"Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi" Review: The Force Finds Fresh Anime Energy

It’s hard to believe we are only a year away from the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. I first saw one of the films on the big screen in 1997 when George Lucas released the Special Editions, and I’m not deeply entrenched in the fandom.

The franchise has experienced ups and downs since being sold to Disney, but I still feel a boyish excitement whenever a new project is released. The latest installment is “Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Je”*, and this time, that excitement feels well-deserved.

This eight-episode anime series follows Lah Kara as she trains under Margrave Juro and joins a group of Jedi-in-training on a mission to save her father. Production I.G understands something that some Star Wars projects have forgotten: this universe should feel dangerous, strange, and fun before it starts to explain itself.

Director Shunsuke Tada and writer Mitsuyasu Sakai keep the episodes engaging. There is little dead air, and the action delivers the quick pace fans expect from anime while maintaining the familiar Star Wars rhythm of duels, moral choices, mysterious mentors, and young heroes deciding what kind of Jedi they want to become. The lightsabers still carry a spiritual weight rather than functioning merely as glowing baseball bats.

Kimiko Glenn imbues Kara with determination without dulling her fear. Andrew Kishino lends authority to Juro, while Masi Oka, Patrick Seitz, JP Karliak, Simu Liu, and the English dub cast keep the fellowship lively. These heroes are interesting because they are not yet fully formed. They question themselves, clash with one another, and occasionally seem just one bad decision away from disaster.

However, the series’ quick pacing is also its biggest weakness. Some character relationships would benefit from an additional scene to deepen the emotional stakes. A rescue mission involving Kara’s father should resonate more than it sometimes does, and a few supporting Jedi appear to be introduced just before the story speeds toward its next battle.

“The Ninth Jedi” succeeds because it honors the mythology without simply revering it. Its Japanese animation roots bring fresh movement, visual personality, and cultural texture to the Force. This is precisely what Star Wars needs as it approaches its 50th anniversary: creators who understand the old motifs but aren’t afraid to remix them.

While I may not know every corner of the galaxy, I know when a Star Wars story makes me smile, and “The Ninth Jedi” does just that.

Final Grade: B+

All episodes of “Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi” premiere today on Disney+ and Hulu.