Star Wars: Visions was a special project when it dropped in 2021, bringing us 9 unique visions of Star Wars through anime studio’s own ideas and sensibilities, managing to capture that Star Wars feel in a whole new package. For many, it was a gateway into anime, not anime fans it was the perfect marriage of two things they really love. It was just cool overall to see Japanese studios allowed to do their own thing in the universe, so having a panel to look back at the process of making it is such a great idea and a wonderful way to honor the work the various teams brought to the small screen. Thankfully, the first volume of stories isn’t the end of the concept of Visions, as a Volume 2 has been announced for Spring 2023! Head below for more details, like which cultures we’ll see represented with the new teams, and some glimpses of the upcoming Art Of book!
Instead of going with just one culture, that of the Japanese studios, Volume 2 will expand what Visions means, featuring short films from studios in Japan, India, UK, Ireland, Spain, Chile, France, South Africa, and California. The mention of Japan makes me curious if we’ll get a returning studio and returning story, while India and South Africa teams are the ones I’m most intrigued by at the moment, as studios with those cultural landmarks could bring something just as fresh as the all-anime Volume 1 was; just imagine a Bollywood style Star Wars story…the colors and dancing?! I am so here for it. I’d love it if the Ireland team goes down some Celtic path with their story (including voice acting!), while I’m unsure what California quite means that would be different than most of the animation we’ve gotten in the past, but I don’t picture being disappointed (maybe it’ll be a full-on Western-like take?). Either way, can’t wait to learn more about these upcoming Visions!
At the Marvel Star Wars comics panel, they announced upcoming Visions comics, which will be a continuation of stories we’ve already seen, so very eager to learn what stories they’ll continue and how involved the original anime studio is with the creation of it! If it’s anywhere close to as good as the Ronin novel, we’re in for a treat!
Elsewhere at the panel, they gave behind-the-scenes details on each little tale, but unfortunately this wasn’t live-stream so I don’t have all those tidbits, despite some great live-tweeting from the panel. They did show off some of the Art of Star Wars: Visions book out this October (see below) and I’m so down for that in the fall! Then some of the English voice cast came on the stage, explaining working on the project, from the way too easy yes by Brian Tee to voice Ronin from “The Duel,” to Keone Young (Kamahachi in “Akakiri“) sharing his perspective due to his upbringing and age, saying his voices are his ancestors.
We’ll bring you more as we learn about the next Volume of Visions!
So pumped for the Art of Star Wars Visions — and also they announced a TO-B1 Little Golden Book! pic.twitter.com/dLf9DmGZva
— Skytalkers @ SWCA (@skytalkerspod) May 29, 2022
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.