By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is, quite simply, stunning. It’s an explosion of creativity and emotion, wrapped in some of the most visually breathtaking animation I’ve ever seen. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, yet alive and free. It’s bold, beautiful and endlessly imaginative – a true celebration of what makes Star Wars such an enduring, living mythology.
What makes Visions so special is its variety. Each of the nine episodes has its own tone, visual style, and emotional core, yet they all fit together perfectly as a collective anthology. From hand-drawn elegance to striking CGI, from fast-paced duels to heartfelt reflection, there’s genuinely something for everyone here. It’s as if the galaxy has opened its arms to invite every creative soul to share what Star Wars means to them, and the result is nothing short of mesmerising.
The series thrives on character – every short feels deeply personal, as it follows individuals trying to find their place in the vast expanse of the galaxy. Whether it’s a wandering Ronin, a hopeful Padawan or a rogue Bounty Hunter, each story feels grounded in emotion and self-discovery. It’s Star Wars distilled to its essence – hope, growth and the eternal struggle between light and dark – but told through fresh and diverse voices from around the world.
Episode 1, “The Duel: Payback” by Kamikaze Douga, absolutely blew me away. The slick black-and-white animation, punctuated by flashes of colour, is pure cinematic joy. It’s a visual poem of motion and style, with breathtaking ‘camera’ work that makes every lightsaber duel feel both dynamic and intimate. The humour lands perfectly too – the Ewoks are devastatingly funny, offering just the right balance of charm and chaos.
Kinema Citrus Co. delivers not one but two wonderful entries – “Yuko’s Treasure” and “The Lost Ones” – both packed with heart, imagination and beautiful, fluid animation. There’s a certain warmth and humanity in their storytelling that reminds you why you fell in love with Star Wars in the first place.
The final episode, “BLACK” by David Production, is unlike anything else in the anthology – a jazz-infused fever dream that’s as hypnotic as it is psychedelic. It’s bold, daring, and completely mesmerising, a finale that reminds you that Visions isn’t just about storytelling, it’s about expression.
My personal favourite, though, has to be “The Song of Four Wings” by Project Studio Q. From the moment it began, I was transported straight into the feeling of The Empire Strikes Back – that perfect mix of snowy adventure, melancholy and awe. It’s visually and thematically extraordinary, and it features the standout moment of the entire Volume – you’ll know it when it happens. It genuinely gave me goosebumps. The characters are full of life and personality, and the story hits every emotional note flawlessly.
“The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” by Production I.G continues the story from Volume 1, and while it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as its predecessor, it’s still a wonderful exploration of hope and destiny. Knowing this story is being expanded into its own limited series is incredibly exciting – there’s so much potential there, and this episode only deepens that anticipation.
Another absolute highlight is “The Bird of Paradise” by Polygon Pictures. I know some fans are divided on the more computer-generated look, but I thought it was visually creative and deeply moving. It’s a story of a tormented Padawan trying to find inner balance is a perfect exploration of the Jedi way – that learning to wield the Force also means learning to understand yourself.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is a breathtaking achievement. It’s visually stunning, emotionally rich and brimming with creativity. It celebrates diversity of thought, style and storytelling while staying fundamentally true to what Star Wars is – a story of hope, courage and endless imagination. It’s bold, expressive and utterly joyous – proof that Star Wars, at its heart, will always be a living mythology, one that continues to grow, evolve and inspire. Visions doesn’t just expand the universe – it reimagines it, and in doing so, reminds us why we fell in love with a galaxy far, far away in the first place.
X-Geeks 