SPRY FIGHTERS
Self-proclaimed Star Wars expert gives his two cents on style, skill of fans at epic Lightsabre Battle,
Ajay Fry
“This downtown lightsaber battle is uniting everyone in our wonder of this galaxy far, far away,” he said. “It is great to see people celebrating this franchise and that it has lasted so long, from the littlest Darth Vader to the oldest Yoda.”
Janai Lynch
Janai Lynch only began watching Star Wars a few years ago but was one of the most enthusiastic participants, attending the battle as one of the Rebel Alliance’s most celebrated leaders, Princess Leia.
“We’re hopefully going to take down a lot of Sith tonight,” she said.
Ajay’s critique: “It is so nice to see someone who is both an adult and in love with Star Wars so much that they’d get into costume, show up in the rain to engage with others in a lightsaber battle.”
Tim Gokcen
Tim Gokcen looked as though he’d walked straight out of the latest movie trailer for Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens.
Wearing custom-made battle armour, this Jedi knight said he remains skeptical of the latest film, which releases in December, mainly because of the movie’s director, J.J. Abrams.
Ajay found this lack of faith disturbing. “He has the right attitude being here, but I wanted more energy and enthusiasm for the franchise that is Star Wars,” he said.
Alex Kam
The force was strong with Alex Kam, who sported an outfit similar to the upcoming movie’s new villain, Kylo Ren.
Wielding Ren’s signature lightsaber, Kam said he was still figuring out how to best wield his weapon.
“I’ve already gotten killed so many times because my mask was fogged up,” he said, adding “May the force be with you” before jumping back into the fray.
Jess Morton
The evening battle held nostalgic value for Jess Morton, who watched the original movie trilogy on videocassette as a kid.
“I only moved to Toronto six years ago, so I am still learning how many super cool, nerdy and subculture events go on here,” she said.
Suddenly, Morton decided to challenge Ajay in a duel.
“I think I held my own, that my force is stronger,” Ajay said afterwards. “Her midichlorian levels were a little lower than mine, is what I am trying to say.”
Matty Killen
Size matters not for 4-year-old Matty Killen, who took part in the battle as a Jedi-in-training with his father.
“He is the most adorable Darth Vader I’ve ever encountered,” said Ajay.
“But we have to dock a point because he was a little wibbly-wobbly.
“It is probably because depth perception does go down when you’re in a Darth Vader costume.”