The first thing anyone thinks of when somebody says Star Wars is the lightsaber. It's one of the most iconic weapons in movie history, and it helped define the franchise. It was elegant and deadly at the same time - it wasn't just a gun, it was a blade that could slice through absolutely anything effortlessly. The first time you hear that hum and watch as two blades clash, you're hooked.
It really doesn't matter how big of a fan you are - at one point or another, everybody wants to own a lightsaber. It doesn't matter if you're a little kid or an adult, lightsabers are awesome, and everyone wishes they could use one. Of course, there are replicas out there, but that's just not the same - people want a lightsaber that feels like their own, just like Jedi get to build one for themselves.
After nearly 40 years since the original film debuted, Hasbro is finally giving Star Wars fans what they want: customizable lightsabers.
Hasbro's 'Bladebuilders' will allow kids to buy what amounts to a starter kit and expand from there - the entire focus of the toy line is customization. Instead of just playing with the lightsaber as is, you can take it apart and rearrange the entire thing, and from what it sounds like, Hasbro's going to be releasing quite a few different options.
It's somewhat astounding that no one has come up with this sooner: replica lightsabers are great, but giving fans the ability to mix and match different parts and pieces sounds like something that a marketing team would have come up with ages ago. It's combining the greatness of lightsabers with the creativity of something like Lego.
Speaking with USA Today, Star Wars brand director Kim Boyd said, "Star Wars is such a magical property and in particular the lightsaber is - and I think everyone would agree - the most iconic weapon of all time...this is the first time we've given kids the chance to customize through an entire system."
When Bladebuilders is released, the set will be available in a number of different bundles: the 'Jedi Master' tier will include an electronic lightsaber, light daggers, extensions and connectors for $44.99. After that, the smaller expansion packs will be available in a variety of models: the electronic lightsaber will retail for $19.99, the foam lightsaber will cost $14.99 and the extendable lightsaber will run for $9.99. All will come with different lightsaber hilts and connecters as well, so if you're looking for a particular style, you can have it.
The Bladebuilders set will make its official debut at New York's Toy Fair this weekend, and should be out in time for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens later this year.
