Star Wars Visions is a unique concept where seven anime studios have created nine Star Wars inspired anime episodes. These episodes are separate from one another, as well as from the rest of the Star Wars universe.
The studios employ a variety of animation styles, making each episode visually different.The episodes themselves are a mixed bag, with some standout episodes and some that fall flat.Ā
But firstly, the length of each episode is important to look at. They vary from 13 minutes to 22. This is a plus of the series, as it allows each studio to tell their specific story in their own time, without having time constraints. More often than not, it causes the audience to want more from the episode they are watching, and not thinking that episodes are too long. This also improves the rewatchability of each episode, and its ability for the audience to binge it.
There are a few episodes that stand out. These include episode one (The Duel), episode two (Tatooine Rhapsody), episode three (The Twins) and episode eight (Lop & Ocho). Visually, all of these episodes are amazing. The Duel is mostly in black and white, and takes inspiration from the samurai films that Star Wars is inspired by.
The Twins have exceptional visual style towards the end of it, and Tatooine Rhapsody is consistent throughout. Lop and Ocho did not strike visually, but their plotline is compelling. Episode five (The Ninth Jedi), explores lightsabers in a new way, which make it closerĀ
Meanwhile, unfortunately some of the episodes that fall flat are episode six (T0-B1), episode seven (The Elder) and episode nine (Akakiri). T0-B1 takes too long to start its story, the Elder is a less interesting (both from a visual and plotline perspective) repeat of episode one, and Akakiri is quite confusing. Episode four (The Village Bride) falls near this category too, however its plotline isnāt too simplistic nor a repeat.Ā
However these episodes fall into similar tropes. Many repeat a variation of the phrase āI have a bad feeling about thisā, and they have plotlines that are based on wandering Jedi, something that is noticeable when all are viewed in a short timeframe. Finally, in episode three, the Empire is using another planet killing weapon.
These tropes are disappointing to see in a series so disconnected from the rest of the universe, as it misses a chance to have full originality. While obvious concepts like Jedi, the Empire, lightsabers etc are used, they should be used in unique ways. Episodes that make full use of the uniqueness are Tatooine Rhapsody, and Lop and Ocho.Ā
It is also clear that while audiences might explore more anime shows after watching this show, the intention is for anime fans to discover Star Wars. This isnāt a critique, but audiences who are less familiar with anime might struggle to connect to the episodes.
Disney and Lucasfilm should receive applause for trying something new with Star Wars (long may it continue) but this series has limited appeal.Ā
Overall, while this series is a unique experience in the Star Wars world, a second season should not happen. While anime offers a unique style to explore, Disney should instead focus on making more non-canon stories in other ways.
Anime is a niche way to explore the world, and this may harm the performance of the show. The episodes are entertaining enough, but even though the short length enables an easy rewatch, audiences wonāt be clamouring to do it.Ā
Rating: 6/10Ā Ā
By Kieran Burt
Feature image: Lucas Film