When Star Wars Visions was first released, it was a groundbreaking way to tell new stories in the Star Wars universe. The first volume used traditional animation to tell mindblowing stories with fresh takes on the Jedi mythology. Volume 2 broke away from animation and added stop-motion techniques to its repertoire. 

Volume 3 presents us with new adventures that show there is more to the Star Wars universe than the Skywalker family. Just like TheMandalorian, The Acolyte, Ahsoka, and most recently Skeleton Crew, we see what is happening in other parts of the galaxy and how it is all connected through the Force. Even the animated “Tales of…” series gives the audience other views on familiar situations. This time around, nine episodes vary in length from 15 to 22 minutes.

Here is our breakdown of each episode. 

Kamikaze Douga + ANIMA – “The Duel: Payback”

The Ronin is back again, and this time he is trying to survive an attack by the Grand Master. What history do these two have, and how will this affect the Ronin’s latest hunt? This episode has some amazing action sequences, with one taking place on the feet of an upside-down AT-AT. The Grand Master is both terrifying and remarkable to see in action. 

Project Studio Q – “The Song of Four Wings”

This is one of my favorites from this set. A young princess discovers a lifeform in a village that the Empire has attacked. We see some new tricks from an AT-AT and a fantastic new way to use a speeder. The style of this episode will make this stand out and will make you want a plushie of the Gigoran species.

Production I.G – “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope”

After being jettisoned from her spaceship, Kara floats to an abandoned spaceship where she meets a droid named Teto. After discovering she is a Jedi, Teto asks Kara to help get to his master, who is also a Jedi. The two form a friendship that is challenged when bounty hunters arrive looking for Kara. This is one of the few new episodes that show how droids are more than just companions to their masters. 

WIT STUDIO – “The Bounty Hunters”

Living the life of a bounty hunter is costly, and Sven shows us the struggles in this episode. Trying to get enough money to reprogram her droid, Sven takes a job that will take care of all their financial issues. When confronted with a harsh reality, she must decide to do the right thing or turn their back on the truth. This is a great episode showcasing the moral dilemmas some bounty hunters face. 

Kinema citrus Co. – “Yuko’s Treasure”

This is one of my favorite episodes, which shows that treasure and family are not always the same for everyone. BILY (Baby, I Love You) and Yuko live on Mos Espa and have a great life together until bounty hunters come looking for Yuko’s parents. Some touching moments in this episode show the emotional side of this universe and how the family motif is one of the pillars of Star Wars. 

Kinema citrus Co. – “The Lost Ones”

This is one of the more dramatic episodes of the series. When trying to heal their planet from Carbon gases, a group of villagers meets a Jedi who changes their lives. When evil befalls the group, the Jedi makes a choice that affects the rest of the group. Seeing ghosts of the past, the Jedi must rise above and prove she has grown since they last saw each other. 

TRIGGER – “The Smuggler”

This is a fun one that will bring memories of another smuggler to the forefront. Chita is hired to help two people escape the planet, but the clients are not who they say they are. Learning the truth about her passengers, Chita is on the run for her life. This episode could lead to bigger things, and hopefully, we will see more of Chita in future episodes.

Polygon Pictures – “The Bird of Paradise”

What internal battles go through the mind of a Jedi when they let their emotions get the best of them? In The Bird of Paradise, we see this battle play as a Padawan tries to see the right way and not fall to the Dark Side. Beautiful visuals and existential dialogue will have you guessing which side the Padawan will lean towards. The timeline of each day is a great way to see how time slowly eats away at the positive thoughts of the Jedi.  

david production – “BLACK”

This episode will require multiple viewings due to its intense nature. A stormtrooper running for their life as the Death Star is exploding around them. The images that run through their head as they try to survive make you question why stormtroopers join the Empire in the first place. This is a masterclass in storytelling with minimal dialogue. 

The one last thing to mention is the stellar voice cast this time around. Some of the amazing actors lending their voices to these fantastic episodes are Judith Light, Emma Myers, Ronnie Chieng, Jodi Turner-Smith, Karen Fukuhara, Steve Buscemi. Freddie Highmore, Kimiko Glenn, and George Takei. I might be wrong, but it sounds like Oscar Isaac voices one of the Crusaders in The Duel: Payback. Let us know in the comments if you hear him too. 

Final Thoughts: Star Wars: Visions: Volume 3 is a great addition to the series and expands upon what we have already seen. Each studio involved has provided a fantastic mini-story that fits perfectly in the Star Wars Universe. As with anything related to Star Wars, the stories involve family, moral dilemmas, and the battle between good and evil. Volume 3 is light-years ahead of the last two Volumes, and I can not wait to see Volume 4. 

Violence: The series contains animated violence. Star Wars is known for amputations, and a few are shown in various episodes. 

Kid-Friendly: The themes of family and belonging are in various episodes, and are great for kids to learn. The animated violence is not too disturbing for younger viewers. 

The award-winning anthology of animated short films celebrates the mythology of Star Wars through unique cultural lenses. “Star Wars: Visions” Volume 3 features nine shorts from nine different anime studios—david production, Kamikaze Douga + ANIMA, Kinema citrus Co., Polygon Pictures, Production I.G, Project Studio Q, TRIGGER, WIT STUDIO—to further demonstrate the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation.Volume 1 of “Star Wars: Visions,” which premiered in 2021, received an Emmy® nomination for the short, “The Duel.” The Emmy, Lumière, and Annie Award-winning second volume was released in 2023 and featured shorts by global animation studios, including Aardman, Cartoon Saloon, Triggerfish, and Punkrobot. With Volume 3, the animated anthology returns to where it all began with nine shorts from nine different anime studios to further demonstrate the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation.