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New 'Star Wars' lightsaber meets its match

Kylo Ren's unusual lightsaber in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" may not be the coolest new weapon if Chewbacca, Jar Jar, Darth Maul and other characters have something to say about it.

Bonnie Burton profile photo
Bonnie Burton profile photo
Bonnie Burton
Journalist Bonnie Burton writes about movies, TV shows, comics, science and robots. She is the author of the books Live or Die: Survival Hacks, Wizarding World: Movie Magic Amazing Artifacts, The Star Wars Craft Book, Girls Against Girls, Draw Star Wars, Planets in Peril and more! E-mail Bonnie.
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Bonnie Burton
2 min read

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Hey Kylo Ren! You're not the only one with a cool lightsaber! Video screenshot by Bonnie Burton/CNET

Ever since the teaser trailer for "Star Wars: Awakens" debuted, fans have been debating and discussing the mysterious character Kylo Ren and his unusual lightsaber ignited in the dark forest.

It didn't take long for some fans to make an animated parody video featuring not only Ren's lightsaber, but other variations wielded by Chewbacca, Jar Jar, C-3PO, Darth Maul, a three-eyed Gran and other "Star Wars" characters.

A lightsaber is described in "A New Hope" by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as "an elegant weapon, for a more civilized age." But how many variations can a lightsaber have before it looks too ridiculous or dangerous?

This parody video "Leaked Lightsaber Scene - Star Wars Episode VII" -- made by Kevin Corrigan and Doug Bresler on Happy Hour Youtube channel -- addresses the lightsaber design debate fans are having online right now.

The animation mimics the same style made popular by Genndy Tartakovsky's short-lived "Star Wars: Clone Wars" animated series that aired on Cartoon Network in 2003.

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Even the rolling ball droid gets a cameo as it's chased by lightsaber corgi. Video screenshot by Bonnie Burton/CNET

Chewbacca has an impressive lightsaber flail weapon. The R2-D2 type astromech has a lightsaber that would put the ultimate TV antenna to shame. The Gran, most likely Ree-Yees, presents lightsaber nun chucks. C-3PO has a lightsaber hula-hoop. Darth Maul shows off his lightsaber teeth. And Hammerhead delivers a lightsaber pizza.

While the myriad lightsaber weapons seems dazzling at first, we're quickly reminded that function should always trump form when it comes to a weapon that can slice through enemies like butter. Though Jar Jar's death by lightsaber kiss is glorious.

Which lightsaber wins in the end? Watch and find out.