The Ninth Jedi


Production I.G. brings us "The Ninth Jedi." This studio is one of the older ones working on the project, founded in 1987 and so their list of accomplishments is long. They have worked on some pretty famous creations, including Ghost in the Shell, Guilty Crown, and Tales of Symphonia. The I.G. in the studio's name come from the last names of the company's founders: Mitsuhisa Ishikawa and Takayuki Goto. In "The Ninth Jedi," a shady intergalactic call to arms is sent to a host of Jedi, some of whom answer the message. But not all as it seems and the twists and turns in this episode will keep you guessing. In the middle of all the action, we also meet a young lightsaber-maker. Star Wars: Visions episodes seem short at times, and leave you hungry to learn more about the characters inhabiting the stories, a clear sign of success.

I.G. Production

Science Saru brings us two Visions episodes from their headquarters in Kichioji, Tokyo. Science Saru is no stranger to American animation culture as its first release was an episode of the American animated series Adventure Time. 2021 has been busy for Science Saru; in addition to contributing two episodes to Visions, they have released an original net animation series based on the Tale of the Heike, a 13th-century historical epic. For Visions, Science Saru presents "TB-01," a kawaii, glitchy coming-of-age story about a boyish droid who dreams about becoming a Jedi, and "Akakiri," a dark story about an evil aunt who overthrows a princess. Her old flame enlists two quirky locals to guide him to the palace, where a battle ensues. Both episodes have contrasting vibes but both share the trait of having stunning visuals that Science Saru is known for; their animation production method is award-winning, combining hand-drawn and digital animation to stunning effect.

Like Studio Colorido, Geno Studio is also part of the Twin Engine umbrella. They have been around since 2015 and are yet another Tokyo-based studio. Geno Studio contribution is "Lop and Ocho," another episode with heavy Japanese influences. After an Akira-like city sours on their relationship with Imperial overseers, a family is split upon their feelings about the future of the planet. Lop and Ocho are sisters, Lop having been freed from Imperial slavery and adopted by Ocho's family. Their father leads an insurrection against the Empire, and the sisters must choose sides. Will family survive, or will it tear them apart? Geno Studio is best known for their adaption of the famous science fiction novel Genocidal Organ by writer Project Itoh.

All nine episodes of Star Wars: Visions can be watched in either Japanese or English. Streaming now on Disney+.