Visions #1 - Comic Review

2021’s Star Wars: Visions animated series opened the doors to new ways for fans to engage with Star Wars stories. The series has already produced a novel and numerous collectibles ranging from apparel to Funko Pops, and now a comic book. Announced at May’s Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, Star Wars: Visions #1 from Marvel Comics features characters from The Duel, the acclaimed short from producer Kamikaze Douga and director Takanobu Mizuno. The writer of The Duel, Takashi Okazaki, is the writer and artist for Visions #1 and for good reason, he beautifully adapts the Japanese style from the short film into the comic book format, making the one-shot the perfect companion piece to the film.

Visions #1 is a prequel to the events from The Duel and features Ronin and his faithful droid R5-D56. After battling some mountain-dwelling thugs, the Ronin takes a well deserved respite in a hot spring, where he’s visited by a mysterious stranger. The blind elderly man (and his wild mane of hair) forms a quick bond with the Ronin over sake and war stories. They both have dark pasts, one playing the aggressor while the other the victim. A story from the stranger’s past triggers a memory for the Ronin, do the two have some sort of shared history? As their time together comes to an end, Ronin has a revelation which sparks a violent confrontation before they go on their separate ways.

Takashi Okazaki brings the visuals from the short film directly to the pages of Visions #1. The black and white style is striking, filling each panel with frenetic linework and deep pools of black that create a visual language that’s unique to Star Wars. Like the animated short, there are also choice placements of color, which are eye-catching but also useful as a visual aid to readers. The art is intricate and stylized, and I found myself taking more time than usual to soak it all in, it’s quite the visceral experience. The majority of the story is told visually, and while the dialogue may be sparse, Okazaki is intentional with every word. Aiding Okazaki in his vision are Aki Yanagi who provides English translation and VC’s Joe Caramagna handling lettering.

In addition to writing and interior art, Okazaki also provides the main cover art for Visions #1, featuring the blade-wielding Ronin with the stranger as a backdrop. It’s insanely detailed, and a true feast for the eyes. Artist Chris Bachalo similarly leans into Manga-inspired intricacy with his variant cover which has the grim-faced Ronin swarmed by enemies.

Star Wars: Visions #1 fulfills Lucasfilm’s goal of creating the Disney+ anthology series, letting creators with unique styles and perspectives tell Star Wars stories in their own way. Takashi Okazaki has provided a book which is beautiful to look at while expanding what a Star Wars story can be. Don’t miss your chance to add the most unique Star Wars comic book of 2022 to your shelf, Visions #1 is on sale everywhere today!