“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” is not only a fine piece of animation, but is perhaps the strongest non-film entity to come from “Star Wars” franchise owner Lucasfilm within the past five years. Boasting a unique and rich animation style, stellar voice work (including some very famous individuals like Nika Futterman and David Tenant) and grand storytelling, “Clone Wars” sought to tell the same kinds of space opera stories that the “Star Wars” films tell using the vehicle of a television series.

It ended up doing more than that, delivering some of the most gripping, mature, lighthearted and unforgettable stories in the “Star Wars” universe. Of course, many of those stories would not have been so successful had it not been for key characters introduced to “Star Wars” fans over the course of the series. This list counts down the ten best of those characters.

To be clear, the list won’t cover any characters who didn’t originate from “Clone Wars;" thus, characters like Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi won’t be on the list. Now, let's get into the list--first up, an honorable mention...

Honorable Mention: Anakin Skywalker

“Now hold on a minute, you just broke your rule about characters who didn’t come from the TV series!” Well, Anakin’s not in a numbered spot, so he doesn’t really count. Anyway, I wanted to draw specific attention to this particular interpretation of Anakin because, let’s face it, nobody really liked Anakin in the prequel trilogy of “Star Wars” films.

In the prequels, Anakin was said to be a reckless but likeable individual; in reality, sadly, the character is whiny, dumb and childish, even in adulthood. Thankfully, the animated version of Anakin eschews the melodrama and blandness of his live-action counterpart for something a little more interesting. Here we have an Anakin who shows great promise as a Jedi, a leader and a hero, but also shows the potential for something sinister with his overconfident attitude and his constant need to better himself.

The show sets up Anakin as a tragic hero who means well, but ultimately will fail in the end because of shortcomings he refuses to accept. The fact that we can fully grasp that about his character shows that “Clone Wars” understands what the prequel trilogy was trying to do with Anakin and actually does it. Seriously, I’d suggest checking out “Clone Wars” just to see how Anakin should have been handled.

10. Pre Vizsla

"We need action, not pacifism!"

This Mandalorian terrorist wants to see the “survival of the fittest” ideals of his forefathers come back to life, starting with the downfall of the pacifistic government of Mandalore. To that end, he spearheads the infamous Death Watch, a group of radicalized assassins that even the Jedi Order knows not to take lightly, and leads a guerrilla war against Mandalore’s leaders. Vizsla is an old-fashioned Mandalorian if there ever was one, seeking no quarter, no compromise and absolutely nothing less than the total destruction of the enemy.

Vizsla definitely earns points in the coolness category for sporting some awesome Mandalorian armor (great for fans of Boba and Jango Fett) and wielding a unique-looking “darksaber” that he handles with finesse. Beyond that, Vizsla is just fun to watch as a villain for how intelligent and despicable he is. He’s fought Obi-Wan (and lived), almost taken over Mandalore and caused quite a bit of trouble for the Galactic Republic. If that doesn’t make him worthy of being on the list, I don’t know what does.

9. Mother Talzin

"No, Count--to betray one's self is the ultimate defeat."

Mother Talzin is a shaman and the matriarch of the Nightsisters who live on the planet Dathomir. Using special magic spells, she and her Nightsisters have subjugated their male counterparts, the Nightbrothers, and effectively taken control of Dathomir. Her great power rivals even that of the Force, and while she can’t Force choke or Mind Trick people, she’s more than adept at manipulation and scare tactics, not unlike a certain future Emperor of the Galactic Empire.

Talzin and her Nightsisters showed a side of the “Star Wars” mythos that we don’t really see. While we have a fair amount of mysticism thanks to the ambiguities and quasi-religious nature of the Force, there isn’t anything quite like the voodoo-like dark magic that Talzin and her brood can conjure up--and that’s what’s so darn intimidating about her. Not to mention, she’s fiercely defensive of her homeworld and its people, going so far as to challenge the Sith for domination of the galaxy, something most “Star Wars” villains wouldn’t dare attempt. Mother Talzin proves that Hell hath no fury like a Nightsister scorned.

8. Hondo Ohnaka

"As my sweet mother always said, 'son, if one hostage is good, two are better, and three, well, that's just good business!'"

Hondo Ohnaka isn’t an informant for the Republic, nor is he a flunky for the Separatists; he’s a businessman by all accounts, albeit one who dabbles in illegal activity. To that end, he ultimately works for whoever offers the biggest payout, but even then that might not be enough. When Hondo sees a score, he takes it, even if he has to backstab both the Republic and the Separatists.

Hondo is a wild card in the “Clone Wars” series, never appearing to help anybody but himself or his close, non-government-affiliated friends, like bounty hunter Aurra Sing. This puts him in a unique place throughout the show. He’s clearly an antagonist, being involved in affairs that put him at odds with the Jedi Order and the Republic, but he’s never just a mustache-twirling baddie. Hondo is a crafty and at times humorous character who keeps everyone on their toes: the good guys, the bad guys and the audience too.

7. Satine Kryze

"I remember a time when the Jedi were not generals, but peacekeepers."

Duchess Satine Kryze is the current ruler of the troubled planet of Mandalore, which struggles to remain neutral during the Clone Wars. For Satine, war is an unnecessary waste of life--something that she feels her planet does not need. Despite her willingness to negotiate with the Galactic Republic, she shows no interest in helping fight the Separatists, no matter what atrocities they commit; in her eyes, the Republic armies and its Jedi generals also contribute to violence.

A constant question that comes up in “Clone Wars” is who the real good guys are. On the superficial level, you might say it’s the likes of the Republic and the show’s protagonists, but if you look deeper, you’ll see that both the Republic and the Separatists have blood on their hands and skeletons in their closets. Satine, a pacifist at heart, seeks to avoid such a predicament for her homeworld, and her admirable and interesting efforts at staying that way are compelling. She’s also notable for being a former flame of Obi-Wan’s, leading to great character drama for both her and the Jedi Master.

6. Asajj Ventress

"My dear General, there's nothing that you have that I could want."

A Nightsister from the planet Dathomir, Asajj Ventress has only known suffering and anger, having been forced into slavery and also losing the Jedi Master who had served as her father figure and teacher in the Force. It was her unbridled rage and capacity for violence that caught the eye of Separatist leader and Sith Lord Count Dooku, who took her under his wing as a disciple of the dark side. When Dooku made an attempt on her life for her constant failures on the battlefield, she retreated to her homeworld with a new goal in life: vengeance.

This former Sith apprentice is easily one of the most compelling characters in the “Star Wars” mythos, so it’s a shame that only the people who have seen this show know about her. Ventress is not so much a villain as she is a person who is lost; seeing no direction in life due to constant misery and misfortune, she turns to hatred and death, thinking that will be her catharsis and purpose. And yet, at the end of it all, her Sith master betrays her anyway, leaving her to wonder what it was all for, and leaving the audience to wonder what’s next for an ex-Sith with no master or creed. This is the crux of what makes her such a well-written character; she undergoes a philosophical metamorphosis as rich and complex as that of Darth Vader in “Return of the Jedi.”

5. Pong Krell

"I will not be undermined by creatures bred in some laboratory!"

Jedi General Pong Krell may wear the robes of the Jedi Order, but he’s certainly no Yoda. Krell is an abrasive, blunt and unforgiving Jedi who doesn’t cooperate well with others and cares more about the ends than the means and the people involved. When it comes to treatment of the clone troopers serving in the Republic army, he’s even worse; the general harbors a deep-seated resentment of the clones akin to racism, with all of the hate, stereotyping and prejudice involved.

What really separates the light side from the dark side? That’s the question raised by this unorthodox, unlikeable character, who shows up in one of the show’s later seasons. Krell’s worldviews as a Jedi and as a leader of a battalion of clones come into direct conflict with what the likes of Anakin and Obi-Wan believe, as well as what the audience believes. It’s this dichotomy that makes him so interesting; the shocking apathy and scorn he expresses prove that the Jedi may be the good guys, but they’re only a few short steps away from becoming the scum that they fight against.

4. Fives

"Good soldiers follow orders."

Clone trooper CT-27-5555 was christened “Fives” by his comrades because of the last four numbers of his official identification. He is a dedicated and decorated soldier, moving up the ranks from a rookie soldier to a battle-hardened ARC trooper serving in the 501st Legion of the Republic army. Fives believes in morals just as much as following protocol--which is what leads him to question his presence in the Republic army when he learns of a secret project that will lead to the eventual Jedi kill command that is Order 66.

Fives is unique and interesting despite looking the exact same as the other clone troopers, just with differently-colored armor. Beneath that palette-swapped armor is a character with genuine moral convictions and a good head on his shoulders; though he’s not a Jedi or anything, he’s nevertheless a great window into the grunt life of the Clone Wars. After finding out about the plot to eliminate the Jedi--the catastrophic event which happens at the climax of “Revenge of the Sith”--Fives finds himself at a crossroads, faced with allies who are skeptical of him and an invisible hand that wants to keep him from spreading the truth. His weighing of the truth versus loyalty to his cause makes for a nail-biting, suspenseful arc that solidifies him as one of the best characters in the series.

3. Cad Bane

"Welcome, Jedi. We've been expecting you!"

Cad Bane is an infamous Duros bounty hunter capable of practically any job and regarded by the Republic as a considerably dangerous and violent individual. Whether it’s assassination or sabotage on the table, Bane is adept at confusing, outwitting and exterminating his foes and targets. It goes without saying that out of all the bounty hunters in the galaxy, he’s undoubtedly one of the most persistent and intelligent.

With his menacing voice and cool cowboy look, Cad Bane is certainly a memorable villain. From holding key members of the Galactic Senate hostage to going toe-to-toe with Jedi, there appears to be nothing that Bane cannot do--and even when he loses, he’s never really finished. One just has to admire his capacity to keep a cool head, no matter the situation, and carefully and methodically find a way to net at least some victory over the forces of good. Possessing deadly accuracy and the savvy of a true bounty hunter, Cad Bane is a guy you wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alleyway.

2. Captain Rex

"In my book, experience outranks everything."

Captain Rex is the clone commander assigned to Anakin Skywalker, serving as the second-in-command of the 501st Legion of the Republic army and a close friend of the Jedi Knight. Usually seen wielding twin blaster pistols instead of a standard-issue rifle, Rex is a no-nonsense leader who knows how to get the job done and fearlessly leaps into battle. He may look like just another clone trooper, but he has the chops to take out any threat the Separatist army throws at him.

When first introduced in “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” the clone troopers serving as the army of the Republic were little more than window dressing and a nod to the Imperial stormtrooper as seen in the original trilogy. Captain Rex is far from being boring, having plenty of character and importance throughout the series. Rex shows that the clones do have a place and a stake in the war against the Separatists, helping the Jedi Order to take on threats too large for just Force-users to deal with. Moreover, his many missions and feats give us a look at the “Star Wars” universe that few other works in the franchise show: the “Wars” part.

1. Ahsoka Tano

"I'm the new Padawan learner. I'm Ahsoka Tano."

Ahsoka Tano is a young and spirited Togruta who just so happens to be the Padawan of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, much to his initial chagrin. But what she lacks in maturity and experience she more than makes up for in her good character and prowess in the Force. Strong-willed and unerring, Ahsoka manages to exhibit the same kind of potential and spark as her master--and even is able to avoid the mistakes he typically makes.

What could have been a stale, annoying sidekick character became one of the most impactful and beloved characters in the “Star Wars” universe, up there with film characters like Luke Skywalker and Rey. Ahsoka is admirable in the ways she strives for greatness, though stumbling along the way; we can always count on her picking herself up and trying again, no matter what. Not to mention, she has some really awesome moments, including one-on-ones with the likes of Asajj Ventress. Inspirational, original, charming and unforgettable, Ahsoka is up there with Leia as one of my favorite female “Star Wars” characters.

There are plenty of other faces to meet in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” but unfortunately I can only talk about the show for so long. The only way to see those other faces for yourself (other than just looking them up) is to watch the series yourself. It’s a big time investment to go through it, but I promise you, if the strength of these ten characters is anything to go by, it’s well worth your effort.

I know I for one don’t regret watching it. So sit yourself down one day, pull up Netflix and may the Force be with you.