Film and TV Review: Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
We review the third volume of Star Wars: Visions, a collection that has found common ground among most Star Wars fans, including those who don’t typically enjoy anime like myself. Volume 3 features nine episodes, consistent with the previous two volumes, offering something for every viewer.
While I preferred some episodes more than others, each contained elements worth appreciating.
The Duel: Payback (23m)
Produced by Kamikaze Douga/ANIMA, this episode features one of my favorite anime styles in Star Wars: Visions, though it can sometimes be visually challenging to follow. It explores the meaning of being a Jedi through characters like the Ronin, a former Sith hunter, and Aneé-san, a former Sith turned bodyguard, who both embody more Jedi qualities than the Jedi Grand Master sent to eliminate them.
This episode flips traditional Star Wars lore: instead of Sith hunting Jedi, here the Jedi Grand Master acts as a more mechanical than human enforcer. The animation’s grey tone contrasts sharply with the vivid red and blue lightsabers, emphasizing this unconventional take.
The concept of Grey Jedi, though non-canonical, is embraced creatively here and executed effectively. As avid Star Wars fans, viewers can also detect familiar sounds from the movies, such as Ewok chatter and horn blasts from Return of the Jedi.
“The Ronin, the former Sith hunting Sith, and Aneé-san, the former Sith turned bodyguard, have more Jedi qualities than the Jedi Grand Master sent to hunt them down.”
“Grey Jedi aren’t supposed to be a thing in canon, but here it’s free game and it’s done really well.”
Author’s summary: Volume 3 of Star Wars: Visions delivers a diverse range of stories that challenge Star Wars canon while offering fresh, engaging animation and compelling character perspectives.