Star Wars: Visions is a new kind of Star Wars tv show. It sees many different animation studios from around the world showcase their interpretation of the Star Wars galaxy.

I hated the first season (or 'volume' as they call it) of Visions and have not been quiet about it. I called it 'the worst thing to come out of Star Wars since the infamous holiday special' and gave it a rating of two out of ten. Still, I gave the second season a chance. And I'm glad I did because the second season was a big improvement from the first. In today's Compared review, I am going to look at what made the second season so much better than the first.

The biggest difference between the first and second seasons is that all the episodes of season one were anime. For those who don't know, anime is a kind of hand-drawn animation style originating from Japan. And it is really not for me. I know that there is a significantly large group of people who love and adore anime. But I find it difficult to watch this kind of animation and find it hard to catch onto this kind of storytelling. However, whilst season 2 featured some anime episodes, the animation studios that contributed to this season came from all across the globe. This resulted in a much wider range of animation with studios from Ireland, France, Chile, South Africa and India all being showcased. I much preferred this broader range as it meant there was something for everyone. I liked some episodes more than others (my personal favourites were "Screecher's Reach", "The Pit" and "Aau's Song") but on the whole, I found myself to be enjoying this season much more than the first. I liked most episodes but disliked a couple. Whereas, in season one, I disliked most episodes but liked a couple. I think that this season will appeal to a wider audience due to how much more it has to offer.

Another reason for my love of this season was that the episodes could more easily fit into the Star Wars canon. The Star Wars 'canon' refers to what is considered to be part of the official Star Wars timeline. It has been stated that neither season of Star Wars: Visions is to be considered 'canon'. However, season two seemed to better acknowledge the existing Star Wars universe and gave us stories that could easily be part of the canon. Whereas, season one felt like something 'inspired' by Star Wars and gave us stories with similar ideas and concepts but wouldn't be able to fit into the timeline. Being a big Star Wars fan and knowing all the events that occur in the timeline, it was easier to watch something that felt more connected to pre-existing stories.

Maybe one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed season two more was that I knew what to expect and my expectations were low. Obviously, the show exceeded my expectations but knowing that it was going to be very different to anything else Star Wars probably helped me to appreciate it more. Now having seen season two, would I change my thoughts on season one? I'm not too sure. I think I may be able to appreciate it more now but probably won't enjoy it any more than I did on my first viewing. Do I want to go back and rewatch the first season? Not particularly. But if I find myself with nothing else to watch then I may consider it.

I would love to see season three of Star Wars: Visions. I did not think I would be saying that after watching season one. But if season three were to be more similar to season two than one, then I would definitely be checking it out. Season two did have some anime episodes, one of which became my favourite, so I am willing to try out something new and unfamiliar. I'd also be interested in seeing some live-action stuff in season three.

I think it is a mix of things that makes the second season so much better than the first. Its the decrease in anime, the ability for it to become more easily canonised, and just the fact that I knew what was coming.

STAR WARS: VISIONS Vol. 1

Studios featured: Kamikaze Douga, Studio Colorido, Trigger, Inc., Kinema Citrus Co., Production IG, Science SARU, Geno Studio

Number of episodes: 9

Favourite episode: "The Elder" (Trigger, Inc.)

Year released: 2021

My rating: 2/10

Compared with…

STAR WARS: VISIONS Vol. 2

Studios featured: El Guiri Studios (Spain), Cartoon Saloon (Ireland), Punkrobot (Chile), Aardman Animations (United Kingdom), Studio Mir Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Studio La Cachette (France), 88 Pictures (India), D'art Shtajio (Japan), Triggerfish (South Africa)

Number of episodes: 9

Favourite episode: "Screecher's Reach" (Cartoon Saloon)

Year released: 2023

My rating: 7.5/10

Review by Tristan Carr

Last edited: 27/08/2023