Gwain Saga is Criminally Underrated

[@zeketheweeb9980]

!Long comment warning! Personally for me Gwain saga is honestly not underrated as the series has reached over 1 million views. However, I think the series is very lacking in story, character development, and writing. The world building show is very bland and basic, while visually it is very unique there is not much to it. There is nothing that screams generic with a story about a boy who gets transferred to another world and becomes OP and has cool friends. The story's characters are very generic with the only character being Lanney being solid, no pun intended. Geo is just like any isekai protag and he falls very flat for being underdeveloped which kind of hurts him as he posts to be the main lead. He honestly has no character. Ami is very decent, but her character arc in episode 8 just felt so out of place. Like why now in the beach episode does she have these feel like she is powerless, it just never addressed as a struggle through the first couple of episodes. Ami's character kinda felt weak. The Lanney episode was the only episode where I think there was some character development as it showed her becoming braver and learning to stand up for herself which is very good it's a shame that's one out of eight episodes. None of the other characters are worth talking about either because they're too generic or uninteresting to talk about. The writing story is so confusing and frustrating in a way we were in one hand the show is trying to be a slice of life nothing too deep and serious. However, towards the midpoint the story all of sudden has this deep and rich story where the characters have an actual conflict and now the characters need to act deep and serious so they stop the big villain. To me the story is fighting between being episodic or serious and it's very hard to tell what genre it's trying to be. It's not like transition in where shows like Adventure time or Steven universe where they become episodic to serious. This series rushed its own plot which makes it hard to tell what the hell kinda genre shows are going for. It is very difficult for me for what kinda audience the Gwain saga is going for. While the references are nice sometimes they can be just annoying as I feel like I'm playing a video game more than I am watching a series. Also references don't make a good show. Some positives I have for series are animation and voice acting. The animation looks very good for late 2010s when it first came out and episode 8 looks very amazing, but it's a shame to the very end the animation gets much so towards the penultimate episode. The pixel scene is kinda hit or miss for me like they're cool, but they can be a bit boring. The voice acting, while not common it's is pretty good. You got big names like Jordan Sweeto, Lily Pichu, and Hayley Nelson. That's pretty impressive. My overall thoughts for Gwain Saga, while I think it's not horrible, it's a bit okay in some areas. I think the only thing Gwain saga needs to improve on is a better story narrative and better character development. If the series had that then maybe I would see it being a underrated show. However, like I said it's really not underrated as it ranges to million views count so people have seen it. Honestly what Gwain Saga should have been more inspired instead is shows like Konosuba. If the show was so focused on a slice of life then that should be the direction this series is going for. Maybe then I will appreciate this series more. You don't need the most serious plot to make a good series, like Konosuba has a funny story and episodic plot but well written and deep characters to make the anime good. The reason why Gwain saga probably has a serious plot is because Geoexe probably thought it was cool which to that is not a good way to transition a show's theme. This comment has gone long enough, but if I were to rate the series it would be a 6/10. Animation and voice acting is good there really is nothing to it that leaves feeling like this could be an actual animated series.

[@Sutekh94]

Not gonna lie, when I made this video, *THIS* is the kind of response I wanted to read. You could say I was looking for more validation regarding my own personal criticisms of the show, lol. And yeah, I do share a ton of your criticisms, particularly regarding the worldbuilding and characters. They really are so flat, boring, and paint-by-numbers if you think about 'em for more than a few moments. And the story can be all over the place at times. I wasn't entirely sure how to handle discussing these points in the video, hence why I tried to maintain a generally positive attitude. Even then, I felt like I was stretching to find positives to discuss at times. Also, as someone else pointed out, Geo could be nothing more than a self insert, especially given how he's named after and voiced by GeoExe. It's possible I might make a video in the future that's much more critical towards the series and mentions these points. Still, *THAT'S* why I think Gwain Saga is so underrated. I guess what I'm trying to say here is that Gwain Saga is very much a "turn your brain off and enjoy the ride" kind of show. And I can excuse some of the faults it has to an extent because of how it's made by mainly one person, likely as nothing more than a passion project. Like, those are things I'm willing to do to love this series and, in retrospect, something I really, really wish I said in the video. Yes, the show has some serious flaws and could've been so much better overall. Yes, since the release of Gwain Saga's first episode in 2016, many, MANY indie animation projects have come along - Murder Drones, Lackadaisy, and The Amazing Digital Circus, to name a few - that are objectively better. Okay, that last show - ADC - has yet to release its first episode, but from the trailers and such, it honestly feels like it's gonna be pretty great, imo. Still, Gwain Saga does plenty enough for me to enjoy it.

[@MoogusMan]

well, you can only do so much with one guy lol...but yeah...not perfect in any sense except that it's good

[@GwainSagaFanChannel]

The voiceactors music creators and the animator as well as the fanbase are amazing its only held back by its fandom and the people who controll and manipulate it

[@darklight1171]

I can fully agree with this but I think when it comes to it,you probably have to realize that his episodes are years apart with years he might of wanted a sudden change of the story plus while yes it did have a more konasuba feel to it. It's more serious parts have been there since episode 2 just wasn't explored until half way through so I get why it'd feel random but you also have to remember it's only suppose to be a 9 episode thing. Peoples thoughts change and he clearly got better at trying to write with his newer stuff when it comes to a more serious meaning so overall it's more because he probably changed his mind, knowing he doesn't have enough episodes for a lot of character development,and people bum rushing him probably wasn't better. (I personally love it plus with the way they talked about gwains sister we may get a season 2 where it's more exploring the world with her instead)

[@zeketheweeb9980]

@@darklight1171, to his credit I understand the fact that the story changed because he wanted to focus on more so serious action and a bigger narrative. But the problem was that the series itself was way too short and way too rushed and knowing that there was more to the series as early as back in 2016 there was actually going to be 15 episodes instead. Likely the first couple episodes were mostly just filler but yet towards the middle end it would have been the serious part. Likely he was a young creator at the time and understandably that when you're young you don't really have a clear idea of what the story is like so you just write what comes in your head and then when you have good ideas it's hard to place everything because it's just too much work to fix it. So I can see this as more of a poor case of just someone not clearly planning the story. I do wish there was more but more as a reboot because I don't think the series can continue the way it is as I feel like it's just not worth it. Some of these good ideas that he has are just too late. Maybe someday he can come back to Gwain Saga and you fix everything from the original.

[@horkah6966]

Gwain Saga is arguably one of the first great KZbin animated shows we see now with stuff like Helluva Boss and Murder Drones. The fact that this dude has been dedicated to this project for more than 7 years, improving each time, deserves major respect.

[@scrat3695]

Geo has done a good job with this series. I wonder what he could possibly do if he was with glitch studios, it would be insane!!!

[@TotherKoala]

@@scrat3695geo + glitch would be literally the best thing possible. Imagine Geo's skills with Liam's humour

[@Chamalotproductions]

@@scrat3695he would if Kevin and Luke would ever want to do another glitch x event with the other KZbinrs like Sam green flashgitz or the girl from far fetched or gods schools writers

[@Oceane1803]

I've been a fan of Gwain Saga for years. Such an inspiration.

[@wateryboi7476]

You literally needed to be a fan for years, the episodes came out annualy 💀 (I still love it though :) )

[@Oceane1803]

@@wateryboi7476 I mean I guess but I'm sure there are fans who discovered the series after all the current episodes have released.

[@leafycrossing4755]

While the story makes me question what the frick is going on. The kawaii artstyle and animation of episode 8 really did make me wish this was a video game!

[@aguyontheinternet8436]

I honestly enjoyed the fact that I had no idea what was happening on the first watch. I gotta watch each episode more than 5 times to understand everything and notice at least most of the easter eggs and the small details that tell you what's actually going on storywise, giving it a lot of rewatchability

[@ashgrun]

with the amount of time we've been waiting for episode 9, expectations are HIGH. and i will agree, gwain saga is CRIMINALLY underrated

[@Wonderlimee]

I love the references in the show to different KZbinrs and games

[@cardinalhamneggs5253]

I love everything about _Gwain Saga._ The plot, the world building, the video game music, the video game-style fights based on specific games, the video game character cameos, the indie artist/animator cameos (such as Engine Driver Pelo), the characterization, the _Peanuts_ reference, the Daft Punk cameo, _everything._ It may not be the best at what it does, but I still love it. After all, nothing is ever truly perfect. I wish there were more fanfics to read while I wait for Episode 9 to be released.

[@Yuki-hv6hr]

I love gwain saga. It’s really good, BUT. There is one issue. When showing this to one of my friends, they said “they objectify woman a lot.” Which I now started to notice. Other than that, the series is great.

[@Rhyspectable]

The show is going to have more than 9 episodes... There has to be. Unless theres another show answering the burninf questions.

[@igormaligon_1]

oh my little bro...

[@funnyaerialman]

As someone who’s diligently followed this project from the very first pilot episode to where it is now I cannot tell you just how much this series has left its mark on my life Teenage me was so enamored with this series I went as far to incorporating the power system to old OC’s and storylines. Even still utilizing it with an OC I’ve built up for around as long as Gwain saga has been around. And with episode 9 being the finale I both can’t wait to see it but don’t want to see it go. But I understand as he’s been near single handedly making this show for so long. And like they say: All good things must come to an end.

[@Syndex_]

ROCK AND STONE

[@heathventura469]

DID I HEAR A ROCK AND STONE

[@scrat3695]

WERE RICH😊

[@connormclernon26]

IF SHE DON’T ROCK AND STONE…

[@mr.tweaty]

ROCK. ANNNNND. STOOOONNE.

[@ninjasail8846]

MUSHROOM

[@Vania1669]

I remember finding Geo's Old black & white animations WAY back when i was a little kid browsing youtube for mario and pokemon stuff, then i found Gwain Saga in 2016 and i went "that looks a little familiar." A few nights later it hit me like a brick, and ive been hooked since. Really good stuff.

[@monkeycake2612]

What's sad is there hasn't been a video, youtube or otherwise, since 3 years ago

[@ansrfururactions]

Now there is

[@monkeycake2612]

@@ansrfururactions i know, i check constantly

[@chaoscontroller316]

Where the show gets a lot of its charm is in the character writing. GeoExe himself is from Chile, but he's played enough games and watched enough anime to understand troupes, specifically how to embrace or parody them. Agni is the classic woman loving hotheaded sidekick you see in anime all the time, Deva is the textbook short-tempered tsundere, Twain is clearly the overly flirty mother type as proven in episode 5-6, and I could write a book about how Lanney is overall best girl and all like her are never valuable enough to a story's worldbuilding. Gwain herself, despite being a powerful and rule-following leader, is otherwise casual and lazy, ready to shove work aside the moment a chance pops up like with Marlow in episode 4, and Luna, while being the exact suave cocky villain trope you'd expect from a main antagonist, is not flawless and is not only hilarious at times but also extremely vulnerable without her precious tech to back her up as proven in episode 7. Geo himself is basically if Link wasn't a knight, and Ami proved with each episode that she's a lot more important and complicated than her innocent smile suggests at first glance. Don't quote me on this, but I think I remember GeoExe himself was hoping to turn this story into a game, or at least make a game out of it, which if true would make this the reason some lore details were kept secret at first until later episodes confirmed or denied all the theories.

[@zionenonly1774]

Gwain Saga needs a sequel, spinoff or something there is so much world building and everything looks amazing and we just need more (but i do hope Geo can find others to help him so he doesnt work himself into a hole)

[@teagan5494]

I prey that when ‘the final’ episode of Gwain saga releases, he tricks us with a season 2 teaser, or a knock off show…or something! It can’t be the end yet,..it’s so good bruh…

[@spy_6lue]

he disappeared for 2 years and then for another year

[@ottobjorkgren8250]

True

[@Reming-xe5lt]

Then he comes back to make noobe a marketable plushie

[@Flowerygames]

KZbin, Twitter, instagram and facebook long ago the four social media lived together in harmony but then the ________ attack only geo exe master of all four social media could stop them but when the world needed him most he vanished.

[@Sandwichs5]

And left again :’)

[@juanmeetseveryone8198]

then he came back

[@minim474]

6:35 rock and Stone to the bone

[@gdvortex2169]

I discovered Gwain Saga some years ago and I enjoyed it very much. I plan on rewatching the show once episode 009 releases. Seeing Geo's Omega suit made me remember that I made a character in Human Fall Flat that is Geo in his Omega Suit. I'm still pretty proud of how it looks

[@animallia2883]

You did am amazing job analizing this Gwain Saga 😋💚, point both his strengths and weaknesses, mentioning its incredible animation and references full of charm, to his characters and world that, despite being somewhat undeveloped, are full of an extreme level of care put by its creator

[@XaviHaunts]

It should be illegal how underrated this show is

[@oswaldoandres8963]

He kinda revive with that splaturry short

[@_machello_8510]

Around 1-2 years ago someone called agnab would tell me about his pfp which had ami on it at the time I didn't know who she was, and then he told me who she was and what show it was from and I said somewhere in my response going something like "I'm totally not gonna binge watch it entirely in one sitting after this" like its gonna take a whi- yeah I watched the whole thing in ONE SITTING and it was bad for my sleep schedule but it was worth it. The series was great overall.

[@lambdrey]

I personally liked it mostly cause he reminded me of Dr. Gordon Freeman. I love silent protagonists.

[@murci981]

FOR ROCK AND STONE

[@bepoclone]

Lanney saying let’s rock

[@GwainSagaFanChannel]

Gwain Saga really is only held back by how horrible the fandom is to its creators and fans like I personally just completely quit supporting and helping it since its filled with people that hate LGBTQIA+ and hate foreigners especially the Spanish speaking fans that were the first fans and basically controll the fan servers seem to hate English speakers and discriminate

[@Lelpo_GD]

Well dang

[@zeketheweeb9980]

No offense to fans in general, but the fandom is kind of cringe and childish. In the sense it has the type of humor of my hero academia fandom type of cringe. Well it's no surprise that mostly most of these fans are probably like middle schoolers or like just weird adults. As well as the fact fandom not liking the criticism people have over the series as most of them get super defensive or just keep complaining or why the series is 100% peak even though it really isn't that great as many people make it as. The fans for the series are honestly way too biased generally it's hard to find actual good criticism of the series or a genuine good review of the series which for me at least I'm one of the few people that have a genuine honest opinion about it. I understand Geoexe was just making this as a passion project but that doesn't mean I'm not going to not hide my critical thoughts about it. It's like doing a group project by yourself but yet you're not going to get a higher grade because you did it yourself it's more of the quality and quantity of everything that makes it good. While Gwain Saga is quality in terms of animation everything else is lacking in quantity. It's honestly hard to find big creators talking about this series as Gwain Saga is so niche, and will live in obscurity along with cringe fest fandom. As the fandom being so horny really ruined people generally view the fandom. Okay webseries with bad rep from most of its fans.

[@aidenrichardson6439]

I’m a fan of Gwain Saga but I didn’t know about all of this. I just try respect the creator and LGBTQIA+ and not to disrespect/discriminate, that’s all I do. What else is happening with the community and is the the creator of Gwain Saga condoning this? I’m so confused, am I out of some sort of loop here?

[@gearheadsquire]

Glad to see you're interested in this too =D

[@Jam_Streets]

The first episode got taken down for copyright and when he reuploaded it, more was done for the episode, compared to the original. There was no voiced narration in the original episode but it was added for the reupload

[@just4_star]

First Madness is when i gotten into the whole Newgrounds deal. Then after a while, I discovered Newgrounds again after discovering this series along with the nostalgic series that are still going on. Huge kudos to GeoExe & Krinkles😊

[@squid8990]

Man I remember waiting for 6 months for the next episode in high school. I hope episode nine comes out soon

[@Sopping_hay]

Dude i love this show so much

[@Jbait]

i agree bro i saw this in middle school, still not a weeb, fucking amszing show. deserves the spotlight more that that hazbin hotel bullshit

[@masterrTOM]

3:22 Geo was working on a gwain saga game MANY years ago

[@questionmark6020]

to those complaining about the story telling. the series was created as a gag about isekai storylines. the playlist is titled an UNoriginal isekai story.

[@Kramalei]

i found this from a try not to laugh video. they used a clip from it and i searched hard for the series. it’s great,

[@AllanRox1999]

The title speaks the truth

[@ManuelGennaroMusic]

geoexe was one of the first channels ive ever subscribed to, and gwain saga has been an incredible inspiration to me. i cant wait for the last episode to come out!

[@KuramaMidnight]

SERIOUSLY IT IS AWESOME I SAW IT WHEN IT FIRST STARTED! This is a great series and I hope they continue and have more then one more episode. I agree they need to be left alone to work take their time to make this because it AWESOME and yes nothing perfect but it still awesome and it your opinion to love it or hate it so just check it out and at least appreciate the maker because they a goat!

[@ShadedGG]

Gwain Swga is the best. I love this series.

[@demitrischoenwald1436]

Underrated? Bro I fucken LOVE Gwain Saga, it's my favorite animated series on KZbin, probably of all time. And I'm saying this in a post Glitch Productions world, Gwain Saga is pure quality over quantity. I love love love love love the story, characters, world, and humor. 10/10 is probably the lowest score I can give, because any lower and I'm suddenly depriving the world of this glorious artwork.

[@HekiBoss]

Dxball 2, great memories

[@jackssrt]

I love gwain saga‼

[@Tongo_Z]

It is very underrated, and i love this series... I just find it kind of weird and sad that geoexe kept doing sus images on twitter and rule34 than working on episode 9

[@1nv1nc1bl3-]

I'm stilll waiting for my 009

[@SleeplessOver]

I love this series ❤

[@yellowbebo]

YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT ALREADY? tell me smth i don't know (it's awesome)

[@zekeggy]

i saw this a year ago i liked it

[@Excalibur__223]

i watched it from the pilot goated show. i still watch it

[@Leviachan-]

I want to do a couple cosplay with Ami and Geo so bad >~

[@ZandersTwT]

Love this series

[@lesbiansteveburnside]

the three g's ... GAMING, GOONING,. AND GWAIN SAGA!!!!

[@21_315]

Good video

[@CAN-025]

Recently watched this serries (and found this vid in the recommended) and man i cant belive that this was made by one guy and im honestly impress by the animation it self even tho that 008 is 3 years now (as of me commenting this)

[@ansrfururactions]

In my opinion, Gwain Saga walked so other series could run. Sure, it isn't exactly as popular as most other animations, or as well written, but it proved how much could be done with so little. The entire thing was made by a literal college dropout whose only experience with animation up to this point was with smaller skits. And it still racks up pretty good numbers by youtube standards.

[@Auxfraisez]

Yeah Gwain saga’s animation is super good in quality. Which has personally inspired me for some project concepts of my own. I agree the story seems like it had lots of potential, but it seemed sadly kinda rushed, both in writing and world-building. But that doesn’t mean gwain saga is inherently bad. People should be happy that they can get an amazing series with nice visuals with care put into it, maybe the last episode can provide a break for geoexe, considering the episodes cost around a few years for him to make. In the mean time, let’s just see what other things geo plans for the future.

[@Julian-Lehmann]

Pls, make the dream happen, give us the ninth episode of Gwain saga

[@JustAMaxwell]

Yea I don't think it will release this year.

[@sanspapyrus5452]

Ive watched the show three times

[@ozzbozz3813]

i say G wain saga but meh also Gwain Saga was fucking comedy gold

[@sillybillypirate]

It was my murder drones before murder drones

[@aeternisgloria]

I remember watching that like 6 years ago and bro 💀💀💀 goofy ass isekai animation made by a chilenian guy about a self insert that gets pvssy from the princess of a kingdom or some shit

[@saifsun3200]

Literally justifies why gwain saga is underrated... We can't have minors watching that - a minor

[@guilhermepereira558]

I dint know he was chilenian

[@mojorandomness]

GWAIN SAGA LES GOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@aguyontheinternet8436]

3:48 and again and again and again and.... help I can't stop it's too good I love Anna's covers with my whole soul and the animation * o * perfection

[@harry_pot2524]

based

[@zachary5149]

Couldn't agree more

[@darknovadragon0923]

i think geo has a game demo for his animation

[@zorthonthedevistaorscott2481]

Ami is best girl and I will hear nothing to the contrary!!!!

[@olyviermonteau4300]

it's slow, but there's potential.

[@MultiBoxingKid]

Wait, the series i ending soon? Did the creator say that?

[@yarmandofebres1764]

Well according to my research, there already is a game of it, I think it was called "Geo's adventure" or smth along the line, how to access the game is smth that Idk😅

[@jospwasp3504]

im certain that you already got a hundred comments on this. but believe it or not Gwain Saga STARTED as a video game, it, frankly really didnt age well and is only barely playable at the moment. But thats asside the point,it already is a video game and i hope eventually it gets remade with all the new characters. who knows what geo has planned once the series ends

[@thenaniboi9659]

3:35 there was one in development though I believe the game fell apart

[@malthe236]

if episode 9 doesn’t have a library of ruina reference I will Kermit soupe of side

[@DeizaMando]

Geo forgot to open the curtains

[@ViyperCat]

OPEN THE CURTAINS

[@labbit35]

Considering one of the things that the whole series is built on is video game references he’s definitely doing one

[@zekiertheripper6299]

Terra mean Earth

[@aguyontheinternet8436]

well what does Teora mean?

[@zekiertheripper6299]

@@aguyontheinternet8436 Teora mean Theory

[@Blue_God_58824]

hamburger

[@tophatred6850]

These comments are half and half here

[@endroniclol]

ok

[@amongthecouch23]

to be honest Geo is literally just the traveler from genshin impact LOOOOOL (i enjoy the series but this is true enough for the personality and stuff)

[@bloom-mania]

too bad from episode 7 onward its all fan-service lol

[@mattanimationandgaming963]

her name is ami not amy biiiiig differents buddy 😂😅

[@floatyjam]

Its not underrated but it has very few episodes

[@bleba7738]

I've been watching the Gwain saga. This is the worst web animation I've ever seen. In this cartoon there are only references to fighting games, and everything else is too low-grade. P.s. I've never seen people who didn't like it (except me). It seems to me that this is criminally overrated.

[@zeketheweeb9980]

To me personally I can 100% agree with this I think the problem with Gwain Saga is that the fans think the series is way too good for its own right. I understand the series isn't as hugely known as other web series but I think the fans treat it like the series is just way too perfect without flaws and it's really hard to find any flaws because fans will usually just spend the great button without ever actually talking about flaws the series has. The lack of narrative and world building are what's really holding the series being great. Also the references you mentioned are also very annoying for me because I wouldn't want to watch something that always needs to rely on references for the audience to have a good connection to. As well as references don't make a good series. I will say this though I wish the series did get a huge resurgeons in terms of people talking about it more than I actually care about being very popular. I just hope some big people on the animation community could at least talk about it and maybe then I think the series would kick into some popularity but as of now right now the series is kind of dead.

[@Alex-ud3nb]

@@zeketheweeb9980Now, the series are good where they are now, but they still need some more attention. I respect both of yours opinions, and I love that my friend is not the only one who hates this show, I personally love this show even with its flaws. But considering that all of that was made by one person who started all of this just for fun, it is damn good.

[@zeketheweeb9980]

@@Alex-ud3nb , personally for me I wish there was a video that couldn't talk about the rise and fall of Gwain Saga because I think I would really help audience understand why the series is never got such a huge resurgence or such a huge popularity or quote following. I think it's more so down of the fact that Gwain Saga relies way too much on like existing media or existing properties which is really hard for the series to stand on its own. Also it could be noted that Gwain Saga just doesn't have a budget to continue and that's why the series was kind of rush and also poorly done in terms of writing. I don't think when Gwain Saga is a bad show, but I think it more so comes down to a creator who just didn't know how to properly plan his passion project. I understand the humble origins of the series as a whole but I feel like that critically the series kind of just fell off for people.

[@Alex-ud3nb]

@@zeketheweeb9980 It cannot stand on its own, indeed, but it is pretty great for people who know. It is generally fun to watch and I am very excited to see the last episode of it. Yes, it is made in rush, but did you see how much pressure people do to him to make new episodes? He is trying his best to top off this show, I do think that Geo will continue making animations, maybe something new, maybe he’ll consider making Gwain Saga 2, and fixing his past mistakes? You can see that quality is changing in a good way every episode, just wait until episode 009. The only thing we can do is just hope for the best

[@dazz2895]

i'd still take a gwain saga episode over a helluva boss one or whatever kids are watching nowadays