Star Wars: Visions Season 3 – A Return to the Roots of Japanese Anime Storytelling
Star Wars: Visions Season 3 continues the great animation experiment Lucasfilm began back in 2021 — a series of short films created by different animation studios, all celebrating the Star Wars universe through their own artistic lenses.
While these stories aren’t canon, they overflow with love for the galaxy far, far away — filled with Easter eggs, musical cues, sound effects, and storytelling styles that feel right at home in the saga. Each studio brings its own visual identity and narrative rhythm, with episodes ranging from 13 to 23 minutes.
Season 1 partnered exclusively with legendary Japanese animation studios, while Season 2 expanded globally. Now, Season 3 brings things full circle — returning to Japanese creators such as Project Studio Q, Production I.G, and Kinema Citrus.
This season also features three direct sequels to fan-favorite shorts from Season 1:
- “The Duel: Payback” continues the story of the Ronin from The Duel (S1 E1)
- “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” continues The Ninth Jedi (S1 E5)
- “The Lost Ones” continues The Village Bride (S1 E4)
Here’s a breakdown of each episode, the studio behind it, and my brief (spoiler-light) thoughts.
S3 E1 · The Duel: Payback
Studio: Kamikaze Douga & ANIMA
With the help of some unexpected allies, Ronin faces off against his greatest foe — a twisted Jedi known as the Grand Master who is bent on revenge.
My Review:
This direct continuation of The Duel keeps the striking black-and-white aesthetic, with selective splashes of color used for dramatic effect. The world of The Ronin has expanded into novels and comics (Ronin: A Visions Novel by Emma Mieko Candon and two prequel comics), so this short feels like a natural extension of an already rich story world. It’s stylish, moody, and confidently mythic.
S3 E2 · The Song of Four Wings
Studio: Project Studio Q
A princess-turned-rebel protects a child from the might of the Empire on a snowbound planet.
My Review:
A classic anime-style Star Wars story with some standout visuals. The Princess’s droid transforms into flying armor, essentially turning her into a one-woman X-Wing — a wonderfully creative twist. There’s also a charming new sentient creature that folds origami cranes (with a fun surprise I won’t spoil here). The AT-ATs bursting through the snow are jaw-dropping. “The Song of Four Wings” is my second favorite short of the bunch!
S3 E3 · The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope
Studio: Production I.G
Pursued by Jedi Hunters and blasted adrift into space, Kara encounters a seemingly abandoned ship tended by a mysterious droid.
My Review:
A surprising follow-up to The Ninth Jedi that takes Kara’s story in an unexpected direction. The hybrid animation (3D environments with 2D characters) works beautifully, and the emotional arc hits hard. Like season one, this entry features the best score — sweeping, soulful, and distinctly Star Wars, composed by Yugo Kanno. (Though Yuko’s Treasure comes close.) My favorite short of the season.
S3 E4 · The Bounty Hunter
Studio: WIT Studio
A rogue bounty hunter takes on a job for a shady industrialist that has unexpected consequences for her and her droid.
My Review:
This one stands out for the split-personality droid — part assassin, part medic — who acts as both conscience and chaos for its owner. WIT Studio delivers slick visuals and sharp pacing, giving this episode the feel of a mini action-thriller. If you enjoyed The Mandalorian, check out this short.
S3 E5 · Yuko’s Treasure
Studio: Kinema Citrus
A sheltered orphan teams up with a street-rat kid to rescue his droid caregiver and find a long-lost treasure.
My Review:
An adorably animated story filled with heart (and Easter eggs). The score blends traditional Japanese instruments with Star Wars motifs — easily one of the best musical moments of the season and a close second to “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope”. The story takes place on Tatooine, featuring familiar sights and even the Mos Eisley Cantina. Yuko’s droid companion, BILY (“Baby I Love You”), steals the show — and may or may not go full Darth Bear by the end. You will absolutely want plush toys of BILY, animals, and droids. Cute, chaotic, and full of charm.
S3 E6 · The Lost Ones
Studio: Kinema Citrus
After assisting refugees escape a natural disaster, an incognito F is forced to confront the ghosts of her past when their ship is intercepted by the Empire.
My Review:
Visually intriguing, with distinct color outlines on hair and clothing that make each scene pop. The story introduces the concept of Carbonite mining — a clever twist on a familiar Star Wars material. While dialogue-heavy at times, the opening nods to Back to the Future (complete with a yellow space suit) are delightful. Overall, however, I felt a little lost watching “The Lost Ones” even though this is a sequel to S1 The Village Bride.
S3 E7 · The Smuggler
Studio: TRIGGER
A smuggler, desperate for a quick payday, agrees to take on a job to bring a wanted young prince to safety as the Empire pursues.
My Review:
A classic smuggler-with-a-heart-of-gold tale — equal parts character drama and intense action. The older woman who protects the prince absolutely steals the spotlight, with fluid fight choreography and a final reveal that lands perfectly. The signature TRIGGER energy and anime flair are on full display here. I found myself wishing this story would continue — it feels like a sequel is inevitable.
S3 E8 · The Bird of Paradise
Studio: Polygon Pictures
After she is blinded in battle, a hot-headed Jedi Padawan must undergo spiritual trials to overcome the temptation of the Dark Side.
My Review:
A touching meditation on fear and inner strength, told through the metaphor of blindness. The shifting visual style — alternating between what the Padawan sees and senses — is stunning. George Takei voices a wise chameleon mentor who helps her face her inner darkness. Think The Clone Wars S6 E12 “Destiny” in which Yoda faces his dark-side self, but with a painterly twist. This short ranks as my #3.
S3 E9 · BLACK
Studio: David Production
A psychedelic battle between past and present, light and dark, life and death plays out in the haunted psyche of an Imperial trooper on the cusp of defeat.
My Review:
Visually and musically wild — the Sergeant Pepper’s of Star Wars. A sensory overload of color, motion, eyes, mouths, and some Jazz thrown in for good measure. It feels like a Force vision on too much spice. You’ll either love or hate it, but you definitely won’t forget it. It ranks at the bottom of my list.
Final Thoughts
Visions Season 3 brings the series back to its anime roots while continuing to push the boundaries of what Star Wars can look and feel like. The combination of returning stories, new animation techniques, and deeply emotional beats make this volume one of the strongest yet. You can watch all of them right now on Disney+.
