Every new Star Wars spin-off seems to face an uphill battle. Even well-crafted entries like The Mandalorian and Grogu often get unfairly dismissed, while groundbreaking shows like Andor are prematurely crowned or condemned. But every so often, a project emerges that truly stands apart—and Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi is one of those rare gems.
Born from the acclaimed Star Wars: Visions anthology, which invited top animation studios worldwide to play in the galaxy far, far away, The Ninth Jedi expands on two fan-favorite shorts from Japan's Production I.G. Now, Disney and Lucasfilm have given this story its own series, and it's every bit as vibrant and engaging as the original shorts.
A Fresh Story in a Distant Corner of the Galaxy
The series follows Lah Kara (voiced by Chinatsu Akasaki in Japanese and Kimiko Glenn in English), a young Jedi padawan on a quest to find her missing father, Lah Zima (Shin'ichirô Miki / Simu Liu). But her search is interrupted by the ruthless warlord Nawaam (Nao Omori / Young Mazino), who is conquering planet after planet. Kara must balance her personal mission with the growing threat, leading to a story that feels both intimate and epic.
Visually, The Ninth Jedi is a triumph. The hand-drawn animation rivals the best of Naruto or Attack on Titan, and it's part of a welcome resurgence of traditional animation, alongside recent hits like Aang: The Last Airbender. The Star Wars elements—lightsabers, starships, familiar tropes—are used as seasoning rather than the main course. The series leans more into fantasy than sci-fi, with planets inhabited by elf-like and dwarf-like creatures, giving it a magical charm that sets it apart.
Lightsaber Duels That Redefine the Art
One of the most exciting aspects of The Ninth Jedi is its innovative take on lightsabers. In this universe, a saber's color reflects the wielder's alignment—blue and green for Jedi, red for Sith—but the series explores this concept in deeper, more nuanced ways as the story unfolds. The fight choreography is breathtaking, with each duel carrying weight and personality that many recent live-action Star Wars fights have lacked. It's so impressive that you might wonder why this wasn't released as a theatrical animated feature.
The series also excels in character development, particularly in its later episodes, where moral complexities come to the forefront. It's a bold, creative expansion of Star Wars lore that proves the franchise's potential when given to visionary storytellers.
For fans of Star Wars animation, this is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more underrated gems, check out our take on a spy drama that deserves cult status or a sci-fi gem that deserves a reboot. The Ninth Jedi is a shining example of how Star Wars can continue to surprise and delight—and it's easily one of the best things Lucasfilm has produced in years.
