'Star Wars: Visions' Volume 2 Review
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Star Wars: Visions volume 2 was released this year on May 4th, better known as Star Wars Day. The second volume introduces a whole bunch of new stories from various animators around the globe. The first volume was a massive success and featured some of the biggest names in anime-type animation. Volume 2 is much more expansive, however, and isn’t just Japanese animation this time either. This season focuses on the Dark Side, and following your path in life. Each episode gives us a new story that's based on the Star Wars universe while keeping that Star Wars feel to it.
This season seems to have a much darker tone than the previous one. The episodes dealt a lot with the Sith and darkness. The first episode, appropriately titled ‘Sith” told the story of a Sith apprentice who is trying to live a peaceful life, which is ultimately threatened when her old master comes back. This episode was a 2D animation that was very similar to that of Spider-Man Into The Spiderverse.
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The second episode, titled ‘Screechers Reach” also dealt with the Dark Side. The characters left their mundane lives for adventure. They head over to Screechers Reach where the main character deals with the darkness within the cave. She then has a choice to make at the end, her friends, or the Dark Side. “Journey To The Dark Head” gave off Studio Ghibli vibes, and was the most similar to the episodes in season 1. It dealt with a Jedi and a human trying to deal with and confront the Dark Side. "The Bandits of Golak" tell a story of a brother and sister who leave home by train, to seek safety, all while trying to hide from the Empire. The sister is force sensitive and also features one of the coolest lightsaber duels with an Inquisitor. It's created by 88 Pictures, who draw their inspiration from their Indian culture, which is present throughout the episode.
Image Source: Polygon
Some episodes also brought in the familiar politics of Star Wars as well, especially when it came to the Empire. “In The Stars” told the story of two sisters trying to survive the Empire, after it took everything from them. It features many familiar elements, such as the use of the Force, Imperials, and even an AT-ST walker. 'The Spy Dancer' had beautiful animation, and told the story of a group of Rebels trying to take down the Empire. This was one of the prettiest and most heartbreaking episodes of the season. "The Pit" is the penultimate episode, and shows us the horrors of Imperial slavery. The slaves are made to mine for Kyber crystals, which are a hot, and rare commodity. The slaves are released from their time, but not from the pit they are in. It now becomes a task to survive and to get out.
Some episodes, however, didn't fall into any one category, and they tended to make you feel good. “I Am Your Mother” brings us many familiar ships and an adorable mother-daughter story. It also features a familiar face in that of Wedge Antilles. "Aau's Song", while it deals with Jedi and Sith, is a story about an over-curious girl with a special gift. This is the final episode of the season and by far the most colorful one. This was a great way to end the season.
Image Source: Laughing Place
The animation this season is wonderfully done. It varies between 2D and 3D animation. This season is also much more diverse than the previous, in both the characters and the animation itself. The animation wasn't the only standout either, the music of each episode fits it well. There were many different cultural elements to the music that added another layer of depth to the episode. The lightsaber duels that happen are extremely satisfying and will have fans cheering. There is some overlap with stories, and even though the threat of the Sith is a common element in Star Wars, having it in multiple stories can get a little repetitive. The stories, even the saddest ones, still have that familiar Star Wars message of Hope. All in all, Star Wars: Visions proves that Star Wars is still capable of making original stories that captivate, and inspire audiences.
Rating: 8.5/10
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