Clone Wars: Micro Series 1 - the overlooked Star Wars classic
Animation greatness in a just few minutes.
by Scott Rayner
It seemed too good to be true: in 2003, Genndy Tartakovsky (the creator of the cartoon masterpiece ‘Samurai Jack) was given the keys to the Star Wars galaxy. His task was to create a series of animated shorts bridging the gap between George Lucas’ theatrical films Episode 2: Attack of the Clones and (the yet-to-be-released) Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith.
First mentioned by Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original 1977 film, the “Clone Wars” instantly became a fascinating tease of lore. Clones? They’re not in the original trilogy. The Jedi fighting during a war? All uncovered territory - until the prequel trilogy. Even then, it isn’t until the end of Episode 2 that the pay-off to Kenobi’s teaser - decades in the making - finally begins.
Enter Star Wars: CLONE WARS. A series comprising twenty 3–5-minute episodes (for season 1) depicting various adventures across the galaxy, featuring the prequel trilogy’s characters. That alone was exciting, yet its pairing with Tartakovsky even more so. The beloved signature style, scope of vision, and artistic approach to action in Samurai Jack were now being given to Star Wars.
Long ago in a distant land (galaxy)
By the time of the Clone Wars announcement, Samurai Jack had already established itself as one of the greatest animated shows of all time. Creating a unique visual narrative through blending inspirations like Kurosawa, Spaghetti Westerns, Anime, and comic books, Samurai Jack was like nothing else at the time. In what felt like counterprogramming to the established expectations of “children’s” cartoons, Samurai Jack stood out for its mature approach and distinctive personality. Entire episodes with little-to-no dialogue, references to classic cinema, and the aspect ratio changing during expertly storyboarded action - a Star Wars version of this was an unanticipated dream come true.
The only downside to the Clone Wars announcement was that it would indeed be so short. And yet, if anyone could make this restriction work, surely it was the creator of ‘Jack’. This time constraint was improved for the second and final season (which bleeds directly into Episode 3). Yet, for season one, tight execution was required from the creative team to ensure both the story and action lived up to the standard of Star Wars.
The series’ pop culture references contain one of the best “Akira bike-slide” references ever; as Obi-Wan Kenobi pays homage to the anime classic on a speeder bike, before the following episode (“Chapter 9”) evolves into a full-on Akira-like gruesome, mutated boss fight. (Lucasfilm/Disney)
Expanding the galaxy
The series begins with a newsreel-style update from the frontline of the war (something the 2008 Clone Wars series would later adopt as part of its identity). It serves as a catch-up on the events of Episode 2’s finale. Short length aside, the visual narrative is incredibly dense with detail, making it feel much longer. Through this montage, various prequel-era Jedi are shown battling across the galaxy as they slice through battle droids with lightsabers or in starfighters, flying by grand alien vistas. It provides an epic background, and plenty of information, enough to entice immediate re-watching of those precious few minutes. The saga’s overarching story is also maintained: Anakin is shown waving goodbye to Padmé on Coruscant, as Episode 2’s sweeping theme “Across the Stars” plays - its usage a connective tissue to the live-action films, confirming these scenes are intended to be canonical (at time of airing).
Anakin’s story is far from the only continuing thread from the films. One of the most compelling scenes in Episode 2 is the Clones’ arrival during the battle of Geonosis. Their look, weaponry, vehicles - all make an immediate impact. One which is further enhanced during their spotlight in Clone Wars’ second episode. Starting with their deployment into battle, we’re treated to the sight of hundreds of Clone ships engaging the Separatists as Obi-Wan and Anakin lead their respective armies into intense battle. Only a few minutes in, the series already feels like it’s beginning to fulfil the sense of wondrous mystery that the “Clone Wars” have retained for so long.
It’s not just cool stuff flashing past on the screen; ARC Troopers (among others) are introduced in fan-favourite expansions of Star Wars lore. Their episode takes on one of Tartakovsky’s boldest traits: a near dialogue-free mission using the Trooper’s military tactics to drive the action and story through their stealth operation across an alien city. (Lucasfilm/Disney)
Fan service is certainly high on the agenda throughout. Depicting Obi-Wan or Anakin engaging in Jedi combat, for example, is expected. Clone Wars, however, thrives in utilising many imagination-provoking background elements that Star Wars is famous for. The green mermaid-looking Jedi in Episode 2? He’s got a whole episode. With Kit Fisto swimming underwater wielding his lightsaber, surrounded by new SCUBA Troopers, Clone Wars presents minor (yet intriguing) characters the films don't have time to explore.
The micro-series may initially appear to consist of standalone episodes, yet the story reveals itself to be connected, cutting between the mini excursions of each respective Jedi. This helps to provide the scale of the conflict in question. With so much varied, awe-inspiring action happening simultaneously, the grandeur of this galactic conflict involving the Jedi - is truly something to behold.
While initially feeling like a negative, the series’ short length helps make it special. It ensures that focused, fan-driven artistic direction is poured through every frame. Viewing it as a combined experience or one-hour “movie” (as both the DVD and Disney+ releases present them) changes the presentation’s dynamic. The viewing experience evolves into more of a “special feature”, the 3–5-minute concept gradually fading to the engaging connected story, which feels more cohesive – and exciting – in a single sitting. (Lucasfilm/Disney)
“The Jedi cut them down like butter”
The perfect pairing of Tartakovsky and Star Wars in animation is never so evident than in its approach to Jedi vs battle droids. In Samurai Jack the usage of robots enables the titular hero to execute the most violent of swordplay - all without spilling a drop of blood (the robot’s oil leakages being the symbolic and most importantly: kid-appropriate replacement). In Clone Wars, this is fully applied to the Jedi power fantasy. Mace Windu becomes a one-man army, slaying hordes of mechanical opponents in a demonstration of the Jedi order’s superhero status at its peak. This, like all lightsaber duels was storyboarded - move by move - and hand-drawn, resulting in their incredible depth of technique.
Mace’s episodes show the Jedi master’s martial arts prowess, too. Separated from his elegant purple blade, he uses the force in unique and fun methods: removing all screws from a battle droid, causing it to fall apart, then force-flicking the bolts and screws into other droids, causing their destruction. Similar moments, while highly fantastical and unseen prior in the Star Wars universe, don’t feel misplaced or out of character. It’s more like an expansion and progression of the Dagobah-based gymnastics, as we see from Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back.
(Lucasfilm/Disney)
Without question though, the duel between Anakin and (newly introduced villain) Ventress is what provides the standout section of the entire series. It’s an epic dog fight that bleeds into a chase across the stars, followed by an emotionally charged lightsaber confrontation to climax. The greatest significance of this fight however (and perhaps of the entire series) is that Ventress was received so well by fans, that her character was revived by Dave Filoni. During his version of the Clone Wars, Ventress would enjoy a significant expansion to her backstory, as well as taking on a more prominent and substantial role in the show’s bigger story.
I’ll be returning to Anakin vs Ventress… (Lucasfilm/Disney)
A (Jedi) masterclass in overachieving
In the wake of the Disney-owned Star Wars era, this series is no longer recognised as official canon. That status was superseded by Filoni’s Clone Wars animated show. When Disney bought Star Wars in 2012 it was announced that only the original six films plus Filoni’s Clone Wars would be canon moving forward for the franchise. And yet, with its theatrical film gap-bridging and unmistakable quality, the micro-series still feels like it can be canonical - should you choose it to be. Or an alternate canon at least, so as not to diminish the successful development of elements like Ventress in the 2008 Clone Wars animated show.
Rose-tinted goggles can be all too real. Not everything holds up to scrutiny after twenty-plus years. Clone Wars doesn’t just hold up, it’s a triumph. A piece of animation masterfully conceived and uniquely executed, it contributed to and inspired the Star Wars franchise for years to come. Simply put, watching it back now it’s hard to find anything wrong with the show, other than “I wish there were more of it”. In so many ways it’s a perfect depiction of what could have taken place during the mysterious era of the “Clone Wars”. An Emmy Award-winning accomplishment, the Clone Wars micro-series isn’t only a classic, it remains one of the best pieces of the entire Star Wars franchise.
As for Clone Wars Season 2…Coming soon…
*For context: this show originally aired as two seasons of 3-5 min shorts, followed by a third season of 12-15 min episodes. It is now presented on Disney+ as just two seasons: Season 1 containing all 3–5-minute episodes, and Season 2 the 12-15-minute ones. To avoid confusion for anyone reading this and wanting to rewatch the show on Disney+; this article refers to the show as having two seasons (not three).