Gun X Sword-San [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 13]

Gun X Sword-San: A Hilariously Absurd Spin-Off That Defies Expectations

When Gun X Sword-San first dropped, fans of the original Gun X Sword series were probably scratching their heads. A spin-off featuring chibi puppets of the main cast, led by Wendy and her giant talking turtle, Kameo? It sounded like a joke—and in many ways, it was. But as viewers quickly discovered, this 13-episode omake series wasn’t just a throwaway gag; it was a surprisingly clever and self-aware parody that managed to carve out its own niche.

What Even Is This Show?

For the uninitiated, Gun X Sword-San is a collection of short, comedic episodes tied loosely to the main Gun X Sword storyline. Produced by AIC A.S.T.A and directed by Gorō Taniguchi, the same team behind the original 2005 anime, this spin-off takes the serious, mecha-driven drama of Gun X Sword and flips it on its head. Instead of epic battles and revenge plots, we get Wendy and Kameo breaking the fourth wall, poking fun at the original series’ tropes, and delivering absurdist humor that feels like a fever dream.

The episodes were included as extras on the Gun X Sword DVDs, which explains their short runtime and experimental nature. But don’t let that fool you—this isn’t just filler. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “Surprisingly funny. I was expecting to hate this, but it actually got a few laughs out of me.”

Why It Works (Despite Being Bonkers)

The charm of Gun X Sword-San lies in its sheer unpredictability. The original series was known for its dark themes and intense action, but this spin-off strips away all pretenses and embraces pure chaos. Wendy and Kameo serve as the perfect duo to guide viewers through this madness—Wendy’s deadpan reactions contrast hilariously with Kameo’s over-the-top antics, creating a dynamic that feels fresh even for longtime fans.

One of the standout aspects is how the show doesn’t take itself seriously at all. It mercilessly roasts the original’s melodrama, turning iconic moments into punchlines. For example, the infamous “Claw Man” arc gets reduced to a running gag about how ridiculous the concept of a villain with a claw for a hand really is. It’s this kind of meta-humor that makes Gun X Sword-San feel like an inside joke for fans.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

The reception to Gun X Sword-San has been mixed but leaning toward positive. On forums like MyAnimeList, reactions range from “THIS IS… DIFFERENT :p” to outright praise for its comedic timing. Some viewers admitted they went in with low expectations, only to be pleasantly surprised by how much fun they had. Others appreciated the break from the main series’ heavy tone, calling it a “breath of fresh air.”

That said, not everyone was sold. A few fans felt the humor was too niche or that the puppet-style animation didn’t land for them. But even the critics couldn’t deny that the show had a unique charm—one that’s hard to replicate.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Fans

If you’re a Gun X Sword fan, Gun X Sword-San is a no-brainer. It’s short, weird, and unapologetically silly, but that’s exactly what makes it work. The spin-off doesn’t try to be anything more than a lighthearted parody, and in doing so, it becomes something genuinely entertaining.

For newcomers, this might not be the best introduction to the Gun X Sword universe (start with the main series for that). But if you’re in the mood for something completely off-the-wall, Gun X Sword-San delivers laughs in spades. As one fan succinctly put it: “TIME TO LIVE FOREVER BABY!” And honestly? That’s the energy this show thrives on.

So grab some popcorn, suspend your disbelief, and let Wendy and Kameo take you on a ride that’s as bizarre as it is brilliant. You won’t regret it.