The CG-animated The Clone Wars subsequently stole the original cartoon's thunder – and bumped it out of official canon. With a total duration of two hours, the 25 instalments of the Clone Wars added up to Episode 2.5 in all but name. Clone Wars delivered on that front, too, culminating with Palpatine being captured by Grievous, and a space battle brewing in the skies above Coruscant. And even though conversation was never a priority, Clone Wars still found time to develop Anakin’s secret relationship with Padme, or Palpatine’s Machiavellian scheming – especially in a third season that upped each episode’s runtime to 12 minutes.Īccording to animator Bryan Andrews, one of Lucas’s directives was that “we want you to animate the opening crawl ”.

Episode III villain General Grievous (originally voiced by Futurama’s John DiMaggio) made his debut in the cartoon as Count Dooku’s protégé, alongside wannabe Sith (and future fan favorite) Asajj Ventress. The amphibious Kit Fisto memorably headed underwater to settle a dispute between the Mon Calamari and trident-wielding Quarren on Mon Cala – it was like watching Aquaman 15 years early.Īnd proving that Clone Wars was never regarded as a throwaway kids’ show, it was notable for introducing key elements of Star Wars lore, such as Anakin Skywalker's ascension to the rank of Jedi Knight, or the first screen appearance of lightsaber-powering kyber crystals.

Jedi who had previously been little more than faces in the council chamber on Coruscant suddenly got the chance to lead their own episodes. There were also casual references to key Star Wars locations like Dantooine and the fourth moon of Yavin, authentic sound effects, and fun in-jokes – the look of Muunilinst, home of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, was inspired by the US dollar bill. One episode, for example, showcased an army of IG assassin droids jetting into battle, while another featured Ortolans, the blue elephant-like race that counts Max Rebo (of Jabba’s house band fame) as a member.

While the Expanded Universe that existed beyond the Star Wars movies was nowhere near as vast, prominent or complex as it is now, Tartakovsky’s show displayed considerable understanding – and affection for – what had come before.

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