“Remember, that while the Force exists in every living thing, only those individuals who develop their connection to it will have the power1 to wield it.“
– Lah Zhima
Star Wars Visions was introduced to the fandom in what I remember as a blank era for the franchise; The Mandalorian had wrapped up its acclaimed second season a few months prior, leaving fans like me to wonder what was next. When Visions was announced, I was ecstatic, and it did not disappoint. It was full of gems, blending the uniqueness of anime with the iconic feel of Star Wars, making the show such a treat for lovers of both. Perhaps the most complete and visually stunning episode, as the title suggests, is “The Ninth Jedi.” The episode introduces a familiar galaxy in which the Jedi have long vanished, their legacy fading into darkness. With no heroes, it prompts the question of who will revive the Jedi and restore hope in the galaxy.
Created by the studio giant Production I.G., best known for the visual masterpiece Ghost in the Shell, the episode is, at heart, a classic Star Wars story set in the world of anime; the visuals are nostalgic, and the atmosphere embodies the story itself. Kara’s race against time on the speeder is particularly stunning, and in that same scene, the animators give a nod to Akira’s famed bike slide. The cherry on top, however, is the climax of the episode as the Jedi who meet to begin a revival of their institution are revealed to be Sith Acolytes; this sequence is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, showcasing light against dark and good against evil. The final duel in the episode is a classic anime fight, animated with flash and elegance; it becomes a free-for-all between the Sith and a lone Jedi who was hiding among them. Recalling the classic themes of Star Wars, the Sith fight unorthodoxly with rage and anger as the Jedi Master, Juro, eliminates them with fluidity and grace.
Introduced in this episode is one of my favorite pieces of lore in any of the franchise’s media: Lah Zhima, Kara’s father, is a master lightsaber-smith who creates weapons with a unique power system. The kyber crystals, the heart of the blade, react to the wielder of the blade, creating a Force-imbued bond between the crystal and the weapon’s user that determines the color and strength of the blade; this ties into the nature of kyber crystals and how they are, in essence, alive and a physical manifestation of the Force.
Wrapping up, “The Ninth Jedi” brought back the feelings of awe and joy I had when I first watched Star Wars as a kid; the mythology and lore align with the franchise perfectly while maintaining the classic anime feel with a beautiful atmosphere and epic visuals. Like many, I find comfort in certain movies and television series; this episode revitalized my love for Star Wars, truly showing what it means to be a fan, whether it be nostalgic feelings or warm entertainment.