As someone who’s loved this series since it began, I’ve always appreciated how Star Wars: Visions allows creators to reinterpret the galaxy far, far away through unique animation styles and storytelling perspectives. What started as an anime anthology in its first season evolved into something broader in Volume 2, incorporating a variety of animation styles from around the world. With Volume 3, however, the series returns to its anime roots, offering nine new shorts—some completely new, others serving as sequels to fan-favorite episodes. The result is a visually dazzling, emotionally varied collection that once again shows the boundless creativity that thrives when Star Wars meets animation.
Episode 1: “The Duel – Payback”
A sequel to the original Visions standout, “The Duel,” this episode sees Ronin face off against a ruthless Jedi master driven by vengeance. The animation, once again blending striking black-and-white visuals with splashes of color, is crisp and cinematic. The story builds perfectly to a slick lightsaber showdown under a red kyber sky. It captures everything that makes Visions great—style, atmosphere, and heart-pounding duels. It’s an epic way to kick off the season and easily one of my favorites.
Episode 2: “The Song of Nine Wings”
Set against a frozen battlefield of mechs and X-wings, this short follows a pilot and her astromech as they fight for survival in a forgotten corner of the galaxy. It’s colorful, vibrant, and packed with over-the-top anime flair. The main character is charming, the visuals are gorgeous, and it feels reminiscent of “The Twins” from Season 1—fun, fast, and delightfully exaggerated. It’s not the most emotionally deep episode, but it’s an absolute blast to look at.
Episode 3: “The Ninth Jedi – Child of Hope”
Serving as a follow-up to the fan-favorite “The Ninth Jedi,” this chapter brings back Kara, now drifting among the stars while hunted and still determined to find her father. There’s great action and some stunning animation, but it’s clear this is more of a set up than a complete story. It ends with a “to be continued,” which makes it feel like connective tissue rather than a self-contained short. Still, it’s an enjoyable continuation with heartfelt moments and a lovable new droid companion named Tetto.
Episode 4: “The Bounty Hunters”
On the outer fringes of the galaxy, a masked bounty hunter and her droid partner take on a dark contract with far-reaching implications. This one pulls you in right away with its striking visuals and dynamic character interplay—especially the droid’s dual personalities that shift mid-conversation. It’s got great Star Wars themes of hope and freedom, plus some slick action sequences. One of the cooler, more cinematic entries this season.
Episode 5: “Yuko’s Treasure”
What starts as a lighthearted search for a stolen trinket becomes a touching lesson about what truly matters. With adorable characters like Billy—the big, bear-like creature with a microwave belly—this short is pure charm. It channels the heart of Star Wars while evoking the warmth of Studio Ghibli and early 2000s anime. Not the most lore-heavy or action-packed, but easily one of the cutest and most uplifting episodes of the bunch.
Episode 6: “The Lost Ones”
A sequel to “The Village Bride,” this story follows a hidden protector trying to help refugees escape the Empire after a natural disaster. Beautifully animated with breathtaking space and lightsaber sequences, it balances melancholy with hope. The master-and-padawan dynamic here is compelling, and even without rewatching the original, it’s easy to follow. It’s a standout that proves Visions can expand on existing stories while still feeling fresh.
Episode 7: “The Smuggler”
A rogue pilot and her eccentric crew take on one last dangerous cargo run across the lawless reaches of the galaxy. What follows is classic Star Wars—rebellion, freedom, double-crosses, and fast-paced adventure. The animation is stellar, the pacing sharp, and it perfectly captures that timeless sense of swashbuckling fun. It’s another highlight that feels like it belongs in the Star Wars universe while still bursting with anime energy.
Episode 8: “The Bird of Paradise”
A Jedi Padawan, blinded by betrayal, must reclaim her purpose on a dangerous yet beautiful world. Visually stunning and rendered in 3D animation (a first for this season), it starts strong with a gorgeous lightsaber battle but loses some momentum. Thematically, it’s an introspective exploration of inner darkness and rediscovering faith in the Force, but its slower pacing and wandering narrative make it feel less engaging. A fascinating idea that doesn’t quite soar.
Episode 9: “Black”
The most experimental short in the season, “Black” is a surreal, dialogue-free descent into the mind of a fallen stormtrooper. It’s visually striking, abstract, and trippy—filled with symbolic imagery, flashing lights, and jazz-infused chaos. But while it’s ambitious, it’s also the least “Star Wars”-like of the bunch, lacking story or characters to latch onto. More an artistic experiment than a narrative short, it’s likely to divide audiences.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is a visually stunning return to the series’ anime roots. While not every short lands—especially the final two—it’s still a testament to the creative freedom this format allows. The returning episodes like “The Duel – Payback,” “The Lost Ones,” and “The Ninth Jedi – Child of Hope” stand tall, while newcomers like “Yuko’s Treasure” and “The Smuggler” bring warmth and fun. It’s another reminder that the galaxy far, far away can thrive outside the Skywalker Saga, and when anime meets Star Wars, the Force truly feels limitless.
Rating: 8.5/10