I didn’t catch any of the first Star Wars: Clone Wars animated shorts on the Cartoon Network, opting instead to wait for the eventual DVD release, and I’m glad I did because getting them in one somewhat cohesive package was a great way to see them. Unsurprisingly, I found them more entertaining than Episodes I and II, thanks mostly to Samurai Jack creator Genndy Tartakovsky’s groovy designs and concepts that are excitingly executed (that goofy jousting sequence aside).

The cartoon quickies bridge the gap between Attack of the Clones and the eventual disappointment of Revenge of the Sith (hey, I realize there’s a lot of perceived negativity on CHUD regarding the prequels, but I truly think disappointment is a perfectly realistic expectation at this point), detailing the adventures of Anakin, Obi-Wan, future Stormtroopers and soon-to-be-extinct Jedi.

The latest episodes (now with 78% more Wat Tambor!) are currently airing on Cartoon Network, but if you don’t get basic cable, ya deadbeat, or just want to put them on your laptop or personal media player for some saber action during your commute, you can now download Chapters 21-25 of Volume II. And hope General Grievous looks as cool interacting with humans in Episode III as he does slashing Flash-animated Jedi.

GET ‘EM HERE!

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