Star Wars: Visions returns with Volume 3 and it is special.
The concept behind Visions is impressive. The idea of having multiple animation studios create one-off shorts set in the Star Wars universe, without adherence to canon or prior lore, opens up a whole new galaxy of stories that are love letters to every aspect of Star Wars. Now, the series returns with volume 3, featuring new Japanese anime studios and a few returning ones for follow-up episodes on some of the most memorable shorts from the first season. Unsurprisingly, the series continues to be among the best Star Wars has to offer, with volume 3 remaining focused on creativity and a genuine love of Star Wars storytelling.
Anime is known for crafting wondrous, expansive worlds while slowly integrating audiences into them through lovable characters. Here, not only is that the case, but the worlds have a fresh Star Wars flair that adds even more to the inventive stories that these studios have developed. The originality is off the charts. Creating stories that range from a roaming Jedi attempting to help those in need to a young child trying to rescue her caretaker droid from the hands of pirates. Each one of them has their own voice and perspective on what this galaxy, far, far away, means to them.
The stunning animation from each short is one of the biggest appeals of this new volume. Every studio delivers breathtaking animation that will captivate audiences. The artwork behind every story adds so much to the plot. There is so much heart not only in the characters and the world being constructed, but also in the elaborate, sophisticated animation. The animation’s striking nature is felt in every frame. This is an actual love letter to the hard work and passion that go into constructing incredibly detailed anime worlds. There is no doubt that so much care is given to these stories, and it shows in both the storytelling and animation.
Volume 3 continues to build off its previous entries with an array of spirited shorts that demonstrate a genuine love of Star Wars. There is so much originality and innovative takes to their stories that it’s an absolute joy to watch. Every short felt like a journey into an unknown Star Wars world, filled with memorable characters and fun, new adventures. The shorts span from contemplative explorations of the deeper themes of the force to lively, charming tales with young, brash protagonists. The wide-ranging stories align perfectly, creating a beautiful arrangement of shorts that appeal to both anime and Star Wars fans alike. Star Wars: Visions continues to deliver some all-time Star Wars stories.
