Warning! Spoilers ahead for Star Wars #25
In the latest issue of Star Wars, a crucial difference between Jedi and Sith lightsabers has been revealed. While effectively the same weapon, lightsabers symbolize ideals that are diametrically opposed within the light and dark side of the Force. Likewise, the kyber-powered blades and the way they're wielded are very different based on the user (whether they're a Jedi or Sith). These key distinctions are something Anakin Skywalker learns in this new issue both as a Jedi Padawan and later on in life as the Sith Lord Darth Vader.
While Marvel Comics' flagship Star Wars series is typically set in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the new Star Wars #25 is a very special issue that marks writer Charles Soule's 100th Star Wars script across various novels and comics. As such, the new issue is comprised of four short stories written by Soule with an all-star team of artists he's worked with on past comic series such as Darth Vader (2017), The Rise of Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron, Obi-Wan and Anakin and more. As such, the first two stories are both titled "The Lesson", the first featuring a sparring session between Kenobi and Skywalker and the second being a much darker match years later between the Emperor and Darth Vader.
As seen in the new issue of Star Wars, both stories see Anakin/Vader learning about the lightsaber and what it represents to the Jedi and Sith. As a Padawan, Anakin learns from his master Obi-Wan that all Jedi use lightsabers as a uniform weapon symbolizing their commitment to protect and defend the galaxy. The lightsaber allows them to "stand tall against the dark" as one Jedi Order dedicated to the light side of the Force. Furthermore, The lightsaber also represents the intentional limitations of the Jedi in their desire for control and balance.
In contrast, the second story and lesson is set years later after Anakin's corruption to the dark side as Darth Vader. Training with Emperor Palpatine (also known as Darth Sidious), Vader is defeated by his new master and chastised for "fighting like a Jedi". According to Sidious, the Sith use lightsabers not as their primary weapon but only as a symbol. Instead, they rely on their command and manipulation of the dark side of the Force to crush their enemies. As such, the main purpose of a Sith's lightsaber is to serve as an icon of fear.
This deeper exploration into the differing uses of the lightsaber is incredibly exciting for the Star Wars galaxy. Not only does this new issue point out the Jedi Order's reverence to the Force through their use of the lightsaber, but it also shows their acceptance of the weapon despite its limitations. This is in stark contrast to the Empire using kyber crystals to create the Death Star's super laser. The Sith don't have the same reverent honor of the lightsaber and instead use the dark side to acheive their dark victories. They're far less reliant on the lightsaber as their primary weapon, using it as a symbol while choosing to tap into the corruptive power of the dark side.
Using Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader to point out these key distinctions is genius on Soule's part. After all, Anakin is one of the few beings in the entire Star Wars galaxy who served both the light and dark sides of the Force. As such, he has a rather unique lens given his dual experience learning to wield the lightsaber both as a Jedi and Sith. Naturally, it makes the reading of both stories back to back incredibly entertaining.