Star Trek Lightsabers vs. Star Wars Weapons: Which Sci-Fi Franchise’s Weapon is Superior?

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Lower Decks #2!

Move over Star Wars! Star Trek now introduces its own version of the legendary lightsaber. Fans of both franchises have long enjoyed an array of exciting weaponry, including phasers, blasters, and photon torpedoes. With the release of Star Trek: Lower Decks #2, this iconic weapon has made its way into the Star Trek universe — albeit in a unique way.

The episode follows the “Lower Deckers” as they encounter the Excalibans, a race that challenges Boimler and his crew to fight for their entertainment. During their time with the Excalibans, Boimler offers a compelling argument that persuades them to reconsider their hostile intentions. As they prepare to beam the crew back to the USS Cerritos, the Excalibans tantalizingly reveal the possibility of wielding “energy swords.” This moment leaves Mariner wistfully lamenting the missed opportunity to obtain one of these extraordinary weapons.

Star Wars’ Lightsabers: A Cultural Phenomenon

The Inevitable Star Trek Twist on an Iconic Weapon

Within the Star Wars universe, lightsabers are integral to the lore, famously described in A New Hope as “elegant weapons for a more civilized age.” These mystical tools serve as tools of justice and conflict for both the Jedi and the Sith. Over the decades, variations have emerged, such as Darth Maul’s dual-bladed saber and Count Dooku’s uniquely curved design. Today, lightsaber replicas remain hugely popular gifts across all ages, solidifying their place in pop culture history, thanks to the creative vision of George Lucas and his team.

Throughout Star Trek: Lower Decks, references to notable pop culture classics, including The Blues Brothers and Twin Peaks, abound. This episode cleverly nods to Star Wars, showcasing a humorous and respectful tribute rather than a derogatory jab between fanbases.

Due to trademark stipulations, Star Trek’s version of lightsabers is termed “energy swords.” Despite the name change, their design is undeniably reminiscent of lightsabers. The episode features holographic battles between Scotty and T’Pol, with Scotty wielding a traditional single-blade sword resembling a classic Jedi’s weapon, while T’Pol’s weapon draws inspiration from Darth Maul’s double-bladed saber. While these energy swords are visually striking, the Lower Deckers are unfortunately beamed back to their ship before they can thoroughly reconsider their initial reactions and perhaps engage in combat.

Will Fans Ever Revisit Star Trek’s Energy Swords?

A Lost Opportunity: Comparing Star Wars and Star Trek’s Iconic Weapons

Lee Jung-jae as Master Sol and Manny Jacinto as Qimir/the Stranger clashing lightsabers in The Acolyte finale

Sadly, it seems fans may not have another opportunity to witness Star Trek’s version of lightsabers again. Created by the Excalibans, these energy swords are a unique product of their advanced capabilities and exist within their isolated culture. They do not share ties with Starfleet or the Federation, preventing any kind of cultural or technological exchange. When the Excalibans return the Lower Deckers home, the knowledge of these energy swords remains with them, leaving Mariner understandably disappointed.

This situation raises a tantalizing question: could Star Trek’s energy swords surpass the legendary lightsabers of Star Wars? Unfortunately, fans are left in the dark, as Star Trek: Lower Decks #2 only hints at these energy swords without providing enough context for a thorough comparison. It’s reasonable to assume these energy swords function similarly to lightsabers, suggesting that duel outcomes might remain balanced between the two franchises. This speculation further complicates the ongoing debate surrounding which series reigns supreme — a question that continues to stir passionate discussions among fans.

Don’t miss out on Star Trek: Lower Decks #2, now available from IDW Publishing.

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