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To say Star Wars: The Clone Wars is better than Star Wars: Rebels would be a biased opinion. Although, the choice is subjective and can vary for the viewer. Yet certain facts can not be denied.
Both intricate series have expanded the universe with rich storytelling and iconic characters. We got plenty of answers, to the questions from the original trilogy. Even with the twenty-minute episodes, the screen details and sound effects elevated the space series to a movie-worthy thrill.
Different plots are explored in the expanded universe, even though the main theme is the same for the animated series, the noble force users are fighting the evil Sith lords and treacherous betrayers.
In this blog we will discuss the difference in the series, to serve justice to the works of notable directors. We will also explore the difference in styling elements, and why there is a big artistic contrast, that almost pushed viewers to turn down the series.
The animated version of The Clone Wars explores the events that occurred between Episode II -Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III -Revenge of The Sith, when the Galactic Republic is on the rise, Confederacy of Independent Systems is arming up with Jedi Knights to bring back the serenity that prevailed the Galaxy for years. In The Clone Wars, lightsabers are a central focus as Jedi Knights like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi battle against the Separatists. The series showcases a variety of lightsaber forms, duels, and unique blade designs, like Ahsoka Tano's dual-wielded lightsabers, emphasizing the complexity and elegance of Jedi combat.
Star Wars Rebels is set to form during the Clone Wars however after The Empire has established itself good and solid. Rebels is a group of ragtag warriors that rise against the Imperials under the Galactic Empire joining the ongoing rebellion. Star Wars: Rebels explores the timeline between Episode III- Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, thus succeeding The Clone Wars. In Star Wars: Rebels, the lightsaber takes on a more symbolic role, particularly in the hands of characters like Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger. As the Jedi are all but extinct, using realistic lightsabers becomes a statement of rebellion against the Empire. Notably, Rebels introduces new variations, like the crossguard lightsaber used by the ancient Jedi, and Ezra's unique hybrid lightsaber-blaster. The evolution in the lightsaber's design and function parallels the stylistic shifts in animation between the two series, reflecting the changing tone of the Star Wars universe.
From the timeline above, you must have guessed the glaring reasons behind the styling and design differences in animation. I remember the initial debut of the Clone Wars disappointed us fans so badly. We almost did not buy the DVDs to watch the series. Now as more releases have piled up, the narrative has shifted altogether.
The Clone Wars was created by George Lucas and developed by Dave Filoni, in 2008, when the motion control technology was not at its peak, unlike today. George, as the creator of the galactic story and the TV production took his chance, footed the bill, created a private special effects company, and went to work with his team.
He experimented with models, props, and old CGI techniques and pushed his team to create TV-animated characters with satisfactory details, as long as the cinematic enthusiasts were happy, Over the years, fans have been amazed seeing the jump in the quality of the later seasons. The meaning behind the same boring and forlorn scenes has increased with enhanced visual and sound effects.
Star Wars Rebels did not have George Lucas backing the productions. Created by Simon Kinberg, Dave Filoni, and Carrie Beck the series was released in 2016 years after the premiere of The Clone Wars. Dave did not want Rebels to look similar to The Clone Wars. he believed different characters, stories, plots, and fights garnered a separate animation style.
The Clone Wars episodes by far exceed the budget of the Rebels. Each Clone Wars episode is budgeted at 1,000,000 which is way more than the 500,000 budget for the Rebels.
Rebels also faced a setback in the animation team due to little financial backing, as were the scarce appearances of the animators. Even then the team gave its best creating iconic scenes that grip[ped the heartstrings of the Jedi audience, creating fire for vengeance, same as the later episodes of the Clone Wars.
The Clone Wars explores dark themes and the history of the Galaxy. George Lucas wanted The Clone Wars to be a detailed look at the good and bad side of the Force. Initially, the themes were passable, and little of genocide was explored, fewer civilians died. So it was set to premiere on Cartoon Network. However, that changed as the series progressed to the harsh Sith truths and shed light on the background of space slavery.
On the contrary, Rebels is a kid's show. Lucas, as far as his insight on the show goes, and Dave wanted the kids to be able to relate to the universal themes discussed in the series. This family-friendly masterpiece was stylized after the realistic kid shenanigans.
The difference in budget, producers, and the intended audience are the main reasons, the animation style and creative element of the series belonging to the same franchise, do not match up. Not that it is a bad thing, as each piece has relative significance and a fan audience!
