Film and TV Review: Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
We review the third volume of Star Wars: Visions, a series that has found wide appeal among Star Wars fans, including those who aren’t typically anime enthusiasts like myself. Volume 3 includes nine episodes, matching the previous volumes, and offers a variety of stories ensuring there’s something for every viewer.
While some episodes resonated more with me than others, each one had elements worth appreciating.
The Duel: Payback (23m) — Kamikaze Douga/ANIMA Present
This episode showcases one of my favorite anime styles in the series, though the visuals can occasionally be a bit abstract. It delves into what it truly means to be a Jedi, featuring the Ronin, a former Sith hunter, and Aneé-san, a former Sith turned bodyguard. Both characters embody qualities traditionally associated with Jedi, even more so than the Jedi Grand Master sent to pursue them.
The story inverts the classic Star Wars premise where Sith hunt Jedi; here, the Jedi Grand Master appears more machine than human, highlighting a role reversal. This theme is visually supported by the animation's grey tones, which contrast with the classic bright red and blue lightsabers. Though grey Jedi don’t officially exist in Star Wars canon, this episode embraces the concept creatively and effectively.
As dedicated Star Wars fans, we can spot familiar audio elements from the films, such as Ewok chatter and horn sounds from Return of the Jedi, enriching the experience.
"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."
This volume of Star Wars: Visions continues to blend traditional Star Wars elements with fresh, imaginative storytelling and distinct animation styles.
Author’s summary: Volume 3 of Star Wars: Visions offers diverse stories highlighting new perspectives on Jedi and Sith, mixing creative animation with familiar Star Wars themes and sounds.
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