Wakfu: The Animated Series – Season 3 Review [Hipster Hotline]

What is Wakfu? Should you watch it?

First things first, in case you don’t know what it is, Wakfu: The Animated Series is an anime-influenced French television series produced by Ankama Animation, based on the video game Dofus. More specifically, Wakfu is based on the game called—erm—Wakfu, and is an action/adventure series that isn’t afraid to be goofy, which again, is very anime-ish.

If you came here wondering if you should give it a watch, I HIGHLY recommend the series. But, that comes with three warnings:

1.) Be wary of the English dub. Ruel’s English dub voice is awful. It took me out of the story. If you have a problem with any of the English voices then watch the original French dub with subtitles.

2.) Wakfu: The Animated Series takes its lore from the Dofus and Wakfu MMORPG games. Do not expect the show to explain the World of Twelve. Seriously, I played Dofus for a couple of years back around when the show first started and even I’m confused by the lore. You are dunked into the Krosmoz universe and are expected to swim. It’s not a deal breaker but you may be confused at times and won’t understand game references or game character cameos. It also doesn’t help that some of jokes, I feel, work better or make more sense if you’re French.

3.) The Gobbowl episodes. Season one and season two both have 3 episodes each dedicated to the main cast playing Gobbowl, a soccer/American football-ish game that’s popular in the World of Twelve. Despite having some good moments, I didn’t care for them. They didn’t need to be 3 episodes long in both seasons and I feel like the show mainly did it to promote Ankama’s failed Gobbowl game.

All that said, give the show a chance. It’s really fun and I can’t recommend it enough. There will be series spoilers going forward.

Wakfu Season One, Season Two, and OVA Special thoughts.

I did a Hipster Hotline on Wakfu years ago. Forgot I’d done it, honestly. But instead of deleting it, I’m gonna keep my currents thoughts on the past seasons and OVA here.

Wakfu – Season One: Overall, great! Great animation. A good story. Fun characters interacting in a fun world. Seasons one and two both have 26 episodes—as opposed to seasons three and season four’s 13 episodes—so there’s more “filler” in the first two seasons. Your enjoyment of those episodes will vary. I remember loving some, liking others, and knowing I’ll only watch this or that particular episode once and skipping it on every rewatch going forward. Wakfu’s creators don’t hold back their ideas. They aren’t afraid to be super serious, super silly, or anywhere in between.

Season One Highlights:

• Nox, season one’s main antagonist, is my favorite villain out of the entire series (Not counting season four which I haven’t watched yet). He may even be one of my favorite villains of all time!
• The Action. The fight scenes are great throughout the series but the fight scenes in season one are what pulled me into show.
• The Animation. Wakfu has is own distinct look and feel that draws you into that world. You may not understand everything that’s going on, but you’ll sure like how it looks.

Wakfu – Season Two: Still great! But, season two does go deeper into the lore without explaining everything, so you may be wondering what’s going on at times, especially during the final episodes which ramp things up to 11!

Season Two Highlights:

• There’s a joke in the one of the Gobbowl episodes that had me dying when I first saw it. I’ll give you a hint: Broken Glass.
• Goultard. I think he was introduced in this season. Whether he was or not, he was the MVP of season two.
• Percedal’s character development.

Wakfu – OVA – The Quest for the Six Dofus 3-part special: Basically, Wakfu season 2.5. I enjoyed them more during this recent second viewing than the first. Being only 3 parts, the plot is more streamlined than the previous two seasons. Once again, it’s lore heavy, so it may leave you scratching your head at times when characters talk about in-world characters, items, and history without much explanation. There’s also a bigger focus on action. Or, should I say it seems that way because there’s no “filler”/slice of life episodes? In any case, there’s lots of action, especially in the final special.

OVA Highlights:

• The conflict between Yugo and Adamai.
• The Percedal Family just being a family.
• Eva slapping Amalia’s brother for smack talking Percedal.
• The last battle. It’s over-the-top but entertaining.

Wakfu Season Three thoughts.

Like with the OVA, I enjoyed this season more during my recent second viewing. But, I still have issues. Season three is more character driven, so I think it’s best if I break my thoughts down by character. The overall plot is bad guys are after Percedal’s family so he and the rest of the Brotherhood of the Tofu travel to Oropo’s Tower to save them. If you’re only looking for a quick review then I’ll say go watch it. But, if you’re already this deep into the series you don’t need me to tell you that. Let’s get into it!

Yugo

Hmm… I’m a bit indifferent about Yugo. He’s the main character, but not that interesting of a character unless I’m watching him fight. The kid’s got moves, but his personal journey is kind of forced.

Okay. He and Adamaï had a fight (both physical and ideological) over helping Percedal in the OVA and that was interesting. Learning Adamai went missing after their fight was interesting as well as learning Yugo using the Eliotrope Dofus during the OVA inadvertently created reflections of himself—including Oropo. But, while problematic to his “children”, Yugo wasn’t necessarily wrong in doing that.

The season tried to make Yugo feel guilty over doing all of those things including defeating Nox and Qilby, but it all seems like forced drama. Nox and Qilby were Big Bad villains whose actions would, and has, killed a lot of people. Yugo had to stop them. So, why is Yugo haunted by his choice to stop them from doing evil? Is it because he’s just so darn golly nice? Please! I’m not buying it.

And then there’s Oropo dropping the big twist that Yugo inadvertently created the Eliotrope people. Yeah, it sucks they had his memories and got flown through time (I still don’t quite understand it), but, again, that wasn’t Yugo’s intention. He simply wanted to use the Dofus to help his friend SAVE SADIDA KINGDOM. You know? From a guy who once flooded the world! Am I the only one here who doesn’t think it’s crazy not to fight a literal living apocalypse? Yes, there was a risk, but considering the world got screwed over in the past, it’s safe to say the risk is worth it to stop Ogrest once and for all. Get outta here with that fake drama, Adamai and Oropo!

Adamai

I can sum up Adamai’s season long arc with two words: Butt Hurt.

He’s mad because Yugo stole his Dofus and put an already at risk world at risk. So, he joins the Brotherhood of the Forgotten and puts the world at risk. But it’s not his fault, Y’all. The mean ole Oropo didn’t tell Adamai his full plan so whoops! And because of that, Adamai is able to immediately switch sides, joining Yugo & friends in stopping Oropo from destroying the world. …Uh-huh…

Never mind Adamai almost murdering Percedal and seemingly ENJOYING it. Never mind not ever trying to talk to Yugo—who was actively looking for his brother so they could reconcile. Never mind ever trying to explain his goals to anyone and simply did what he wanted without regard for anyone else. Adamai got a get-out-of-jail-free card simply because Oropo didn’t tell him everything. That. Is. Bull. Shit. No one except Goultard ever calls him out on anything he’s done. The same Goultard who Adamai stole the Eliotrope Dofus from and reverted him back to his past corrupted/murdering self. I didn’t hear Adamai apologize to Goultard. Did you hear Adamai apologize to Goultard? To anyone? Screw you, Ad!

Oropo

I wanted to wait until I finished talking about the Brotherhood of the Tofu before rambling on about Adamai and Oropo, but their actions are so tied to Yugo I feel it’s better to do all three together. Besides, they both piss me off and I couldn’t wait to rant.

Where should I begin with Oropo? His self-righteousness? His God complex? Or, his daddy issues? This asshole…

From what I can understand, Oropo’s big brained plan was to replace the do nothing gods of the World of Twelve with his handpicked demigods. Then, use the Eliacube he now owns and Adamai’s Eliotrope Dofus to keep them inline in case the power goes to their heads (Oh, the irony!). Buuuut, destroying the home of the gods would also wreck the World of Twelve. Let me repeat myself: Oropo’s plan was to destroy the world in order to save it. WHAT?!

That alone wins him Stupid of the Year. What’s more is the guy genuinely thinks there’s nothing wrong with his plan, even though he purposefully hid parts of it from his allies knowing they may not like the whole burn-down-your-house-to-heat-your-room type of logic he’s got going on. But, you see… That’s not his fault, Y’all. It’s daddy Yugo’s! Any bad thing he does is all Yugo’s fault because Yugo created him. Oropo takes no responsibly for his actions and instead blames the guy he knows had no idea he created magic copies of himself.

Remember what I said about Oropo wanting demigods replacing the gods? Then why in the hell does he want Ruel to replace the Enutrof God? Is he secretly a demigod? I don’t know. That question was never answered. Also, forcing someone to become a god doesn’t seem like a good idea, especially if that person is your ENEMY. What’s the logic here? I can’t tell you what, but I can tell you where it is: In the toilet swimming with the rest of Oropo’s ideas.

According to Oropo, Yugo is the bad guy here because he puts the world at risk and didn’t take care of his people he never knew he had created. Not that any of that stops Oropo from wanting to BE like daddy. All of Yugo’s copies hold his memories, meaning Oropo’s been lusting after Amalia this whole time. That’s a new level of daddy issues when you want to bang your father’s crush.

Oh! And did I forget to mention Oropo wanted to spread Amalia’s cheeks all this time while he was screwing another woman! He played Echo for a chump and the series had the nerve to give those two a romantic farewell before both blowing up. You two deserve each other—and that bomb to the face.

Echo

May as well talk about Echo since I mentioned her earlier. She’s Oropo’s other confidant—but unlike Adamai—Echo seems to know Oropo’s full plan. It’s also implied her and Oropo have been bed buddies for centuries. So, all the times he’s been screwing Echo he’s been thinking about Amalia. Ouch!

I’m disappointed with Echo. When she showed up in the OVA, I assumed she was a final boss character. But, no. She’s just some demigod groupie trying to please her man. And just like Oropo, she’s self-righteous as hell, talking about how Team Yugo puts the world in danger as much as saving it while she has done jack shit. At least Team Yugo is trying. Believe it or not, saving the fricking world is tough. But I guess it’s easy to judge people high up in your tower. Right, Echo? What a waste of a character.

Amalia

Princess Amalia, it’s your turn. I’m conflicted with her character. On one hand, I enjoy Amalia’s connection with Yugo and her personality when she’s being kind. On the other hand, it’s been how many years and she’s still a stuck-up ass?! You’d think having all of her adventures would’ve humbled her more but nope. She’s still being a dick to her friends, especially Percedal. I’m so glad Elely called Amalia out on her bad attitude. The Brotherhood of Tofu saved the world together. Each of them should have a high opinion of one another. It just feels like Amalia’s snide remarks are there because the show creators think it’s funny but it doesn’t make sense given what all of them have been through together.

There’s also her and Yugo’s drama which is mostly nice, but it’s one of those if-they-just-talk-it-out-there-wouldn’t-be-drama subplots. The show even did the classic I Over Heard You Saying Bad Stuff About Me scene. I think Yugo growing at a slow rate is enough. You don’t have to pile on more drama for drama’s sake.

Which brings me to Amalia getting cozy with Oropo. What the actual hell, lady?! Some dude you don’t know—and who’s probably a bad guy—floats down and kisses you without permission, and it’s okay because he’s hot? Maybe I should go easy on Amalia because she was upset over what Yugo (and Fake Ruel) said at the time, but come on! You’re trying to save one of your closest friends. There are potential enemies everywhere. Keep your head in the game!

And because Oropo’s looks so good bare-chested and reveals to be a part of Yugo, Amalia’s suddenly fully onboard with his plan. The same plan that involves kidnapping her pregnant friend. Ugh! How horny are you? I get it. Oropo’s an adult version of Yugo, but do you have to be so desperate for that Eliotrope dick? Can the female characters in this show be nothing more than lovestruck idiots? Answer: Yes, but we’ll get to them later. There’s one more heartbroken character to get to.

Ruel and Arpagone

This is one mess of a subplot.

We learn this season that Ruel is married but hasn’t seen his wife in decades because when she told him to choose money over her (Ah! The classic lovers ultimatum.), he chose money. That right there already is toxic. Let me get this straight… You two were soooo in love you spent all of your money on each other? Give me a break! That’s a weak excuse for two extremely greedy people in love to have discourse. Again, it’s another cheap way to drum up more drama.

Ruel is a fine character. He’s mostly tagging along and helping the team when he can. Adding this backstory could’ve worked but there’re too many plot holes. For one, why does Oropo want Ruel to be a god? Is it because he sees him as a friend/father figure because he shares Yugo’s memories? Again, is he secretly a demigod? We. Don’t. Know. It’s never answered so this development comes off as just dumb and an excuse to separate Ruel from the group and give him something to do.

Arpagone was done dirty. She admits Ruel broke her heart and still goes through the trouble of having him kidnapped all in an effort of turning him into a god so they can be together forever. Together? Forever? With the guy who broke your heart? You’re still in love this guy after several DEACADES? You never moved on? That’s just sad. I’m not saying Arpagone can’t still love Ruel, but she shouldn’t let that stop her from finding a partner whose willing to make the same monetary sacrifice as her. It all makes Arpagone look pathetic. There had to be a better way to do this subplot. Ruel ain’t worth the trouble. And frankly, neither is Arpagone.

The Percedal Family

I love them! I love love love this family so much that they are easily the best thing to come out of this season other that the usual stellar animation and action scenes. It’s there interactions that do it for me. They ARE a family. They talk like a family. They have disagreements like a family. They help each other like a family should. Every time one of them is onscreen I’m glued to my seat. I find every member of the Percedal Family a joy to watch. This family saved season three for me!

Percedal. I love seeing him caring for his family. This man who absolutely loves fighting gave up being an adventurer for his family and has no regrets whatsoever. You can see it in how he interacts with his family. Percedal is still an idiot but he’s a loveable idiot and easily the most likable member of the Brotherhood of Tofu.

Evangeline. Another great character. It’s unfortunate she spends a good chunk of the season stuck in Oropo’s Tower but she’s got the excuse of being pregnant and being a reason why the Brotherhood confronts Team Oropo. Plus, she’s not just sitting on her butt waiting to be saved. She and Flopin are actively trying to escape and eventually does, sorta. Also, I love her interactions with Flopin. They are a team and you can see it. Eva’s badass moments are few in this season but it doesn’t take away from her being a proactive character with a likable personality.

Goultard. What a chad! This guy could’ve easily had an arc about him being bitter toward Percedal similar to how Oropo is to Yugo but it’s the opposite. He values his time with—not only Percedal—but with the entire family. One of my favorite moments of the season is him dancing for joy after Percedal reunites with his family and meeting the newly born baby. All this man wants is to fight and have the love of his father. He ended up with that and more. His interactions with Percedal, his thrilling action scenes, I’m so happy when I see Goultard! He’s da real kickass MVP.

Elely. I love her enthusiasm and loyalty to her family. Her bonding with Percedal while training is sweet. She’s so determined while still being a kid like when she gets upset at times over missing her family or directly stating her opinions about the Brotherhood of Tofu’s various drama and general BS. Seeing her glow with power before performing a big attack in the last episode has me even more interested in where this character is going.

Flopin. He, like Eva, didn’t get much to do. But, what little we saw was meaningful. His constant support for his mother is endearing. Flopin’s not high-energy like Elely, but he’s not afraid to rumble if the situation calls for it. He’s the calmer, more cerebral sibling. It’s no wonder he’s a Cra like Eva. I have to mention the scene of him slapping Eva to keep her awake during child birth. It’s funny yet touching at the same time. By the Iop God, I adore this family!

The other characters aren’t worth going in-depth about, but I will say that I’m interested where Toxine as a character is going in Season 4.

It’s easy to think I hated it, but Wakfu season three is good despite it’s flaws. After experiencing a piece of media, the way I gauge whether it’s good or bad is by asking myself whether or not I regret spending my time on it. Make no mistake, I don’t regret watching Wakfu season three, twice. It’s half as long as the first two seasons and that’s for the better, keeping the story tighter and more focused. The season packs an Iop punch full of action, adventure, fun, and (mostly bad) romance. The animation is beautiful, characters’ personalities are colorful, and the uh… I don’t know… The Feca demigod has an underwear fetish. I’m not making that up. Love it or hate it, Wakfu is never boring.