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Star Wars: The Clone Wars handy guide

Neil Harrington
Neil Harrington

Dork Side of the Force

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Our handy guide to Star Wars: The Clone Wars an animated Galaxy far, far away…

Do you want to know more about the events between Star Wars Episode II: The Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith? You are in luck, as Star Wars: The Clone Wars does that perfectly.

George Lucas released Star Wars: The Clone Wars (the movie) on August 10th 2008. He then continued that story October 3rd, 2008 with the release of the highly rated animated series of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The Clone Wars animated series did not begin with those, however. In 2003, a 2-D micro series version of The Clone Wars was released on Cartoon Network, giving us more adventures of our favorite Jedi of old, while introducing us to new fan favorites in Jedi hunter General Grievous and Sith Assassin Asajj Ventress.

Lucas never considered the 2003-2005 version part of his story-line, and it is not canon, but the series is a must watch and a fun way to introduce you to the later series. I consider this part of my personal canon, and nothing( to my knowledge) contradicts the current Star Wars timeline.

In fact, a substantial amount of events and concepts from the (2003) series are implemented into the canon.

For example: such as The Battle of Hypori (revealed in the canon novel Rogue One: Catalyst).

The knighting of a Jedi( in this case Anakin Skywalker) then again in Star Wars: Rebels. 

Anakin and Padme swapping R2-D2 and C-3PO(as revealed in the Revenge of the Sith novelization), and probably more I’ve missed.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Fun facts about Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Anakin Skywalker had a Padawan.

Ahsoka Tano was a learner to Obi-Wan within early show development, but George Lucas wanted to add maturity to Anakin’s character. That decision really paid off, adding much-needed depth to Anakin and creating a beloved character with Ahsoka.

Darth Maul is alive and… Well, not well.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

It was a shock to even the Lucasfilm story group when George Lucas dropped the bomb on them that Maul had, in fact, survived being sliced in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Initially, I too thought the idea of Maul surviving was beyond ridiculous.

Little did I know, that the Maul arcs in Star Wars: The Clone Wars are some of the best moments not only in Star Wars history but television in general. Maul (formerly Darth) was once a powerful Sith apprentice, but when you find him in the Clone Wars, he is a former shell of his old self.

Mark Hamill turns to the Dark Side?

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

In season 6 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, we get a taste of the Dark Side from your favorite Jedi, Mark Hamill. Darth Bane, the founder of the Rule of Two of the Sith Order, is voiced by the same actor who portrayed Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker.

The legacy of Jango Fett lives on.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

If you ever wanted more story arcs on the Clone troopers, this show is definitely for you. The shows go deep into the bond of the Clone troopers with their Jedi commanders and generals. Jango Fett also lives on through his orphaned son, Boba, with several story arcs on the legendary bounty hunter.

The Jedi were real.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Even though the Jedi were numbered to be about 10,000 at the time of the Clone Wars, it was still a rare sight to encounter one, even in their heyday. It makes sense that over 50 years later in the timeline of the Force Awakens, that Rey would think of the Jedi as a myth. The Jedi were all but eliminated shortly after the Clone Wars.

Just a handful Jedi are around at the time of Luke Skywalker’s emergence about twenty years after that. Luke also kept the training of his Jedi pretty low key after the events of Return of the Jedi, which makes total sense.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series ended prematurely

During the merger with Disney, Lucasfilm ended Star Wars: The Clone Wars much earlier than anticipated. Even though some un-aired episodes were released, many fantastic stories on the cutting room floor.

A few story arcs released after the merger( Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir comic, Dark Disciple novel), but fans, like myself, still want more!

More from Dork Side of the Force

Thank the Maker for Lucasfilm gurus Dave Filoni and Pablo Hidalgo.

They gave Clone Wars fans a real treat during Star Wars Celebration-Anaheim in 2015 with an Untold Clone Wars Panel 

George Lucas continued his method of releasing stories out of order.

This is madness. MADNESS. Fear not. StarWars.com has your chronological watching guide!

You can watch both the Star Wars: The Clone Wars theatrical release an animated series on Netflix (at least for now).

Next: How to Navigate The Star Wars Universe Like a Jedi Master

How many of you have seen any of the Clone Wars material? What is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section below and on our Social Media pages.

Neil Harrington

Neil Harrington

Hi! My name is Neil. I'm married to my beautiful wife, Cassie, since May 24th, 2014 and reside in Springfield, Missouri.In my former life, I was a medic for the United States Air Force for six years, specializing in Pediatrics, Ambulance services, and combat medicine.I attended Missouri State University for two years, where I learned the art of broadcast journalism and criminal psychology. I am a Star Wars nerd and avid collector. I love sports, especially promoting the Mid- Major and underdog. I enjoy writing and talking about such obsessions. I believe if you love others as you love yourself, this world will become a much better place. "If you live for people's acceptance, you'll die from their rejection."