Source is from season 1, episode 1.

This show might not be the first thing you think of when somebody asks about an anime, but it is made by the same anime studios as all the other series we watch and discuss here (season 1 also has an AniList page)

In case you weren’t aware, George Lucas drew huge inspiration from the works of Akira Kurosawa when he created Star Wars (article all about it). So, when they announced a show in which Japanese studios were allowed to create original stories inspired by Star Wars, it felt a bit like closing the loop. This also is why I chose a clip from this episode, because it is the most clearly Kurosawa influenced in both style and story.

Each episode of this series is made by a different studio (with Trigger and Science SARU doing two episodes each) and is a standalone story. This episode was made by Kamikaze Douga. If you are looking for recommendations for other episodes to watch, I would recommend in no particular order:

  • The Village Bride - Episode 4 - Kinema Citrus
  • The Twins - Episode 3 - Trigger
  • The Ninth Jedi - Episode 5 - Production I. G.
  • The Elder - Episode 7 - Trigger
  • MentalEdgeEnglish
    5·
    9 months ago

    I love this series. I’ve not watched season 2, which is by western animation studios.

    But I can scarcely believe Disney allowed this. They gave the Star Wars license to creative people and let them make whatever the fuck they wanted.

    My favorite is The Ninth Jedi, which makes some changes to how lightsaber colors work compared to canon, and then uses it to tell a story and give several moments serious, delicious, impact.

    Spoiler

    That moment when Kara’s saber gained a color gave me goosebumps!

    Every episode is worth seeing, but the ones you listed are the highlights IMO. I’d also mention episode 8, it’s a little weaker in comparison but stands out due to its animation and more detailed surroundings compared to other episodes.

    • wjs018@ani.socialOPMEnglish
      3·
      9 months ago

      I agree on episode 8. I didn’t include it in my short list because the story is a bit weak, but visually it is gorgeous.

      I watched season 2 and it was definitely weaker overall. If I had to pick a couple episodes that were worth watching…

      • Episode 1 - Sith - This is a surreal episode. The story isn’t the easiest to follow, but I loved the artwork in this episode. Just consider it a visual showcase more than anything.
      • Episode 2 - Screecher’s Reach - Made by Cartoon Saloon (Secret of the Kells, WolfWalkers), this one is a really good story. I don’t want to spoil things by saying more.
      • Episode 9 - Aau’s Song - A lot of the episodes from this season have some kind of focus on kyber crystals, but I like how it is portrayed in this episode the most. The lack of dialog is made up for by the expressiveness and style of the animation.

      I wrote all that, but I wouldn’t really go out of my way for season 2. I suspect that Disney may have had more story input for season 2 because there wasn’t nearly as much liberty taken with respect to established Star Wars lore. Things like what happen in The Ninth Jedi, that stand in direct contrast to established lore, just aren’t happening in any of the episodes in season 2.

      • MentalEdgeEnglish
        3·
        9 months ago

        Hah. I bet Disney saw the “achsuallys” in the comments and decided “can’t have upset star wars fanatics”, then proceeded to strangle further creative experimentation outside canon.

        I want one of the episodes from S1 to be expanded into a full season so badly. Can you imagine a Yamato 2202 style story arc set in one of these alternative star wars canons? Putting old IPs into new hands and going “do what feels right” has so much potential, and S1 straight up proves it.