesn't explain why Ares doesn't look like anyone in his family.

[@despinasgarden.4100]

​@@tylermcneeley3136 guess is because Ares Is more based on his voice actor? That or the Artist wanted to make him look unique compared to the rest of the family. He kinda looks like Zeus to me, but take into acount that ALL the gods are related, meybe he took after one of his grandparents or aunts/uncles.

[@tylermcneeley3136]

@@despinasgarden.4100 That's a weird reason to make him look completely different. I just think the only reason he might look like Zeus is cause the artist likes to draw people in similar ways. Considering all the gods are related, it's more bizarre he doesn't look like his uncle/dad or his mom/aunt, or his brother Hephaestus at all despite them being full blood brothers, while the rest of his siblings are half siblings. Ares is the 4th or I guess 4.5th generation of god, since his parents were brother and sister, they're parents were brother and sister, and those parents were mother and son. So if we go off of that, Ares should look just like his parents.

[@peace_squad2016]

I had no clue I needed to see Ares fighting with a baby pink heart sword with Aphrodite clinging to him

[@Smiling0ctopus]

the way the characters are portrayed, the way the whole entire song is Athena literally FIGHTING for Odysseus IS SO GOOD. HSHRHEJTBE I ADORE THIS

[@Woodland_Coffeiii]

THIS IS AMAZING WHAT??? THE MOVEMENT?? THE FIGHT SCENES??? THE DETAIL?? THIS IS MY FAVORITE GOD GAMES ANIMATIC YET!!! OH YOUR ANIMATICS NEVER MISS!!

[@Woodland_Coffeiii]

Actually going insane over this, the character interactions, the designs , the EVERYTHING??? Oh gosh I’m gonna explode

[@Crosss31]

this actually felt like a video game boss battle sequence, like the pantheon of hallownest or the Boss Rush Mod from dark souls

[@helenaschreibman9035]

indeed

[@PupsyBSlave]

Athena having gigantic bushy hair like Zeus as his first born is such a cool detail SNAKAKDJAOSK I love her design SO MUCH ❤❤

[@alexshreves2271]

I love how you designed Hera in this. It always bugged me how ‘groovy’ she was introduced because I’ve always seen her as graceful and beautiful, with peacocks adorning her and caring for her own way of her family. I love how you did the robot thing and Zeus and Athena’s fight. It makes more sense to have it be a family fight rather than a beat down that gave the vibe of a tyrant rather than an imperfect King and Father. In short, I love this.

[@celinnec.valdez9995]

Ares and Athena seem like standard siblings here. Which is really refreshing to see, since the gods are rarely shown to act like a family, and are instead shown to be gladiators out for each other That and the fight scenes man... I just woke up and got chills from them and the small details one of the best Epic Animatics creators indeed.

[@moonchild3606]

4:17 The way Athena turns and smiles at the others like, "It's okay, I'll be fine - don't worry about me" literally made me SOB

[@jourdawnne04]

The sad part was when Zeus was turning into Beast Mode and Hera couldn’t watch them fight. It’s probably heartbreaking to see your husband and daughter fight each other to the death in front of you. Not only that, I’m pretty sure they all knew Zeus wasn’t going to play fair. But overall, this was definitely worth the wait!

[@loading6580]

Athena isn't Hera's...

[@G.F.SF55]

Athena isn't actually Hera's child, Athena was born before they got married and emerged fully formed and in armor, so more like "oh no, one of the few gods I genuinely like is fighting Zeus"

[@jourdawnne04]

@@loading6580 oh sorry my mistake 😭

[@jourdawnne04]

@@G.F.SF55 ahh my bad, sorry my knowledge of the Greek gods aren’t too accurate.

[@Vinegar1dg4f]

Zeus gave birth to Athena

[@DawnDoMinecraft]

I love how you emphasize that they are like family, not by blood but by relationship

[@TeriasModFaldom]

I love how this took the agreed upon "She kicked Ares' ass to convince him" idea and expanded it to the WHOLE ASS PANTHEON GREAT JOB!

[@tinkerblunder5150]

HOLY SHIT!!!! Hera’s servants appearing from behind like a peacock! Athena hugging Zeus! Apollo’s headgear looking like the sun! HEPHESTUS BEING MADE FROM ROCK!!! Everything about this is amazing!!! You never cease to amaze me with not only your skill but creativity!!!

[@Juun_1120]

I wanted to point out these! But you seemed to beat me at it😁 I’m in love with these details!

[@kisses.for.ka1]

4:38 this frame has so much emotion. Hephaestus's shock, Apollo's hope, Hera's grievance, Aphrodite's and Ares's worry.

[@lostwinion]

Yeah, it's amazing

[@QuestKari]

0:11 you can see the image of Athena's birth on the column for a split second. Can we just appreciate the level of detail to the animator here?????

[@liakom9501]

I love and absolutely HATE that when Hera is presented, Zeus erases her picture in a "cloudy" way, in the same way as when he's playing with his "cloud-women". As if he's considering Hera, his own sister and wife, the Queen of the Gods, as insignificant as those faceless toys. Like, come on Zeus, show some respect to this groovy queen !

[@ambulancekun3142]

I think that's the point but considering kings always had consorts but when hera leaves him he does anything to get her back as his queen. This isn't justifying but he "loves" hera but his lust is insatiable i guess.

[@liakom9501]

​@@ambulancekun3142 Yes, i can imagine that Zeus "loves" Hera in an odd way. Or maybe, he can't let Hera leave because he considers her his property ? I don't know, it could be a whole debate ! x) But it's disturbing that this whole situation leads Hera to elevate Odysseus to the hero status (not because he has a mind of a genius, not because he's pretty skill with words, not because he's kind of funny) because he never ONCE cheated on his wife. This Hera is hurt and i don't like it ! 🥲

[@meloncaaat2050]

Its really interesting how Hera is just having the absolute worst time here. She gets wiped away like another one of Zeus’s clouds, and she’s not invested to even fight herself, its like she doesn’t want to be here, and then when Athena is blasted, Hera is literally just crying in the background. Poor lady probably just wanted to have a drama free weekend.

[@flamenami]

@@meloncaaat2050 it’s especially tragic because Hera is the most powerful of the Olympian goddesses. The same goddess that beat Artemis’ ass with barely any effort during the Trojan War is waved aside by the might of Zeus.

[@malcomalexander9437]

To be fair, Hera is his second wife. His first wife, and the first queen of the gods was Metis, Titaness of wisdom. Then Zeus got a prophecy that she would bear him two children, first a daughter, and then a son who would overthrow him. Zeus's response to this was to trick her into turning into a flying and swallowing her, absorbing her and gaining her wisdom, sometime later, Athena burst from his head.

[@GarthTheMighty]

My favorite part was the Hera’s peacock of warrior minions. Of course the queen of the gods and the goddess of queens wouldn’t do her own fighting if she didn’t feel like it. Also love how Aphrodite and Ares went full Twin Princes of Lothric in their tag team, the final blow being a tackle-hug that snapped Zeus out of his rage and made him actually look at the very permanent-looking scar he left on his daughter, Ares shouting desperate encouragement, Hephaestus casually slipping Athena a collapsible Aegis-really, all of this is so blindingly good it beggars belief.

[@GasperV0]

I think it's more a reference to Miquella and Radhan

[@bananamangocombo]

HOLY THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! 2:01 I LOVEEE the detail of Hephaestus giving Athena a pop-up shield with a Medusa carving, it’s a lovely detail and kind of a great moment between them since we can see Hephaestus kind of smirk when he sees Athena checking it out.

[@xypysvyl]

That’s shields called Aegis! It’s Athena’s mythological shield made from a bronze casting of medusas head and could protect against basically anything!

[@bananamangocombo]

@@xypysvyl that’s actually so cool!! I’ve seen the shield in other animatics and iterations of Athena!

[@dannyarcana0017]

Though i believe it was originally given to her by zeus, but it makes sense hephastus giving being the god of smithing

[@kingsodashark2194]

ITS A JAUNE ARC SHEILD!!? NOOO! NOOO WAY! 🤯

[@iamamop1755]

@@dannyarcana0017 I kinda interpreted it as Hephastus took it in to repair/remodel for her, lol

[@wafflecat3217]

UGH I love the details of the scars on Zeus after Athena fights him, this whole animation is gorgeous

[@kaykay8855]

Zeus having a cloud harem is something I didn’t expect to see

[@koripen]

I love the regret you managed to portray in Zeus eyes like “This is my baby girl so when was I going to stop…I’m so sorry”

[@MyNameIsAlph]

OH GLORIOUS The designs of the gods are just spectacular!! Hephaestus with the broken skull and mech suit, Aphrodite using her reflection in water to fight, the shot of Hera with hands behind her like a peacock, Ares having a broken sword that Aphrodite fixes, the respect Ares and Athena have as sibling gods of war. Just so many things I could gush over

[@master-of-dreams7455]

I was looking to see if anyone else had noticed Hephaestus's head! It's such a good little detail!

[@S3cr3t_Qw1rtz]

1:39 I love that he's missing the top of his head from being thrown out of olympus and falling head first

[@Shadz_420]

I love the fact that you made Ares brush off the punches and show soME sibling love! I love when people interpret Ares as a worried Brother instead of not caring about Athena at all:)

[@SpookyScarletShadow]

I am screaming right now I’m obsessed with Ares’ design, and OH MY GOD APHRODITE’S POWERS??? I’m unwell actually ATHENA HUGGING ZEUS???? I’m deceased. Bury me with the animatic playing for eternity.

[@Rxdxm]

Zeus being a father at the end is lowkey adorable

[@fast_and_curious7567]

If you could do the whole musical in like the span of 3 years the whole community would be grateful like omg this is phenomenal

[@stocktonlevel1goblin]

All those cloud women are his simps. Also, i love the take of athena fighting ALL the gods instead of just ares

[@kaykay8855]

So I’m not the only one who notices the cloud harem

[@freshcupofangst]

personally I thought the cloud women were just clouds he shaped to resemble women rather than being actual sentient people

[@KrytenKoro]

​@@freshcupofangst Ixion, though

[@kaykay8855]

@@freshcupofangst Zeus had a lot of ‘lovers’, most of them didn’t consent.

[@PetarSon]

I don't know where to start, this is definitely my favorite version of the animatic of this song, the first time someone finally draws Athena with a half-worn helmet where her face is still visible and the helmet is on her head, the designs of the other gods are very creative too, and I love that here it’s really a challenge for Athena to get past these gods, and not just a quick exchange of words. I love the Elden Ring reference with Ares and Aphrodite, and how they look and the way they fight, the same goes for Hera very creative fight with her, and of course I was most surprised with Zeus and his Super form, and especially how the fight between him and Athena finished. I'm really impressed, especially with the level of animation and choreography we got in such a short time, really incredible.

[@SpitfireIcebox]

Yes I'm so glad they finally showed Athena's face and half her helmet I didn't like that about the other animatics

[@PetarSon]

@@SpitfireIcebox Well yes, since whenever I've seen statues of Athena depicted, it's always half worn so that her face can still be seen, and I'm really glad that someone finally used that look, I don't mind when she wears a full helmet, but no one hadn't tried to give her that half worn wearing Greek look before this Animatic.

[@brothers_ditch]

Damn, "Promised Consort Ares" looks sick!

[@lilyayora]

I was looking for this comment! Aphrodite going full Miquella is... strangely fitting

[@kiamboii]

When I saw that, suddenly all i heard is "To I, Aphrodite, and my promised consort Ares"

[@lonelyartdaddy5621]

This is amazing. Literally jaw dropping. The beautiful designs? The flowy gorgeous animation? The fight choreography?? The way the artist actually showed Olympus in a family dynamic especially with Zeus and Athena??? I’m in love

[@SomeoneIGuess-o2z]

4:20 all the reactions from the gods of Zeus attacking Athena is so good! But omg I just noticed Hera in the back 😭

[@halothere6995]

Hera is just like: “no my favourite bastard!” It would be funny if it wasn’t one of the saddest moments in the musical.

[@mccrie407]

@@halothere6995 Athena is actually legitimate. Metis and Zeus were married before Zeus and Hera. I don't imagine she'd hold a grudge at all against her.

[@benjamin8547]

​@@mccrie407 I think that Hera probably likes seeing Athena because she's a reminder of the man Zeus once was, loyal and with some type of honor

[@austinkendrixfadera1705]

And a myth of Athena's birth story even says that just like the other gods, Hera rejoiced upon seeing Athena come out of her dad's head At least she loves her like an actual child, and yes considering that she was a child of Zeus BEFORE he married Hera, that means she doesn't hold a grudge against Athena.

[@allieasay8384]

​@@mccrie407 Dang I never thought about that.

[@KitsonHeart]

That small detail during the fight where her left eye turns yellow and the other remains blue. I really interpret this heterochromia as signifying how she's Zeus' daughter, so she has access to his power, manifested in a different manner given her own abilities. But it's still just as potent and capable of standing up to his own when she wields them, hence the blue as well. Such a tiny detail, and especially how Zeus has his eye scarred where she struck his thunder face! Awesome animatic!

[@kmtrickster8740]

I makes me think of an eye for an eye, he struck her first so she returned a favor even though they are father and daughter.

[@abbiehahn9184]

If you watch back you'll see the scar on his wrist as well from her severing the giant's hand as well. It gives that though immortal they're not indestructible or flawless that they can be scared. And at the end of the day a being who controls everything has emotions, losing control realizing his mistake and worrying for Athena at the end etc. so much expression goes into this

[@KitsonHeart]

It really does. That's a detail I only noticed later when I looked at the wrist, which makes me wonder in this interpretation of the universe, how long does it take for wounds to fully heal and scars to vanish? We know some scars never heal like the damage to Hephaestus but still, definitely got me thinking about it all!

[@Ghettofinger]

I don't like the idea of Athena being able to leave any marks on Zeus. He is said to be strong enough to fight all the gods simultaneously and still win. I like that she can put up a small fight, but the damage she did should have been papercuts in comparison.

[@abbiehahn9184]

@@Ghettofinger you also have to realize that she's literally part of Zeus like he is her mother and father. So it would make sense that she can damage him. It's basically him hitting himself.

[@silvrgrl317]

The freaking "daddy please" hug at the end just..... ow my heart! 😭