Why Shadow Collector feels so different from our Current Collector: An Analysis | The Owl House

[@RoundtableVids]

Great analysis!! Keep it up :)

[@gianimations2]

OMG thank you so much!!! :D That means a lot coming from you, I'm a huge fan of your content ‼️ 💜

[@ThristianSilas]

Is it too late to have hope that it may have a season four I know the creator just left Disney but I just really did want to a season four of the owl House

[@RavenStarMedia]

@@ThristianSilas It's definitely too late, the story's wrapping up and ending with Watching and Dreaming.

[@Zachyshows]

it's the roundtable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sarcastickitten6119]

Oh look it's roundtable

[@telitoons]

The fact his character literally resembles sun and moon iconography it makes so much sense that his personality could switch so dramatically, night and day

[@gianimations2]

yeah ! i really love that symbolism ! it’s also extra interesting when you consider that his necklace pendant is of a crescent moon that’s half shadow half light, while King’s necklace (when the collector dresses him up) is fully light moon with no shadow. idk just a cool distinction of the moon stuff to me!

[@telitoons]

@@gianimations2 I never even noticed that! The attention to detail this show has is amazing, along with people’s observational skills

[@gianimations2]

@@telitoons i know right! the crew seriously outdoes themselves every time, i love their little details !

[@Dancing_DP]

(Daycare muisic plays)

[@denniszaychik8625]

​@@gianimations2 I also have a feeling that both the Collector and King with their pendants are supposed to represent the duality between the two species. The Collectors were God like beings obsessed with order but their perception of it was black vs white ( his crescent moon symbol also somewhat resembles ying and yang but without the dots that hint at oganic unity between the two powers) while the Titans were chaotic but at the same time in that chaos both powers were united into a single whole. Thus we have an ironic paradox in which a being of primal chaos represents order and a being of cosmic order serves as an avatar of chaos.

[@skullknight4579]

At this point, Belos should have the official title, "The Betrayer of Children"

[@gianimations2]

HAHAHA TRUE

[@kiddkarterr]

💀

[@jacksonhopp2003]

That’s actually not a bad title.

[@Glassie3731]

Also seems to exclusively lose to children

[@anthonyrodriguez8788]

@@Glassie3731 he got beat up by a cool aunt that one time. the same Cool Aunt who in season 1 he was too scared to fight so he sucker-punched her from underground so he could bully her cool niece.

[@nikoneo1174]

i wonder how other collectors influenced our collector, how much of his behavior is because of their treatment

[@gianimations2]

me too!! ah i really hope we get to see them somehow in the finale..

[@nikoneo1174]

@@gianimations2 omg me too! or at least great huntsman. maybe they'll be the final threat because tbh i doubt they're extinct, sure titans can cancel their powers but when even the baby was such a challenge they needed to imprison him

[@gianimations2]

@@nikoneo1174 true ! i was imagining though, perhaps baby collector was imprisoned because the titan wanted to show mercy for him since he’s just a child

[@gianimations2]

@@nikoneo1174 also the way our collector scribbled over the book to say he wants to play instead of destroying etc, makes me wonder if the reason he was imprisoned is because the titan saw him wanting to play with the baby titans and assumed he was going to hurt them or something 🥲🥲

[@nikoneo1174]

@@gianimations2 perhaps but i still don't think they're fully gone, the paintings in archives show that they didn't pay much attention to the collector so when the job was done they could easily ignore his disappearance. i think that because since the ocean is boiling they might have accomplish their goal and burn the air like the book said

[@azula8226]

I wonder if Luz realizing that all she ever wanted in life was to be understood will forshadow what the Collector truly wishes for out of his want to play games with others.

[@gianimations2]

yeah, i see them as parallels in that sense! the collector and luz are truly connected in a deeper way, i can’t wait to see how it’ll pan out in the finale 💜

[@Synphss]

Anyways

[@Shion11037]

Theres the answer

[@SMon42]

Final episode was fun. Definitely didn't cry!

[@Synphss]

@@SMon42 gasp

[@cameronpearce5943]

One other massive factor. We’re shown twice that Luz remembers things differently from how they happened, just as we all do. Her memory of Belos’s memory of the collector, and her memory of her mother telling her to come home But we need to remember that she sees Belos’s memories, and how else would Belos see such a being as the collector other than someone just as sadistic and evil as himself

[@greenamber9827]

That's what I was thinking.

[@nakidoodles5645]

I feel his joking towards the Grimwalkers is also explained through his unknowing what death really is. Grimwalkers are just Belos’ toys and he chooses to just make another toy instead of fixing the one he broke

[@gianimations2]

TRUE!!!

[@KhyannArts]

i remember seeing somewhere that the reason the collector attacked lilith when she flew with hooty to rescue king is because not only was she potentially trying to separate him for his new friend but also because lilith called king her nephew and by seeing belos' interactions with hunter, his "nephew", he associated the term with something negative and thought that by lilith calling king her nephew she considered him the same way bellos considers hunter

[@gianimations2]

yes! :DD i’ve seen people say that too! (unfortunately, i only saw those posts after i already recorded all my audio, so i couldn’t include it in my video :P) and i totally agree with that take and i think it’s really interesting :O i really hope he gets the chance to learn that lilith is actually really great and not everyone is horrible like belos 🥲

[@sillychotu]

I’ve seen a lot of people say that the collector is like spinel. A dumbed down version of the scary and developed person they once were for no apparent reason. I feel like your analysis perfectly counters this by showing how instead of the collectors change dumbing him down it almost develops the person he is even more. It makes sense why he copies everyone, It makes sense why he has no perception of death, it makes sense why he wants to just play games… he’s a child

[@gianimations2]

yes exactly!!! you get it!!! :D also i LOVE SPINEL SO MUCH!!!

[@Stickerznstitchez]

an immortal child at that! The fact he must learn that his "friends" will eventually leave him when they die, and how aging takes a toll on morals and their abilities; It must really be something that he has to process to wrap his head about. I don't blame him :(

[@pumpkinpartysystem]

Wait I'm confused, how does any of that apply to spinel?

[@lucym4651]

@@pumpkinpartysystemin steven universe future they watered her character down a lot in my opinion, i dont think thats why people compare her to the collector tho more so that theyve both been abandoned for a long time and just want friends to hang out with and play (i love both with my whole heart and would do anything for them)

[@XX-sp3tt]

"There is nothing more pure and cruel than a child." -Cowboy Bebop

[@Victoria-e9m]

😂

[@smash-psd4077]

Idk if it's just me, but the paintings in the archive appear to depict the collector being neglected and discarded by the others. It's no wonder why he doesn't want to be like them and just wants to feel important to someone

[@gianimations2]

YES!!!!! i’ve been thinking about doing a video analysing the portraits one day!!! poor little boy didn’t look very cared for by the other collectors honestly🥲

[@davidtierney7941]

@@gianimations2 plus as we found out In Watching And Dreaming he was used by his own SIBLINGS

[@rabbit0664]

​@@davidtierney7941 Shame he got used by so many. Don't blame him for wanting to be different ether.

[@fizzlewizard404]

11:37 this was such a good way to put it. and it honestly feels like someone finally understands what this kid was really going through. they're not "throwing a tantrum" or "being a brat". he's hurt! who wouldn't be if this happend to them first hand!! it feels comforting seeing someone properly point it out for what is is instead of getting frustrated or annoyned with the Collector in this scene. also, considering how good this video was, i'm really excited to see what else you have to say about him! (seriously though, 23:57 looked like a lot)

[@gianimations2]

Thank you so much!!! it’s nice to see that there are people who agree :33 The Collector is just a lil kid and deserves to be treated kindly like one

[@Icantchangemyhandlehelp]

Wait, do people seriously call their behavior in this scene irrational? I'm not surprised but still. Even if you thought they were evil, it's absurd to think they were being bratty here..

[@DinoTamer-22]

I absolutely agree with your analysis. The only concrete parts of his character are that he has immeasurable power, and he is a child. Being a child he wants to be accepted. Belos being an adult and king being a kid definitely affected how he behaved. I won’t tell you the number of kids I met who acted as a bully because that how their parents taught them to behave but when shown good friends would go along with what their friends were doing. I was also a kid that changed my behavior to ‘fit in’ because I was lonely - all the girls were talking about boys and though I had no interest in them I pretended I did to connect with them. Children are highly influenced by those around them which is why his behavior shifted.

[@gianimations2]

exactly!!! the collector is so relatable like that, i’m really glad the writers took such an intricately realistic approach to his character !

[@JabamiLain]

​@@gianimations2 if I may barge in, I tried that with football, but it went so south I never tried again (I started a huge fight because of overcompensation of that pretense). But when I saw I wasn't the only person in the world who saw no sense in it, I felt better. I pretty much never pretended to like anything again.

[@gianimations2]

@@JabamiLain thanks for sharing your experience! i’ve had ones similar to yours as well, it’s certainly comforting knowing we aren’t alone in our interests etc. i’m glad you don’t feel the need to pretend to like things for others anymore! it’s an unfortunate predicament that’s all too common, and not even a fictional deity like the collector seems to be immune to it🥲🥲

[@Lolliangelz]

@@gianimations2 same, I wouldn't love him as much as I am if he was just psyhopat/next bill Clipher I love them and how Dana created Collector's personality

[@gianimations2]

@@Lolliangelz so true !

[@alexperez9619]

One of the things I noticed in him is that even if he is a child like god, one trait that is very common is that he doesn’t see the consequences of his actions

[@gianimations2]

yeah! i think about half his character redemption would be complete once he realises that part

[@lemonzest6988]

​@Yippeesha11 Watching Luz vanish and then not being able to fix it established that there are things even he can't undo. He couldn't fix her himself, and someone else had to. Plus, his powers not working as well means he can understand what it's like to be vulnerable. He experienced fear and loss, meaning he could finally understand what it felt like to other people.

[@magne7771]

I kind of enjoy that the Collector is so.. _detached,_ from whoever he's bound himself to. Because, given the right influence, taught the right lessons, and pointed in the right direction, _regardless_ of how little he genuinely cares, or who he is deep down inside, the amount of _good_ he can do is immeasurable- and he doesn't need to be some kind of _paragon_ to do it. It's something people get wrong about, well, other people. You can be a _bad, scary, potentially dangerous monster_ inside, or feel nothing, and _still_ do everything in your power for the good of others, even if in a roundabout way- like acting for yourself. Even sociopaths don't _want_ to be hated- and too often do people treat others who are _empty_ inside, as if they have _more_ of a capacity for evil in them.

[@Jaygr5498]

Whao! This was incredible! One of the most insightful TOH analysis vids I’ve seen! The fact that he’s trying to literally and figuratively take over Luz’s role in King’s life was a detail about his character that I kinda overlooked. I just thought “oh that’s just to set up a conflict with Luz in the finale because he’s jealous of her.” But comparing that to how he acted so much more sinister around Belos puts his whole character in a different perspective. Somehow you made me love him even more haha. Keep up the great work! Can’t wait to see what else you make in the future

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!!!! i’m really glad you liked it

[@victorialaing4227]

I like how this video describe Collector and it makes alot of sense now why his shadow form is more sinister then his physical form. He doesn’t have his own moral compass. He’s just a follower of someone else. I believe it’s cause he’s a naive people pleaser who will do anything to be accepted. He’s an impressionable child who is desperate to be loved.

[@gianimations2]

yep, exactly !

[@garrettjackson1451]

Just like season 1 Luz

[@Bush_girl87]

Finally someone talked about this shadow collector feels so different from the current collector

[@Mashpad]

7:40 I tried to finish this the best I could; “Betrayed, beguiled alone, deceived, we have our revenge on those who’ve thieved!” (Cuz of belos’s past with Evelyn and how she stole his brother from him in his eyes or smth)

[@gianimations2]

OMG I LOVE THAT, a terrific rhyme !

[@fungushoney9958]

This is a psychological assessment masterclass. His species is comprised of individuals who have no inherent self. They take in the universe and they govern lesser beings. But being the first child of his kind, when he defied his predecessor’s expectations, he was left with nothing. No identity off the Singular Path, literally written in stone. And so their worst nightmare happened. The Titans were a Top Tier Serious Threat, to have been all but completely eradicated. And now their youngest member joins forces with the enemy? The King and The Collector, brothers for all time. They share the same eyes and everything.

[@someoneawesome8717]

Physical form Collector needs a hug, like he needs someone to comfort and emotionally support him, hence why King is perfect

[@edwardboatman4554]

23:17 it's interesting to note that we might have gotten a bit of that at the end of episode 2, where they decide that they don't want to play "owl house" anymore, since while the choice might have been due to manipulation from belos, him actually choosing a different game, as opposed to all the other times, where they only ever suggest new games.

[@gianimations2]

yep! i can’t wait to find out what “game” it will be in the next episode ! still though, it’s kinda sad that even then his actions were nudged and manipulated by belos :( i hope he can get redeemed and then play all the fun games he wants with king and luz🥲

[@The_VHS]

I do think that this is a really good analysis! Also random thought; the collector probably can still shape-shift on walls and stuff like that, it would just look extremely cursed lol.

[@gianimations2]

oh my lord that would look horrifying...i NEED to see it..

[@Saiyusa]

I'm reminded of Lilo and Stitch and her approach with an agent of chaos. "You know, you wreck everything you touch. Why not try and make something for a change?" Makes me wonder if that kind of direction could change the Collector. Also from Lilo and Stitch, naming him might happen in the finale

[@gianimations2]

yes!!! i really love that idea! he deserves his own real name-- one that wasn't borrowed or only a reflection of his species :,,,

[@WizardToby]

This is a pretty good explanation of the differences. It makes sense because when Belos finally revealed his trickery to the Collector he goes into full on pouty child mode ( "LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIREEEEEEEEE!" XD).

[@gianimations2]

thanks! hehe the "liar liar" line is one of my favs in the whole show

[@mattiekarwin3667]

I don't really think he changed at all, I think our understanding of them did. If you look at what he said and did, all of it does actually track with the Collector's personality; at least if we keep in mind how long they've been trapped and alone. It's just that we weren't expecting that childish personality to run so deep, so we saw and felt Malice where none truly existed. He talks about breaking people the same way in Hollow Mind as he does in Watching and Dreaming; at least until the lesson is learned I mean. It's interesting though, how a single detail obscured can give the exact same character such a different feel. There was an experiment done once, where people would be shown the picture of a smiling man; but the clip being shown first was different. People shown a clip of a child playing saw the smile as friendly and kind, maybe he's a father or wants to be. Those shown a clip of a woman sun bathing were universally creeped the fuck out by the smile, thinking he was a pervert or even a pedo. Exact same picture of the exact same man smiling, no changes but the clip shown prior and the man himself isn't even in said clip; but even people shown both versions swore it was a different, sleazier smile when it was the exact same picture. Edit: Thank you for listening to my Ted Talk.

[@halfdecadehangover]

Jesus Christ this video is INCREDIBLE! I *love* The Collector but his change in character had always bugged me a bit, because my brain has a hard time letting things go lmao. But everything you said in this video makes absolutely perfect sense and I will be considering it canon from now on haha

[@gianimations2]

hehe thank you so much!!

[@Honeybunny_bun]

You know when i first saw the collector, i thought they were just immature or child coded, i didn't expect him to ACTUALLY be a child. It really puts hos and bellos relationship into perspective, same thing with hunter, i didn't expect him to be 16. All of this does make belos more despicable though, rest in pieces.

[@gianimations2]

yeah! it’s just extra evil the way belos manipulates literal children all the time >:((

[@colbstar7389]

I absolutely loved this, so many interesting insights. I loved the part about how the same clothes that looked so childish and playful on our collector looked so regal and elegant on the other collectors

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! i appreciate it

[@Zephhie]

This video was SO AMAZING!!! Collie (Collector) is one of my top 3 characters and it feels awesome to see an in depth analysis of his character and for someone else to have the same views on his character as I do! I loved the detail of the shadow puppet esque design and the symbolism behind that, as well as them being a hurt little kid :( they definitely have a long way to go for redemption but I can’t wait to see where he ends up in the finale

[@gianimations2]

YAY THANK YOU SM!!!

[@Lolliangelz]

Same

[@Lolliangelz]

​@@gianimations2 Agree its adorable nickname I love them ♥️♥️

[@gabriellopez4100]

That nickname made me realize that being called "Collector" can be another way of showing his lack of self-identity. "Collector" is not a name, it's the title of his species, calling him "Collector" is the same as calling Luz "Human", it only describes what they are, not *who* they are. Maybe in the last special they'll give him an actual name if he finally finds his own identity. Hopefully Collie will become canon.

[@Zephhie]

@@gabriellopez4100 Exactly! You get me lmao, I feel the exact same, I always he deserved his own name rather then just basically a title, and hey another reason Collie and Luz are similar! and maybe more foreshadowing to a bond between them ^^

[@КачанюкМілана]

That certain feeling when everything that has been thought about before and hasn't been making sense actually makes sense after an analysis is the best feeling ever. And this video certainly made a whole bunch of people that watched it(and will watch it, because your work deserves to be shown to a lot of people!) feel this feeling. So, "thank you" is all I am saying! This is one of my favorite-ever analyses now!

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!!! you are too kind💜when i made this video, i really did hope to bring that feeling to others

[@starchild-pt7cq]

this video was like a jab to the throat. as a HUGE collector kinnie, everything you described in this video-- down to the "playing pretend" parts described me. there was not a single thing in this video that didn't sound like my life, and it was certainly a hard watch because this made me think about aspects of my own life that I didn't understand prior

[@gianimations2]

I'm glad you could relate to the video, and I hope you're doing alright ! It's nice to see a Collector kinnie

[@rulersreach4n455]

Isn’t it just 💥❤💥❤️ how characters can be that important

[@glasscardproductions4736]

​@@rulersreach4n455 heartbreaking?

[@rulersreach4n455]

@@glasscardproductions4736 no! Lol like explosions (good explosions) of energy in your heart.

[@glasscardproductions4736]

@@rulersreach4n455, oh okies :3

[@penntopaper9305]

the collector gives me major asriel/flowey undertale vibes. a villain with two very different designs who we discover was just an isolated little kid acting malicious for the sake of having some kind of a friend who's level of villainy gets debated in the fanbase. man.

[@gianimations2]

Btw, apologies if my mic quality isn’t top notch ! I don’t exactly have professional equipment for recording audio😵‍💫However, I’ve typed and made subtitles available for the video, hope that helps!

[@shihtzusandtoys]

This video seemed so professional! You took tons of time on your script and digging in, giving me completely different outlook on the collector as a whole. I hope you continue to grow with your content and knowledge upon stories and characters. =]

[@gianimations2]

@@shihtzusandtoys thank you so much!! that means a lot to me

[@shihtzusandtoys]

@@gianimations2 you’re welcome:> have a great day/night

[@omniverse2099]

The collector ♥️🤝♥️luz noceda 👏🙏

[@omniverseben]

The collector ♥️🤝♥️luz noceda 💯👍🙏👏

[@jiabu99]

He reminds me a lot of a kid I babysat when I was younger. He was 3 at the time, and he’d been through two foster homes before his current family. Because of that, he was an angry, cruel, untrusting kid. But he was still just a kid, and he just wanted adult figures he could trust and people he could play with, yknow? This is a broad stroke, but the collector is literally just a kid who was abandoned.

[@LiquidfySweets]

This video goes so well with the last episode of the owl house. The fact that at the end he returned to the stars cause he had growing up to do just fits with what you explained

[@gianimations2]

thanks! im glad it did hehe

[@envyq00]

9:28 this definitely explains a lot and is making me realize that I'm actually very very familiar with this kind of behavior in my own experience with abuse. Sometimes, in order to get into good graces with the abuser, we separate ourselves from others who are also abused in an attempt to be on the same level as the abuser and hopefully avoid the same fate. Overall, great video!!! Keep up the good work!

[@gianimations2]

thanks!

[@NotSoStraight]

THIS ANALYSIS IS INCREDIBLE!! I love this part especially 3:16 I never noticed the connection between Shadow Collector and shadow puppets, it makes a ton of sense. You did such an amazing job on this, I'm definitely subscribing.

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!!! that’s one of my fav parts, i’m glad you like it

[@Kaedehara_Kazuzu]

I think that the fact he is a child shouldn’t be overlooked, as you know children are often craving attention. He craved the attention of others and doesn’t wish to be left alone, thus why he uses his power in such a way. And children (as you said) often follow their role-models or superiors, I think that there was more of a reason to the collector being a child other than immaturity and gullibility

[@ethanwmonster9075]

Well i mean the "we should put the losers on the moon" thing is pretty terrifying. But shadow collector has always felt really meancing.

[@gianimations2]

agreed! but when he said it, it was pretty clear that he didn’t know what was wrong with that sentiment. with shadow collector, it felt like he 100% knew

[@gheata_playz874]

​@@gianimations2 king also said they would have a hard time to breathe to which he responded with "they can just hold their breath"

[@gheata_playz874]

sp yeah, you're right

[@UnsightlyMuse]

5:58 these are my thoughts exactly. You articulated this so well. After watching the finale, I think that this applies even more so to The Collector. There is a level of self-awareness to his character, i.e. he knew it was ‘all pretend’, yet this is juxtaposed with his childlike naivety. He yearns for company and for friendship, yet the only way he knows how to maintain such things is by acting according to what he believes others wish to hear from him. It is a very childlike mentality that is indicative of his lack of experience with genuine friendships and meaningful connections with others; it is utterly tragic, especially considering how much he relied and trusted Belos and subsequently King.

[@Ouchpainful]

I've been excited for this since you suggested it, and I fully believe it was worth the wait. Also at 13:55 it looks like he is staring into my soul.

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! i’ve always appreciated your support very much, you’re awesome!💜 and yes, *feel the burn of the collector’s eyes into your soul*

[@thehumanflintfun9666]

I just discovered this video after the ending, and I'm happy to say that it holds up. One thing I noticed is that when we see the other Collector in a flashback capturing the owl beast they're both manipulating shadows AND using the bright, colorful spells we've seen from our Collector This reinforces the point even further The Collector knows how to control shadows and used that power while inside that mirror because it was the only way he could interact with people, but once he's freed and isn't FORCED TO anymore... he only uses colorful spells

[@eee-xd5bo]

I wasn't fond of the change whatsoever, and thought it made no sense. I was even reluctant through watching this video. When you mentioned Collector's insecure lines in the mirror, that was the moment of realization that tied your point together for me. That's the evidence that shows the connection between shadow collector and freed collector's personality. That's all that was missing for me to be honest. I also think everything else you stated makes sense, especially that Belos' influence on the Collector is different from King's.

[@gianimations2]

thanks! that means a lot to me

[@shootingstars6762]

Also, I want to mention that in an abusive situation, kids or anyone really, usually, will act different, versus being out of one. In abnormal situations, abnormal behavior is normal. I know someone in my life and they're out of that abusive situation now, but the way they acted around that abusive person and the way they acted when they weren't around them was different. It's not surprising there was such a change in personality. King didn't abuse the Collector like Belos did.

[@Sophia-vk5th]

how many references to the moon cycle and how it changes is insane in this character, Dana and her team are so creative for being able to come up with all of this

[@mah29001]

I wonder if the Collector's ending will be similar to Gideon's ending of Gravity Falls. Gives up power to try to be a regular kid.

[@gianimations2]

omg yes🤯

[@ladycommentor2536]

Ahh no.. he went back to sky and become a better Achievist... As they are called tbh.. he wanted to gain more knowledge..more skills... To grow more mature... I think if he grows up more mature and responsible and be an adult... He would be a powerful entity... Its nice to have an ally that is equal to a god..ahahahaha...

[@benzelwasington4059]

Maybe in a spinoff

[@cameronjim2983]

In short and simply put, it’s a mix of their influence of who they were around (Belos and King) and their living situation, (one trapped and one free).

[@enbyarchmage]

This essay was brilliant, and almost made me cry. The Collector has been one of my favorite characters for a while now, and you've managed to make me not only appreciate him/them more, but also yearn for his redemption (and fear for their downfall) just as much. Tysm 🥰

[@gianimations2]

aww thank you so much! that means a lot to me, the collector is my fav too! im so glad you like the analysis

[@enbyarchmage]

@@gianimations2 I subscribed as soon as the essay ended, without even knowing what other kinds of content you do. I'm really looking forward to your next cartoon analysis, but I'll gladly watch other stuff as well ☺️

[@gianimations2]

@@enbyarchmage you’re so kind!!!! as a growing channel, it’s very much appreciated💜💜thank you for the sub and support😭people like you make me even more motivated to create content !

[@customarymagic]

I really appreciate this analysis. I've been trying to picture Physical Collector saying the things that Shadow Collector did, such as the little poem when we first met him, and I could never get a clear picture. This video helps give me understanding as to why I struggled seeing them as the same.

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! i’m so happy to hear that. i struggled with that at first too until i remembered those scenes where he was talking to himself in a really anxious way as a shadow! i’m glad i could help💜💜

[@rosellekoh4155]

ITS HEREEEE seriously your analysis skills blow me away every time. feel honored to have read the script in advance hehe can't wait for your other analyses!! i wish we could dropkick the school's incessant deadlines into the boiling aisles :''')

[@gianimations2]

AAAAAA THANK YOU BESTIE‼️‼️‼️ sigh fr if only school wasn’t holding us back… but also THANK YOU SM AGAIN for helping me make sure my scripts were in check and everything !!!!! you da best!! 🤭💜

[@Cainimates]

I never thought of it like that. I always thought it was jarring that the collector mood changed the second he became a physical being. Seeing that King often acts like a child and the collector sees king as his way to express himself is something that makes me like the character more now. But I think King will probably lead the collector on the right path and help him make his own conscious decisions.

[@doritos2458]

THIS VIDEO IS LITERALLY EVERYTHING IVE EVER NEEDED IN LIFE JUST HE’S SO INTERESTING AND HOW YOU PUT EVERYTHING IN THIS VIDEO IT’S JUST SO GOOD I LOVE THIS YOU SEEM LIKE SUCH A COOL PERSON TO TALK TO IM SO HYPERFIXATED ON THE COLLECTOR AS WELL HE IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING CHARACTERS IVE SEEN AND YOUR ANALYSIS OF THEM WAS SO COOL AND FUN TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO!!!! SORRY IF IM KINDA FREAKING OUT BUT YEAH I CANT WAIT TO HEAR MORE OF YOUR THOUGHTS

[@gianimations2]

AAA THANK YOU SO MUCH YOURE SO SWEET AND AWESOME‼️‼️HIGH FIVE FOR BEING APART OF THE COLLECTOR HYPERFIXATION GANG HEHEHE

[@aruemon78]

Good gosh, you came up with a perfect explanation for my problems between season two and three collector! It’s certainly delightful! Thank you for making this video!

[@gianimations2]

yay! that means so much to me

[@Vekcrazah]

I like to imagine that we are absolutely _threatened_ when Collector says he wants to play a game, but by the time he finally gets to play a game of his own choosing, it's as innocent as it can be, albeit far from human comprehension. Like, imagine if all he wanted to do is play hide and seek, but use his powers for it. Nothing that is really detrimental to human life.

[@JCTechCorner]

This analysis is really good. I like the connections you made with how Shadow Collector was manipulated by Belos thinking all of it was part of their friendship to then Current Collector manipulating others into being his puppet play things for his supposed friendship with King.

[@gianimations2]

thanks! i appreciate it💜

[@PokemonFreak6298]

14:25 listen to his voice that's 100% our collector I believe part of why his character changed so drastically had more to do with s3 getting cut as opposed to some intentional personality swap what we got was an immediate jump to the end of what would have been his character arc

[@almogwaingarden8006]

I love such analysis so much to learn. thinking about these stuff and puting them into words are two diffrent things and you have done marvelously. thanks to this video I realized that the collector has another aspect of been relateable as we all have trouble sometimes distinguish between overlooking and forgiving other's behaviour. both are necessery to form relationships.

[@marsinvirgo]

Something else id like to bring to mind when it comes to how Collector interacts with King: Children can display an astounding lack of empathy at certain ages, and can struggle with seeing other view points. Hes also never interacted with another child before, but has interacted Belos and learned Adult = Authority = Potential danger. So seeing adults as a threat, combined with underdeveloped empathy, plus not knowing just how to talk to other kids, you get to a lot of the one sided interactions King and Collector have.

[@baasparkopenings851]

This video is great! As a college student studying your field, these kinds of analysis are fantastic and developing this corner of your brain will get you a long way in any halfway decent college with a film program. I'm not going to a school known for its film program, but it's good enough and being articulate about analyzing characters and fiction has gotten me ahead in my studies quite frequently. Keep pursuing your interests, you have a bright future ahead of you!

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much for your encouraging words! it means a lot to me

[@OddJuniper]

"You liar, liar, liar, liar, liar, liar!" - Collector (I don't remember if it was 6 times, more than 6, or less-)

[@learn2chillax]

You nailed it and more with The Collector we know. Them just being a child who likely isn't outright malicious normally but isn't aware of a lot of things morally. It's why I don't want him to die, I sooner believe he'd do the right thing or at least try to compared to Belos. Belos is legit stuck in the past, stuck in the past so hard, not even another human, Luz, can point out to him that times have changed from her words, let alone actions or even worse, his statement about witches being evil... was wrong. Or maybe he doesn't want Luz to be right because then, Belos would be the "bad guy" he's supposed to be hunting. Because then, all of what he's done would be for nothing. Makes me wonder if Belos also hates being alone, so he tries to grasp on a shadow of Caleb but one he tries to mold like play-doh each time and every time, never satisfied since the Grimwalkers have a better moral compass than Belos does. Interesting how he looks more monstrous akin to a demon in some stories about witches, compared to Luz. Especially since he acts like a monster in a lot of areas. Further more, Luz allowed her palisman, a witch's familiar in this setting, to take form in whatever they wanted, Belos, in contrast kept taking palisman magic (which also might be their souls?) to even trying to force the Grimwalkers he created into something HE wants, never what THEY wanted. And if they ever wanted outside of what Belos wants, that's it. They're dead. Onto the next one. I feel like it hits harder with Flapjack's sacrifice, which shows that Hunter can inherit the powers when it's given by the palisman themself, not taken like Belos did to the others. Because note, he can only shapeshift and it seems to not be great on his body in hindsight, likely due to being originally human (he sure ain't one now) and maybe even if he took magic from palisman, it always locked him out of their more unique abilities, similar to Flapjack's intangible super speed or teleportation. Sure it could be Hunter being born from the same wood as a palisman and thus can obtain and/or use that magic more with not as ill effects but still, a interesting parallel to make about palisman treatment overall. Lol now I wanna see another Belos video XD But yeah this character analysis is Top Tier, 10/10 would love to see you do this for another character! :3

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! and thanks for leaving this comment, it was very fun and insightful to read! belos is so interesting to study especially, because he's just so cruel and twisted and has such an intricate backstory :O anyway, thank you for your words of encouragement! i certainly hope i can make analyses of other characters sometime :DD

[@Zephirite.]

This video's been sitting in my 'Watch Later' for a while now, and I've been looking forward to watching it prior to the finale. And boy, does it deliver! You've got an excellent eye for detail, nothing the pinky swear and the pyjama-like nature of his outfit. Now I feel pretty bad for how he's got no way out. He wants to be a kid, but he's too powerful for anyone to let their guard down around him.

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! 💜

[@ccherry.berryy]

Your script writing is also amazing for being your first video essay! Like your metaphors and use of voice as if your talking as the collector with your “he wouldn’t do that, right” like it’s just so good!

[@gianimations2]

aaaa thank you so much!!!

[@thevoidjesterdimentio753]

You know, i really like people who look at something perceived as plain, and simple. Like, i don't know, a fictional character and then proceed to examine said character from every angle, molding something that was simple and plain into something complex. Or, rather, in this instance, uncovering a secret layer to a seemingly 2 dimensional character which just makes me appreciate the character more. I'm so glad someone made a video about this, not just because it has something to do with my favorite Space Cherub from The Owl House, but because I, too, have wondered the same question this video is all about. Thank you.

[@ragg232]

I figured before that the Collectors behavior change was because he was playing a role, but this put that into a more clearer and nuanced context. Thanks for the additional perspective!

[@gianimations2]

yay! glad to hear that!! thanks so much :33

[@kamaljohnson2200]

Shadow collector was an ominous mischievous spirit flippant with the well being of others, maybe it was just hunter, that was associated with not only the manipulative villain of the show but also a foreboding ritual with untold devastating consequences. When he talked of wanting to play games it was always paired with the destruction of not only the boiling isles but also the human world in the back of our mind. He felt like a juvenile eldritch fiend. This vs the light collector who turned out to be a full on child. His introduction was of being betrayed. It became increasingly clear he actually just wanted to play games. He was still flippant with the wellbeing of others but now it's seen as the collector being out of touch with the limits of others. It also becomes known he's lonely, not only because of the disconnect that friends aren't toys but also because he became distrustful of people, ironically except for those that had ulterior motives, which wasn't just Belos but also King. After realizing light Collector just wanted to play games the problem became teaching him empathy, which is what actual children have to learn as well. He's like a naive fey. light Collector feels different because we're starting to figure him out, it's more of a perspective shift than a personality shift. I think the shadow Collector feels like a wildfire, something that is unmanageable (for one person) and the damage can only get worse, it makes people despair vs light collector that feels like only a toaster getting on fire, still a frightening situation but infinitely more manageable and as long as people are careful the worse damage has already happened, it makes people frantic. Not to mention character design, shadow Collector was shifty, spoke in the ear of Belos like a devil on a shoulder and we get the resemblance of a face, we trust people more when we can see their face hell we trust people more when we can see their hands but it seemed like we were getting a partial obscured look of Collector. versus light collector whose literally wearing pajamas

[@redtobluerose6020]

I feel like the collector is meant to reflect individuals who have felt stagnant, stuck, or alone in life. He has very, very strong imagery around reflections and mirrors, which leads me to believe he is a mirror, himself. He reflects the ambitions and goals of the person closest to him in the hope that it will lead to a genuine connection. For me, the collector feels like a parallel to people who mask to feel more understood or accepted or those who mirror the behaviors of others and find difficulty in identifying their own self.

[@Heartz4TheCollector]

I love rewatching this video from time to time. Since the collector is my fav. Watching this months after toh ended is insane since it holds up so well.

[@ItzZay1]

SPOILERS I LOVE that they didn’t kill him off! It serves so much for his character to be finally understood and befriend the main characters (Luz & Friends) :D

[@amayaharig4330]

I'm glad too considering he's just a lonely kid who doesn't know any better plus I don't see Disney approving the death of a child even if he's millions of years old

[@MM-dw5ir]

bruh the portrait at 15:57 is so cute but so sad considering everything that happened...i'm about to cry its so cute but sad nfefnakeklfejnae

[@theluigifan1]

The fact that you seem to understand The Collector this much is impressive. Very well-made video. 🙂

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! :3

[@theleemaaeras2083]

I LOVE everything about this analysis. The Collector has my heart and I had been thinking a lot about how he mirrors/ mimics whoever he is with. And how his spending hundreds of years with Belos as his sole companion clearly had an effect on his behaviour - be it because he was craving the connection/ friendship, or validation, or because children tend to mirror who they are with the most. That was my first thought about why Shadow Collectors seems different than his physical self. (by the way, I love how you use the term 'feel', why he does feel different, and not is. brilliant choice of words) Seeing this tackle in your video, and how his behaviour changes when he is around King, because, again he mirrors who he is around the most, made my heart swell the size of the moon. There are so many beautiful things in your essay. [quote]"Like the moon, which reflects the light of sun, rather than emitting that of its own"[/quote] - beautiful wording, and a very accurate metaphor. Which carries on to your point about how he is perceived differently, while not being actually different. [quote]"Like a moon cycle of sorts. The perceived shape of the moon can change depending on what stage of the cycle it's in. But the moon itself, stays in the same form nonetheless."[/quote] I am going to dive into your your written essay, I'm certain I will enjoy it ♪▲♫ There is one blatant example of how the Collector not only mirrors/ mimics those he is around, but also how he takes at heart what others tell him, in Watching and Dreaming. But I am uncertain I should bring this in now, seeing how this episode has not been mentioned in the video essay, I'll hold back in case some users have not watched it yet (I don't want to give spoilers) I am definitely subscribing and yes, I want to hear, and read more about the Collector, and your analyses. ♪▲

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!!! that means a lot to me :,,) im glad you enjoyed it ! 💜

[@robbiehorn7690]

This is seriously such a good essay, I really enjoyed this. Hope you keep up the content like this!

[@gianimations2]

thank you very much!

[@catbatrat1760]

14:00 Yeah... I miss that ability... :( It was really cool to watch him show a different thing every second.

[@lualas]

16:43 holy shit u just opened my eyes to a parallel between him and luz that i never realised

[@xxduskdragonxx]

This is beautiful. Absolutely incredible. The Collector is my favourite character, and you have said every thought I’ve had on them, and more. I had to rewind it multiple times because I was reeling so much from a lot of theories you had. Really well made, good job :D

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much! The collector is my fav too

[@fab_u_lissa]

This is a fantastic video essay!! The fact that he can shift and change depending on who’s he around is such a good observation and honestly makes a lot of sense. Good job!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gianimations2]

thank you! :D

[@bestwitch2931]

This was really good, and it explains one of the only things that bothered me/didn’t make sense about the writing of TOH. Thank you!

[@static_irony]

Man, your analysis made me realise I can relate to the Collector. No solid sense of identity, wildly code switching for different people in desperate attempts for approval... Man I REMEMBER those days. Not a great time, made me a weird kid.

[@gianimations2]

i know right! it's so strangely familiar and relatable!

[@TheGamingAnimator.]

It’s been a year since this came out but this now motivated me to draw shadow collector-

[@larawilson23]

Please don't stop making more analysis videos. This one's so great!

[@gianimations2]

thank you!!!! :DD

[@teensillustrated8426]

Excellent work dear. I really enjoyed the analysis. More talk of The Collector was nice to hear. He himself even admits he has a lot of growing up to do at the end of the series, so that alone definitely solidifies your point presented here.

[@gianimations2]

thanks!!

[@JartinVartinJlackwood]

Something interesting to me is the collector doesn't trust his siblings anymore but still goes back to the stars so maybe dana had their parents planned or there's archivists who are bad that we could've met first and then archivists who are neutral or good that they didn't interact with much before being trapped. The archivists & their relationship with the collector just interest me so much🤩

[@99sins]

I teared up a bit when she called King a good kid cause he is. He's a certified boo-boo buddy

[@mariejosephne3734]

Huh Call King a good kif

[@birdy9549]

this video changed my mind about the collector!! i hadn’t looked into it deeply enough. i thought the design and personality change was a downgrade because of how sinister the collector seemed at first, and felt disappointed that he was basically harmless (of course he has reality-bending power, but him being simply a misunderstood kid doesn’t feel as threatening as he did before). i understand his character more and now can appreciate him!!

[@gianimations2]

yay! that makes me so happy to hear

[@graceoartyo]

PLEASE make that other character analysis video!! Especially with what we have now from the finale! I really love what you’ve done here, I think you’re spot on and you’ve really made me appreciate his character more (even though i already loved him)

[@gianimations2]

aaa thank you so much! yeah, i've been thinking about doing a follow-up to this one :3 glad to know there are people who wanna see it!

[@maxlevine4319]

Holy crap, this is insane! I was not ready for such an insightful, well spoken analysis, well done!

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!

[@toxichazard3333]

i relate to the collector so much that i'm starting to get scared

[@jennyderr1426]

Collector has an inverse vibe switch as bill cyfer. Bill was playful and silly before being released, but afterwards was plain sadistic and cruel. The collector was sinister feeling when trapped, but playful and silly when freed.

[@birdswithlegs6421]

i also have so many thoughts about the collector. It's interesting how the collector's facial colors can be read as a crescent moon (waxing or waning) or a sun being eclipsed. They're both symbols of transition. It makes me wonder if we will see a color shift on his face (all purple or all yellow) reflect a total eclipse/new moon or full moon. And considering what you said that the collector's only ever played other people's games, I wonder what game they choose to play at the end of for the future. Maybe a twist on hide and seek or tag? It was their first suggestion to King and even the star lookout things are seekers who 'tag' and transform whoever is found into puppets. Also, what if King's permanent solution is to get rid of the collector's power altogether and have them just be a regular child who can play with other kids. (king of the slide?)

[@gianimations2]

omgYES!!! i've long been thinking about those two games in particular as what his new "game" will be! and given how he put a twisted spin on 'tag' when he was mad at belos, i wouldn't be surprised if that's what he is gonna do for King, I think 'hide and seek' would be a thrilling one to watch!

[@itzpris15634]

okay. yeah. if i was stuck in some lonely pocket dimension, no way out at all, just there by myself, and was there for potentially a couple thousand years, i probably WOULD cling onto whoever would find me, whether they're good or not.

[@mightymightybossman7176]

With the final episode now out it explains he doesn’t understand death so he thought after the day of unity he would just fix them

[@Rosa-he6xb]

This video was amazing as it both made me love Collector entire story+design even more and help me understand some parts of him while I get a bit, not fully understand of “Why do they act a lot different here compared to now?”. This analysis is what I’ve been waiting for and you done Colly justice so well! I hope 100% that in WAD that Colly will be redeemed(well really more of just brought to the right side, they aren’t straight up evil) and that they can be given the friendship they deserve and can play new games with his true friends 💙💛 Edit: Just wanted to add a thank you as you are feeding us Collector fans good since I haven’t seen a full analysis of them yet.

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!! i love collector so so much, i’m so glad i could provide a helpful analysis for my fellow collie lovers 💜💛💙 i hope he gets redeemed too! honestly it’s up to him at this point to make that choice, and im sure he’ll make the right decision in the end

[@indecisive2insomniac610]

My guess is that due to the almost complete isolation for what I'm assuming to be centuries trapped by the plate (?), except for Belos's interactions with them later in life; they were influenced by his plans and went along with the 'game' as it was the only option available, and at the time, seemed like the right/best thing to do. But when they were released, it allowed them to interact with others and be influenced by them.

[@Sillyyyy555]

i m sobbing and crying THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO because it is so refreshing to finally see someone who actually understands the collectors character you explained everything so well and AUUUGH THIS IS MY FAVORITE VIDEO EVER YIPPPEPEPPEEEE THANK YOU i love this video

[@gianimations2]

AWWAWA THANK YOUU I LOVE THE COLLECTOR SO MUCH TOO‼️‼️💜💜💜i’m glad my video could make you happy

[@Sillyyyy555]

@@gianimations2 YAYAYES IT MADE ME SO HAPPY IVE BEEN WAITING FOR COLLECTOR ANALYSIS VIDEOS FOR SO LONG JUST EEHEJFBENCJC 💕💕💕

[@gianimations2]

@@Sillyyyy555 HEHEHEHE WELL WHENEVER I GET ENOUGH TIME I WOULD LOVE TO KEEP MAKING MORE 😁THE COLLECTOR IS LIKE A MUSE FOR MY WRITING LMAO

[@Sillyyyy555]

@@gianimations2 HAHAHA YESSS THATS SO SILLY THO I CANT WAIT TO SEE ANY OTHER VIDEOS U MAKE OF HIM!!!!!

[@gianimations2]

@@Sillyyyy555 THANK YOU SM!!!

[@picnicsandstars]

Echoing the other comments, this is not only such a thorough analysis, but well-structured and presented too! If this is your first cartoon analysis video, I can’t wait to see where you go :D

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!!! :D it means a lot to me

[@isabellebrush5077]

I like to make the point that " Humanity" works perfectly in the collectors poem/rhyme but he doesn't use it. It fits in with what he was saying as revenge on "Humanity" would work with both belos and the collector's character as well as a rhyming with unity. I just find it odd that he doesn't rhyme it

[@iviechxn2082]

I love the way u talk and portray the collectors character listening to your voice makes me want to hear more

[@gianimations2]

aaa thank you so much!!! that's so kind of you to say

[@TomagamerUwU]

Now I appreciate the Collector even more. Thanks ^^ Amazing video btw!

[@gianimations2]

yay! i’m so happy to hear that

[@RavenStarMedia]

What a great analysis video! I love your point about the Collector's shadow form being like a shadow puppet, and ho you point out he's still metaphorically in an in-between realm!

[@gianimations2]

thank you so much!