50 Reasons why Star Wars is Better than Star Trek

There is no greater debate than which franchise is better: Star Wars or Star Trek. Each fanbase is passionate and protective of its genre (rightfully so), and the arguments can get quite heated. We here at Dork Side of the Force land firmly on the side of Star Wars, which is why we have compiled 50 reasons why Star Wars is better than Star Trek.

With the worldwide theatrical debut of Star Wars: The Force Awakens just a few days away, we turn to another franchise, to see just how much better Star Wars is than Star Trek. As mentioned, this debate has turned into all out war between the two fanbases, and while each franchise may have valid arguments as to why it is better than the other, we firmly believe Star Wars to be vastly superior to Star Trek. With that in mind, let’s get started…shall we?

50. Ewoks vs Tribbles

It’s the battle of the cute furries. On one side you have little balls of fur seem to reproduce faster than any rabbit could hope to do, and on the other hand you’ve got walking teddy bears. Now, many Star Wars fans will be quick to point out that the worst part of Return of the Jedi was in fact the inclusion of the Ewoks…and they’d be right, but hey, at least they aren’t the equivalent of round fuzzy space dice. Let’s dig deeper.

EWOKS: 

• Home Planet — Forest Moon of Endor
• Weapons of choice — sticks, rocks, and elaborate snares and traps.
• Deity — Goldenrod
• Diet — Stormtroopers and nearly Han Solo.

That’s right, while many fans think the Ewok to be a cute and rather harmless teddy bear-like creature, the species holds a dark secret…They are carnivorous, and the last time we saw them, they were feasting on the spoils of the defeated Imperial army. Now let’s look at Tribbles.

Tribbles: 

• Home Planet —  Iota Geminorum IV
• Weapons of choice — None. They eat and they breed.
• Deity — Unknown
• Diet — Anything a carbon based lifeform can eat.

Tribbles are born pregnant and can reproduce liters of 10 babies every 12 hours. Basically, they are hamsters on speed.

Winner: Ewoks, obviously. While Tribbles may be the cuter of the two, Ewoks will straight murder your face and eat you, while using your helmet as a snare drum. They may be the least in the Star Wars universe, but they have proven that they can more than hold their own in a battle against an organized military might like the Empire.

Next: #49 Green Alien vs Green Alien

49. Twi’lek females vs Orion females

The first time Star Wars fans laid eyes on a Twi’lek female, was in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. A green skinned Twi’lek female dancer by the name of Oola, was chained to Jabba the Hutt and then dropped into his Rancor pit to be horribly devoured. As for Star Trek‘s first encounter of beautiful green skinned alien females…well, they were supposed slaves who tricked men by using their pheromones to enslave them to their will.

Twi’lek: 

• Home Planet — Ryloth
• Distinctive Features — Long tails protruding from the back of their heads called Lekku.

While indeed the first Twi’leks in the Star Wars franchise were the dancer Oola, and Jabba’s personal attendant Bib Fortuna, there are several instances where the Twi’lek race has risen above being slaves to a criminal organization, and risen to be heroes in the Rebel Alliance. Recently — on the animated Star Wars canonical series Star Wars Rebels — a green skinned Twi’lek female by the name of Hera Syndulla is the captain of a ship named the Ghost, and most recently was promoted to leader of the elite Rebel starfighters — Phoenix Squadron.

Orion Females:

• Home Planet — Orion
• Distinctive Features — Green skin
• Females of the species sold as slaves.

Orion females are described as animalistic in nature, and are known for their extreme carnal appetites, as well as their innate skill of seduction. It is said that a Human male can rarely resist the seductive dance of one Orion slave girl. Many of the enslaved females are bought for the purpose to do their master’s bidding, by seducing his or her enemies.

Winner: The Twi’lek female. While each species’ female has been known to be sold into slavery, it would seem that the Twi’lek has risen above the stigma of being a slave, and has become a hero in the war against Emperor Palpatine and his Galactic Empire. And, while there was an Orion female shown to be a Federation Cadet, in the newest installment of Star Trek films (by J.J. Abrams), they still have done nothing of import, especially when compared to the heroic Twi’lek.

Next: #48 Is it Fantasy or ScFi?

48. Fantasy vs Science Fiction

The basis for every argument between Star Wars fans and Star Trek fans is the reality of both genres. This is a silly argument because it’s comparing apples to oranges. Star Wars is a fantasy franchise, that happens to take place in a galaxy far, far away. Star Trek‘s setting is in the future of the human race.

Star Wars: 

• Setting — A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.
• Genre — Fantasy
• Overlying theme — The Force guides and surrounds everyone and everything.
• Constant wars are fought over who controls the galaxy. The usual Heroes vs Villains trope.

Star Trek: 

• Setting — The future of mankind
• Genre — Science Fiction
• Overlying theme — Exploration of both known and unknown space.
• Earth has aligned with many other planets and species to form the Federation of Planets.

Look, I know that Star Trek has it’s place in the fun of Science Fiction, but when scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson feels the constant need to dissect the physics of Star Wars in order to disprove the flying capability of the Millennium Falcon, then it’s a step too far. I don’t know about you, but when I want to lose myself in a movie, I don’t want to worry about how lightsabers aren’t practical and the Force is a hokey religion.

Winner: Star Wars. George Lucas never claimed to be base his masterpiece in reality. It’s fantasy, pure and simple, and that’s why it is so much better than Star Trek. Because, when the limits of what is scientifically possible are thrown out the window, then beautiful things can happen, like an insubordinate officer being invisibly choked by the Force.

Next: #47 Who has the better Ships?

47. Super Star Destroyer vs Klingon Bird of Prey

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a Rebellious Uprising, than the sight of a Super Star Star Destroyer dwarfing that Rebellion’s tiny blockade runner. In that regard, Star Wars has those in spades. However, Star Trek has its fair share of cool warships, like the Klingon Bird of Prey. Let’s compare two.

Super Star Destroyer:

• Size — Varies from large t0 Space Station. Largest recorded: 19,000 meters
• Armements — Over 5,000 Turbolasers and Ion Cannons. Tractor Beam Projectors. Assault Concussion Missile Launchers. Gravity Well Projectors. Super Laser Cannons.
• Propulsion — 13 Colossal Engine Thrusters. Hyperdrive System.

Klingon Bird of Prey: 

• Size — Averages around 110 meters.
• Armements — Fore and aft Photon Torpedo Launchers. Two Disruptor Cannons, and Phasers.
• Propulsion — Warp Engine

Winner: Super Star Destroyer…obviously. Look, maybe this isn’t exactly the most fair of comparisons, but tell that to Neil deGrasse Tyson who probably thinks the very idea of a Super Star Destroyer is an affront to science. If the SSD went up against a Klingon Bird of Prey, it would be an all out slaughter. There aren’t enough Klingon Birds of Prey in the Klingon fleet to take down one SSD. So, if you’re a Star Trek fan singing the praises of your pretty little ships, then I’m sorry, your argument is now invalid.

Next: #46 The Empire vs The Federation

46. The Empire vs The Federation

In Star Wars, the Galactic Empire consists of planets who once belonged to the Grand Republic. Once Chancellor Palpatine — working from behind the scenes as the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious — took control of the senate, he maneuvered himself into position to destroy the Jedi and take full control as an Emperor. In Star Trek, the Federation of Planets is an Interstellar Federal Polity with more than 150 member planets. There is no one ruler, as it is a Constitutional Republic.

The Empire:

• Home Planet — Coruscant
• Ruler — Emperor
• Military Might — The Imperial Army
• Religious Influence — The Dark Side of the Force

The Federation:

• Home Planet — Earth
• Ruling body — Federation Council/Legislature
• Military Might — Starfleet
• Religious Influence — None

Winner: The Empire. Why? Well, because when your leader controls a vast force consisting of millions of Stormtroopers, ground and naval fleets (both space and aquatic), and a world-killing space station named the Death Star, then there really is no comparison. In fact, if the Empire were to catch wind of a Federation of Planets, it would move its Death Star to the orbit above Earth and with the press of a button and pull of a lever, earth would be a collection of tiny space rocks that Palpatine may decide to put on display on his desk as a paper weight.

Next: #45 Han Solo or Riker?

45. Han Solo vs Riker

Han Solo is a cavalier space scoundrel who is arguably the greatest smuggler of his time…and a scruffy Nerf herder to boot. Riker shares many of Han’s attributes. He has a cavalier attitude, and has been considered a bit of a rogue, as well as being quite the lady’s man. But how do the two actually compare. Let’s see.

Han Solo: 

• Home Planet — Corellia
• Ship — Millennium Falcon
• Occupation/Military Rank — Former Imperial Lieutenant turned smuggler turned Captain and then General in the Rebel Alliance.
• Known Associates — Chewbacca, Leia, Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian.
• Weapon of Choice — DL-44 Heavy Blaster

William Riker: 

• Home Planet — Earth
• Ship — The Enterprise
• Military Rank — First Officer, Commanding Officer, Captain Commander.
• Known Associates — Captain Picard, Worf,  Counselor Troi.
• Weapon of Choice — Phaser Pistol

Winner: Han Solo, because…come on, do I need to really explain why? Whether you believe Han shot first or not, since his arrival on screen in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, the scoundrel with a heart of gold has become one of the most beloved characters in the history of Star Wars. And, while Riker is okay, he certainly could never make the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs.

Next: #44 3PO or Data?

44. C-3PO vs Data

C-3PO has had his fair share of adventures. From a jumble of wires and parts in little Anakin Skywalker’s bedroom, to a shiny golden protocol droid that is fluent in over six-million forms of communications, serving at the behest of senators. Data, the Android that wants nothing more than to become a real boy, has also had lots of fun adventures…but which one is better?

C-3PO:

•  Type of Droid — Human-Cyborg Relations Protocol Droid
• Temperament — Fussy and worrisome
• Sidekick to R2-D2
• Served both Anakin Skywalker and Luke, then Leia. Was once in service to Padme, and then Bail Organa.

Data: 

• Type of Android — Operations
• Temperament — Curious
• Self-aware and sentient
• Served on the U.S.S. Enterprise as eventual Chief Operations Officer.

Winner: Threepio, because Star Wars would not be the same without him, and Data is just another android in the service to the Federation. Seriously, while Data was cool and all, was he ever worshiped by a race of carnivorous teddy bears and bestowed the title of Goldenrod? No, didn’t think so.

Next: #43 How do they travel?

43. Hyperspace travel vs Warp drive

While they may look the same, Hyperspace travel and Warp jumps are completely different. They may some similarities, but trust me, there is one major difference, let’s get into it.

Hyperspace Travel:

• Type of Travel — Alternate state of existence…yep.
• Type of Engine Used — Hyperdrive that can enter an alternate dimension of  spacetime, by achieving faster-than-light speeds.
• Benefits — Ships using Hyperdrive can travel light years in mere minutes.

Warp Speed:

• Type of Travel — Faster-than-light speeds using warp fields and subspace bubbles…yep
• Type of Engine — Warp Drive
• Benefits — Travel faster around certain quadrants of the galaxy.

Winner: Hyperspace Travel. Why? Because it’s much, much faster than Warp Speed. While both techniques travel a speeds faster than light, Hyperspace travel jumps the ship into a completely different dimension of time and space, thus allowing further distances to be traveled in mere minutes or days, depending on the distance.

Next: #42 Planets vs Planets

42. Star Wars Planets vs Star Trek Planets

While each genre has their own special brand of unique and exciting planets, Star Wars goes a step beyond Trek, in that entire world can be one gigantic city. These are called City Planets. Star Trek has planets like…Earth. This really isn’t a fair fight. In Star Wars, different factions and Alien Species can claim a whole world to themselves. Planets like Moraband nee-Korriban the ancient home of the Sith, and Sith Order. Or the planet Tython where the Jedi Order can trace its humble beginnings. Then there are those massive city-planets we mentioned, like Coruscant or Nar Shaddaa. Can you imagine living on a planet that was quite literally one colossal city?

We aren’t even getting into aquatic worlds like Kamino where the clones were produced, or Mon Cala/Dac where the Mon Calamari General Ackbar comes from. Then there is the desert planets of Tatooine and recently introduced Jakku from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. How about the ice planets of Hoth or Illum, where the Jedi once farmed the Kyber Crystals used in the fashioning of their lightsabers. Perhaps a forest moon is more your taste, well Endor has you covered. In the mood for some jungle exploration, travel to tropical local of Yavin 4, where many ancient Jedi and Sith temples reside.

Winner: Star Wars Planets…no contest.

Next: #41 Weapon of Choice...

41. Double-bladed lightsaber vs The Lirpa

The first time a double-bladed lightsaber was seen in the Star Wars cinematic universe, it was in the hands of the Sith Assassin, Darth Maul. While many Star Wars fans would like to forget the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace ever happened, it has its place, and Darth Maul’s saber is what helps make that film memorable. The double-bladed lightsaber does not really have an equal on the Star Trek side of things…but there is the Lirpa. Remember the time when Spock wore a frilly sash and fought Kirk with those weird looking cudgels? Yeah, that’s a Lirpa, and it looks as silly as it sounds.

Double-Bladed Lightsaber:

• Used by powerful Force-wielders both Sith and Jedi. Most notably Darth Maul.
• Lightweight and adaptable for any situation and fighting style. Can be used as a single blade, or take apart in the middle for dual-wielding.
• Used to kill Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Episode I

Lirpa: 

• Vulcan melee weapon
• Fan-shaped blade on one end, with a rather unwieldy club on the other.
• Used to slash at, and give Kirk little cuts.

Winner: Come on, isn’t obvious? The Double-bladed Lightsaber wins in a landslide. Look, I’m sure Trekkies will argue that the Lirpa is used as a traditional mating challenge (which makes it all the more silly), but a double-bladed lightsaber would cut the Lirpa into pieces. I’m no fighter, but put a double-bladed lightsaber in my hands, and I could cut down the most formidable of Vulcans…even Spock. Yeah, I said it, deal with it.

Next: #40 The Sith have no equal

40. The Sith vs Romulans

When trying to find an equal to the Sith, one need only look as far as the Romulans. While the Romulans are an alien species, and the Sith have evolved from a red-skinned pure blooded Force sensitive species, into a sect of the Dark Side religion, their places in each respective genre are quite similar.

Sith: 

• Home Planet — Korriban (now canonically changed to Morriband).
• Religion — The Dark Side of the Force
• Weapon of Choice — Lightsaber (usually marked by the red crystal).
• Current philosophy — The Rule of Two. One to hold the power, and one to crave it.
• Nemesis — The Jedi Order

Romulans:

• Home Planet — Romulus
• Religion — Worship and respect for the Elements
• Weapon of Choice — Romulan Disruptor Pistol
• Nemesis — The Vulcan and the Federation

Winner: The Sith. While the Romulans are certainly fascinating, and while they make for quite the villain, they just cannot compare to the power of the Dark Side. Where a Romulan may shoot you with his tiny pistol, a Sith will Force Choke you, then cut you in half with his or her lightsaber. Also, the Sith are masters of disguise and sabotage in order to see their plans come to fruition. No one knew Palpatine was the Dark Lord of the Sith, until he executed Order 66, and came out as the Emperor of the entire galaxy. Even with the Rule of Two becoming a Sith way of life, they were more than capable of destroying the Jedi Order, and it was because they hid in plain sight…right under the noses of the Jedi.

Next: #39 Visit a Cantina for a drink and good music!

39. Cantinas vs Holodeck

Ahhh, the Cantina. A place where a being can walk in and get a tasty libation to wet his or her…or its whistle. There’s entertainment in the form of some fantastic music, and beautiful girl aliens dancing. The Cantina is a de-facto gathering place for farm boys and scoundrels alike…they just don’t typically like selling to droids. The Holodeck, on the other hand, can be programed for literally anything its user wants. You want to visit a 1920’s speakeasy? The Holodeck can do that. You want to run some team-building exercises with your crew, and being pirates on the high-seas is your fancy? The Holodeck has you covered. But which would you rather visit?

Cantina: 

• Saloon/Bar where typically a hive of scum and villainy tend to congregate.
• Live music from actual living creatures.
• Alcoholic drinks…or whatever the Star Wars equivalent of cranberry juice is, just in case you’re the designated starship driver.
• Meet and hire pilots to smuggle you off your miserable desert planet.
• The hotspot for Death Stick dealers.

Holodeck:

• Computer generated and controlled.
• Can create anyone and anything the user’s heart desires.
• The go-to place for recreation on those long voyages…you know, because Star Trek ships don’t have Hyperspace travel.

Winner: Cantinas, of course. While this one may not have been a landslide victory, the one major difference between the two, is that at a Cantina, you can meet and interact with actual living people and other beings. On the Holodeck, you might travel back to the 1920’s and meet some of that era’s most notable people…but in the end, they are just computer generated pixels made to look extremely realistic. Plus, by using the Holodeck, you run the risk of it becoming sentient and killing everyone inside…so there’s that.

Next: #38 Battle for the ages -- Vader vs Khaaaaaaaaaaan!

38. Darth Vader vs Khan

One man is a genetically engineered super-human, and the other is the Chosen One. When looking for Darth Vader’s equal in the Star Trek universe, the only real comparison is Khan. Both men have loved and lost, both are incredibly powerful, and both have their fair share of genetic augmentation, or cybernetic enhancement and augmentation.

Darth Vader:

• Formerly Anakin Skywalker/The Chosen One
• Once married to Padme Amidala, now widowed.
• Father to twins Luke and Leia
• Lord of the Sith
• Once incredibly powerful in the Light Side of the Force, now incredibly powerful in the Dark Side.
• Expert pilot
• Rules the 501st legion (Vader’s Fist)
• Wields a lightsaber and uses the Force
• Strikes fear in the hearts of anyone who would dare cross his path.

Khan Noonien Singh:

• Known simply as Khan
• Once married to Marla McGivers, now widowed.
• Leader of the Human Augments
• Genetically created to be super-human
• Weapon of Choice — boolean gun, a directed energy weapon.
• Sought revenge against Kirk (his arch-nemesis), which set into motion events that eventually lead to the death of Spock.

Winner: Vader…by a few parsecs. While both men made excellent and forever memorable villains, it is Darth Vader who is the most powerful of the two. Vader’s past is what makes him such an interesting and tragic character. He loved Padme so much, that his senses were clouded, which allowed Palpatine to turn him to the Dark Side. But, in the end, his love of his son, Luke, caused him to be redeemed by the Light, and he was allowed to become one with the Force.

Next: #37 More weapon comparisons!

37. Blasters vs Phasers

Both Star Wars and Star Trek have their own special brand of blaster pistols. The most famous blaster pistol in the Star Wars cinematic universe is without a doubt, Han Solo’s DL-44 Heavy Blaster…in fact, one could say it is iconic. Trek has the phaser pistol most commonly used by the Federation’s military. I could break each one down, and while they each have their own diverse range of abilities, Star Wars‘ blaster pistols are unique in that each character can easily be identified by his or her blaster…and Trek‘s phaser is just one of one million same carbon copy blasters.

Han’s blaster aside, take into account the silver and slim blaster used by Padme in the Prequel Trilogies, or how about Leia’s slimmed down version of the heavy blaster. Each one unique, and each one suited for the person wielding it. Now, that’s not to say that Star Wars doesn’t have its own version of mass-produced blaster pistols, because it definitely does, but in the world of Star Wars, individualism is more celebrated, and therefore the unique array of weapons is more on display.

Winner: The Star Wars Blaster Pistol

Next: #36 History

36. The Old Republic vs Actual Human History

Star Wars history is vast and diverse, because it traverses entire galaxies. Star Trek history is…well, our history. Because Trek is based in the future of humanity, its history is what we have all learned throughout our years of schooling. Star Wars, on the other hand, has so many stories involving massive armies of Jedi vs massive armies of Sith, that it’s just too damned interesting not to want to know about.

Now, many Star Wars fans will be quick to point out that The Old Republic (Star Wars version of history) is no longer considered canon, and that it has been relegated to the “Legends” category. That’s okay, because it still exists. Where do you think the Jedi and the Sith come from? Have you ever wondered where the first Force users originated? Did you know that Boba Fett, while considered a Mandalorian, actually comes from a long a storied history of people from a planet that once tried to dominate the galaxy, and that they almost succeeded?

There are literally thousands upon thousands of stories to be learned from, in the history of Star Wars. The Old Republic is so incredibly popular, in fact, that a wildly successful and popular series of console and computer games was created from just one of its stories, the story of Revan. And, there is currently a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing game called Star Wars: The Old Republic, which is set thousands and thousands of years before the events of the prequels.

Winner: Star Wars History. Why? Because while I personally enjoy humanity’s history, it’s just too fun and interesting to learn about the history of Star Wars.

Next: #35 Weird Aliens

35. Shapeshifter (Zam Wessel)  vs Changeling (Odo)

Both Star Wars and Star Trek have their own weird and creepy aliens. One example is the Shapeshifters of Star Wars and the Changelings of Star Trek. A Shapeshifter bounty hunter by the name of Zam Wessel first made her — first and last — appearance in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. She was hired by Jango Fett to assassinate Padme Amidala, and ultimately failed thanks to the heroics of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Trek has Changelings. Composed of morphogenic enzymes, the molecules responsible for their shapeshifting ability, a Changeling’s natural state is a formless gelatinous mass, that it must revert to, every eighteen hours or its body will begin to deteriorate. Trek‘s most famous Changeling is a guy called Odo. Odo was one of a hundred infants of his species, sent out to explore the galaxy and then compelled to return home in order to share their experiences. Odo found a home on the space station Deep Space 9.

Winner: Zam, because bounty hunters are way cooler than a gelatinous mass. While I’m sure Odo endeared himself to fans of Star Trek and Deep Space 9, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Zam, her blaster, and those creepy millipede things that almost got Padme.

Next: #34 The Death Star may get a run for its money!

34. The Death Star vs The Borg Cube

Oh man, this is a tough one. Nothing strikes fear into the heart of the denizens of the Star Trek universe more, than the sight of a Borg Cube coming into orbit around their ship or planet. However, the same could also be said for the Death Star.

A planet sized space station that utilized the advantages of Hyperspace travel, the Death Star was literally the most terrifying and dangerous weapon in the employ of the Empire. Princess Leia experienced first hand, the might of the Death Star, when it destroyed her home planet of Alderaan. What made the Death Star so dangerous, was the fact that the Empire controlled it. Under the command of Grand Moff Tarkin, acting on the orders of Emperor Palpatine, the Death Star could disintegrate entire worlds at a whim.

As for the Borg Cube, it was no less terrifying. While not as large or fast as the Death Star, the Borg Cube’s arrival usually heralded the assimilation of a planet or ship’s entire population/crew.

Winner: The Death Star. This was actually a close call. The Death Star wins because of it’s ability to turn entire planets into a small asteroid-field. One Death Star would obliterate an entire fleet of Borg Cubes, and that is a perfect example of the military might of the Empire and the power of the Dark Side.

Next: #33 Speaking of the Borg...

33. Mandalorians vs The Borg

If the Borg Cube struck fear into the heart of anyone it came across, then the actual Borg themselves, are just as terrifying. But, there is a group in the Star Wars universe that can and would hold their own against the Borg, and that’s the Mandalorians. An entire army was created from the genetic strand of Jango Fett, who was a Mandalorian, and his son, Boba, is possibly the most famous bounty hunter in the Star Wars cinematic universe.

Mandalorians: 

• Home Planet — Mandalore. However, it is also a varied list of worlds. The Mandalorians were famous nomadic warriors.
• Founder — Mandalore the First
• Society — Clan system
• Race — Varied. Mandalorians consisted of many races, as long as one could prove his or her worth to the clan, and passed the trials, they could be Mandalorian.
• Philosophy — The strongest survive. Once one leader was defeated, the one who defeated him or her, would pick up the symbol of leadership and be crowned the new Mandalore. This was usually signified by a mask.

Borg: 

• Home — Delta Quadrant
• Society — Assimilated Drones using a hive mind
• Each Drone (even infants that were taken) were enhanced with cybernetics.
• Race — Varied
• Philosophy — Assimilation. Peoples and beings of every planet and walk of life were taken and assimilated by the Borg.

Winner: Mandalorians…but once again, it’s a close decision. While the Borg are probably the coolest alien race in all of Star Trek, the Mandalorians hold one major edge…individualism. Mandalorians are famous for the vast variety of clan symbols, and differently painted armor, that often consisted of scraps and odd and ends of different pieces of armor. Plus, the Mandos usually wore a type of jetpack…how cool is that?

Next: #32 WOOKIE TIME

32. Wookies vs Klingons

The fiercely loyal and savagely strong Wookie is a site to behold. Usually standing at over eight feet and covered in fur, Wookies made their impression on the Star Wars cinematic universe with perhaps their most famous member, Chewbacca. During the prequel trilogy, during Star Wars Episode III: Attack of the Clones, the Wookies were shown as an army, as they fought alongside the Jedi to defend their homeworld of Kashyyyk from the Trade Federation.

The word Wookie, when translated, means People of the Trees, and the giant trees of Kashyyyk represent that name to the fullest. Wookies live long lives, most on average, up to 400 years. After the Great Jedi Purge, the Wookies’ primitive technology was no match for the Empire, and they were enslaved by Palpatine and his new regime. Thankfully, Chewbacca convinced his partner Han Solo, to rally a group of smugglers and bounty hunters, and along with the Rebel Alliance, were able to free the Wookies from slavery.

As to the Klingons, they are a fierce race of warriors, not that different from the Wookies. Although not attuned to nature like the Wookies, the Klingons derive their warmongering ways from a different source: Honor and Combat. From their homeworld of Kronos, the Klingon Empire spread its might throughout the galaxy, through their brutality and fearsome ways. Not all Klingons were antagonists, as Worf, who served aboard the Enterprise, brought much honor to his people.

Winner: Wookies, because they don’t need weapons to rip someone’s arm off. Whether he’s protecting Han’s back, or he’s carrying around C-3PO in a bag on his back, Chewbacca exhibits the loyalty and dedication to one’s loved ones, that the Wookies are known for. Plus, Chewie has that bowcaster, which would put Worf on his ass.

Next: #31 It's the Jedi's turn!

31. Jedi vs Vulcans

There is no better comparison to the Jedi of Star Wars, than the Vulcans of Star Trek. Through the philosophy of peace and higher learning, and valuing logic over chaos, the two really do match up quite well.

Jedi: 

• Home Planet — Tython
• Religious Philosophy — The Light Side of the Force
• Role in the Galaxy — Peacekeepers
• Weapon of Choice — Lightsaber

Vulcans: 

• Home Planet — Vulcan
• Philosophy — Logic before Emotion
• Role in the Galaxy — Founding member of the Federation

Winner: Jedi, because the Vulcan are boring. While the two are quite comparable, the Jedi hold the edge because they are willing to use violence as a means to an end. Many Vulcans have forsaken violence altogether, preferring to use their highly valued logic in order to resolve confrontation. Plus, the Jedi use the Force and carry lightsabers…so there’s that.

Next: #30 The Temple

30. The Jedi Temple vs Starfleet Academy

The Jedi Temple on Coruscant was once a shining beacon of knowledge, as well as a bastion of hope for the oppressed. The Jedi Order, acting as peacekeepers throughout the galaxy, operated its entire network through the Jedi Temple. Within its walls, were held the secrets of the Jedi. Meditation rooms, training facilities, housing, and a vast library consisting of all the collected knowledge of the Jedi for hundreds of thousands of years. Younglings were trained, Padawans learned, and apprentices tested to become Jedi Knights, all within the temple. The Jedi Temple was also where the Jedi Council convened.

Starfleet Academy was a building complex that housed the training department within Starfleet. The academy’s main purpose was for the education and training of in cadets for service in Starfleet. The movement of personnel in and out of this service was governed by the Starfleet Transfer Regulations, and enforced by the chief administrator of the Academy, the Superintendent. Located on Earth in the city of San Francisco, the Starfleet Academy hosted any and all races and species who wished to serve in Starfleet Command.

Winner: The Jedi Temple, because Starfleet Academy is basically high school for astronauts. Seriously, I get that the academy has its merits, but let’s not pretend that anything as cool as learning to use the Force, is going on there. Plus, I’m pretty sure that any Jedi worth his or her salt could ace the The Kobayashi Maru with both eyes closed.

Next: #29 Mmmmmm who's thirsty for some Blue Milk?

29. Blue Milk vs Food Replicators

Okay, so this isn’t exactly the same, but Blue Milk is arguably the most famous form of nutrition in Star Wars, while Food Replicators are the norm for anyone in the Trek universe, looking to get their appetite sated.

Blue Milk:

• Comes from Banthas
• Is in fact blue
• Known to be rich and refreshing

Food Replicators:

• Can make whatever your heart desires
• Tasty synthesized food. That has to be good for the ole digestive tract, right?

Winner: While the prospect of ordering up a juicy steak anytime I want certainly has its merits, I don’t know where it comes from…so, for me, Blue Milk it is. Plus, who wouldn’t want to drink some delicious Bantha milk on a hot summer day, on Tatooine?

Next: #28 Cat People?

28. Cathar vs Caitians

If you’ve never heard of either the Cathar or Caitians, then don’t worry, many fans don’t know what or who they are. Races like the Cathar in Star Wars and the Caitians in Star Trek, are really only known to the most diehard of fans.

Hailing from the planet Cathar, the Cathar species are a feline-like alien who were conquered by the Mandalorians. They were widely known for the loyalty, passion, and temper that marked their species. Described as quick and powerful, Cathar were considered great warriors. Cathar were also known to have high moral values, learned through their close-knit familial society. The Cathar females were highly sought after and prized as slaves, however, the males of the species were generally regarded as too uncontrollable and wild for slavery. Many Cathar have also been proven to be Force sensitive, and went on to be great Jedi.

The Caitians were also feline in appearance. Their description included long manes and a tail. Most Caitians were covered with fur which varied in color. However, other Caitians were without fur or prefered to be trimmed down completely. Female Caitian voices can be described as having a soft, cat-like purring quality.

Winner: Close call, but the Cathar of Star Wars. Trek‘s Caitians seem like tamed house cats compared to the wild-natured Cathar. And, even though the homeworld of the Cathar consisted of mainly a savanna-like terra, they were known to be quite civilized and even Force sensitive. I wonder if they used the Force to chase yarn?

Next: #27 Red Shirts Always Die

27. Stormtroopers vs Red Shirts

Is there a more played out trope than Red Shirts Always die? No, I guess not. But, the Stormtrooper is basically the equivalent of the Red Shirt, with the possibility of living a tad bit longer than their Star Trek cousins. The stormtrooper of today is a far cry from the Clone Troopers of the Clone Wars. Barely able to hit a target, generic in everything including their voice, the original trilogy stormtrooper is the epitome of bumbling idiocy. Let’s see how the two match up.

Stormtrooper: 

• Armor — White
• Weapon — Blaster rifle
• Best known for being killed and eaten by Ewoks, and losing the war against the rebellion because they couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn.

Red Shirts:

• Uniform — Red Shirts
• Weapon — Phaser pistols
• Best known for dying first

Winner: And the title of most hilariously awful cannon fodder goes to the Stormtrooper. Look Trekkies, I get that you might consider this a win, but just think, at least some stormtroopers survive, while the Red Shirts are always first to take a photon torpedo to the face.

Next: #26 More Ships!

26. Home One vs Romulan Warbird 

If the Super Star Destroyer was an example of the might and engineering prowess of the Empire, then Home One was the shining beacon of the Rebel Alliance. Home One was the largest of the Republic fleet, and was the flagship of Admiral Ackbar, which was the command ship for the Battle above Endor. At 1,300 meters in length, Hom One boasted four M8.0 Stardrive engines, and six M4.5 Stardrive maneuvering engines. Home One was not only fast and powerful, but she could turn on a dime. As far as armaments go, Home One could not be matched. With 36 XV9 turbo laser cannons, 36 SW-7 ion cannon batteries, and 6 Q7 tractor beam projectors, Home One could handle herself in a fight.

The Romulan Warbird was the largest and most powerful class of ships in the Romulan fleet. She boasted 45 decks with up Warp 9 and above capabilities. With a myriad of disruptor arrays, phasers, photon torpedo launchers and a primary disruptor array, the Warbird was a ship to be feared by the enemies of the Romulan people.

Winner: Home One. While the Warbird definitely is a thing of dangerous beauty, Home One simply dwarfs the Romulan craft, and, could more than likely out maneuver it. Plus, Admiral Ackbar is the commander of Home One, so you know he’s not going to lead you into any traps.

Next: #25 Droids vs Androids

25. Droids vs Androids

In Star Wars, no two droids are alike. Sure, they may have similar model numbers and names, but each droid — big or small — develops its own personality. From R2-D2 to C-3PO, from the amusing Gonk droid to the little mouse droids seen on Imperial ships, all the way to BB-8 from the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there are so many different droids with different personalities, that it really is hard to compare…but we’ll try.

Star Trek‘s androids are vastly different that their fellows in a galaxy far, far away. As Trek is mostly based in science, the androids of that genre fit that mold. From the plastic, faceless things, to Data on the Enterprise, Trek’s androids do not really inspire much love or adoration from fans.

Winner: Star Wars droids…in a landslide. Seriously, when I feel worse for the death of an astromech in battle, than I do for it’s humanoid pilot, then you know Star Wars is doing it right. Now if I can just learn to speak binary…

Next: #24 Use the Force!

24. Force Persuasion vs Mindmeld

One of the coolest aspects of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, was Obi-Wan as a Jedi, and his using the Force. A major part of those Jedi Master skills is Force Persuasion. How many times did you try and persuade your parents, siblings, friends, and teachers with the Force, when you were a kid? Heck, I’m 41 and I still try to use the Force on my wife…I think it’s starting to work. More practice!

The Trek equivalent of the Force Persuasion is the Vulcan Mindmeld. It’s not as flashy or cool, and has to be done by making contact with the person you are trying to telepathically link up with, which makes it far inferior to Force Persuasion.

Winner: Force Persuasion. Can you just imagine Spock trying to take off the stormtrooper’s helmet so he could then touch his head and force his thoughts on him? Nah, I’ll take the casual wave of a hand, and allow the Force to do the rest. These aren’t the droids we’re looking for.

Next: #23 A Duel for the ages...

23. Yoda vs Spock

This is truly a duel for the ages. In the green corner weighing at probably 35 pounds of pure lean muscle, Grand Master of the Jedi, Yoda. And in the Blue Corner, weighing in at a buck 50, with pointy ears, and formerly a Lieutenant Commander, Spock. One is so intune with the Force, that instead of dying, he just gave himself to it. And, the other is considered to be the most wise and benevolent character in the entire Star Trek universe.

Yoda: 

• Species — HE IS LITERALLY HIS OWN SPECIES
• Religious Philosophy — Jedi, Light Side of the Force
• Rank — Grandmaster of the Jedi Order
• Weapon of Choice — Green Bladed Lightsaber
• Age when he passed into the Force — 900+
• Current Status — Force Ghost

Spock:

• Species — Vulcan
• Philosophy — Logic before Emotions
• Rank — Captain in the Federation
• Weapon of Choice — Phaser pistol
• Age — 155
• Current Status — Ambassador

Winner: Yoda. All due respect to Spock, he just cannot compare to a tiny green alien that can more than hold his own with the Dark Lord of the Sith — turning Force Lightning back with his hands — and then staying alive long enough to train the next generation of Jedi, Luke Skywalker. Won, he has.

Next: #22 Whiny Anakin makes an appearance

22. Teenage Anakin Skywalker vs Wesley Crusher

The absolute worst thing about the prequel trilogy was not in fact Jar Jar Binks…I know, sounds crazy. But, there was a far more sinister and whiny force at work, and that was teenage Anakin Skywalker. I don’t blame Hayden Christensen’s acting…not one bit, because I blame George Lucas (praise his name) for allowing Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One to bring balance to the Force, to be a whiny little crybaby. And to top it all off, teenage Anakin makes Attack of the Clones one big uncomfortable creeper fest, as he basically forces himself on Padme. No, I do not like the way teenage Anakin was written.

Anakin’s counterpart has to be young Wesley Crusher. What is with the multicolored reading rainbow top? Again, this is not a knock against the actor, because Wil Wheaton has done more for nerdom that just about anybody, but good God, that Wesley Crusher was just annoying. No Wesley, you can’t drive the Enterprise. No Wesley, you can’t use the Holodeck by yourself. No Wesley, you can’t use the transporter to go to the bathroom just to see where it goes. Wesley Crusher was the worst. I don’t care that he was considered a prodigy or that his mom was probably “dating” Picard…he was just awful.

Winner: Teenage Anakin, because I would rather listen to Anakin whine about his love for Padme, than watch Wesley Crusher try and boss an away team of scientists around, when it’s clear that none of them even like him.

Next: #21 The Fastest Hunk of Junk...

21. Millennium Falcon vs The Enterprise

Both Star Wars and Star Trek have two of the easiest recognizable ships in all of fantasy/science fiction. But which one is the best? The Falcon is obviously a lot smaller than the Enterprise, and while the flagship of the Federation may be able to hold thousands of crew, the Falcon can make the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs.

Millennium Falcon:

• Class — Light Freighter
• Size — The Falcon is an odd bird: 35 Meters in length, 26 meters wide, and 8.27 meters in height/depth.
• Engine — Heavily modified and upgraded Hyperdrive
• Armaments — Two modified quad laser cannons, one hidden surface defense blaster cannon, two 4- missile tubes, landing jets modified as anti-personnel weapons, lightning gun, high-powered tractor beam generator, and a minelayer.

The USS Enterprise: 

• Class — Galaxy
• Size — 642 meters in length, 464 meters wide, and 195 meters in height.
• Engine — Warp Engine
• Armaments — 12 phaser arrays, three torpedo launchers, ant-matter mines.

Winner: The Millennium Falcon. Yes, Enterprise is a larger ship, but the Falcon is faster, and much more heavily armed. In fact, I am shocked at how little the Enterprise is armed. I guess when you’re a science and exploration ship, you don’t really need to be armed to the teeth.

Next: #20 Enter Jabba

20. The Hutts vs The Dominion

Few organizations in the Star Wars universe have managed to operate a criminal enterprise with such brutal efficiency than the Hutt Cartel. In that regard, they have no equal, so I had to really do some digging to find a group in Star Trek that might give the Hutts a run for their money: The Dominion.

Where Jabba and his fellow Hutts prefer to use mercenaries to carry out their bidding, the Dominion used its own changelings to carry out the will of its leader the Vorta. When Jabba wanted entertainment he would drop his slaves and those that wronged him into a Rancor pit where they would be horribly mauled and devoured. The Dominion wanted no sport, they just wanted to bring all other civilizations under its control. While Jabba was certainly the foremost Hutt, there was a cartel in place and was run like a crime family; a well oiled machine. The Dominion answered to the Founders, a group of changelings that ensured their master’s wishes were being enforced.

Winner: The Hutts, because anyone who can keep a Rancor as a pet, and avoid being prosecuted by the Jedi order for slavery and war crimes, deserves some respect. The Dominion may have been a vast and ancient state, but they didn’t have a tenth of the power the Hutts had. Jabba’s mercs chased Han Solo across the galaxy just to bring him in and collect the bounty, and they did so without drawing too much attention from Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, who would have crushed the crime syndicate like tiny annoying slugs.

Next: #19 The Trade Federation has its way

19. The Trade Federation vs Cardassians

The Trade Federation was the bane of the Prequel Trilogy. As a group of intergalactic bankers go, the Trade Federation was pretty darn ruthless. They blockaded entire planets from receiving any help, until that planet signed their treaty. Then there’s the matter of the massive army of droids. The Trade Federation sewed chaos throughout the galaxy and they did it as puppets of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

The Cardassians are basically the Trade Federation of the Star Trek universe. The Cardassians were considered to be a hierarchical culture. To the Cardassians age as a sign of strength, power, and wisdom. In their culture, the 30th birthday was cause for celebration. Because of the emphasis on hierarchy in their culture, intense rivalries arose between both individuals, and families. Eventually, the Cardassians lent their strength to that of the Dominion’s, and formed a nearly unstoppable alliance. Eventually a treaty of peace was signed between the Dominion and the Federation, and the Cardassians ceased to be a threat.

Winner: The Trade Federation, because even when a Jedi peacekeeping force came to them on their ship, they tried to have them killed. And, the Trade Federation refused to make amends for all their wrong-doing. It wasn’t until the newly minted Lord Vader traveled to Mustafar to kill them at the behest of his Master, that the Trade Federation was ended.

Next: #18 Leia vs Janeway

18. Leia vs Janeway

Few women in the Star Wars cinematic universe command as much respect as the now General Leia. If she were to have a counterpart in the Star Trek universe, it would have to be Captain Janeway.

Leia: 

• Fanned the flames of rebellion as a politician and ambassador from Alderaan
• Became an officer and leader in the rebellion against the Empire
• Rescued Han Solo, first dressed as a bounty hunter, then killed Jabba the Hutt while in a golden metal bikini.
• Force Sensitive (Although in the new canon, we don’t know how much)
• Now General Leia of the Resistance, she leads the fight against the First Order in The Force Awakens.

Janeway: 

• Captain of the USS Voyager
• Later promoted to Vice Admiral and served at Starfleet Command

Winner: Leia. While both women are fine examples of strong and accomplished females thriving in a man’s world, Leia has accomplished more, and continues to do so. As General Leia, she will shape the next trilogy in Star Wars, and can be considered a trailblazer for the younger female characters to come.

Next: #17 Artoo faces off against the Enterprise?

17. R2-D2 vs Enterprise Computer

The Enterprise computer, with regard to Next Generation, was an interactive program that took voice commands and helped to ensure the ship survived its voyage throughout the galaxy. While the Enterprise’s computer was fully functional, and streamlined the crew’s seven year voyage, it was utterly without personality.

The same cannot be said about the lovable astromech named R2-D2. From A New Hope where he lies about his restraining bolt to Luke, so that he can go find Obi-Wan Kenobi, you just knew this little droid was going to be special. In every movie since then, and in various animated series’ R2 has carved a name for himself through his lively personality and quick wit…at least I imagine it’s witty when he’s beeping and whirring at Threepio.

The Enterprise computer may activate everything from the Holodeck to the food processor by simple voice commands, and it may even be able to set a course and seek a destination once it has been programmed to do so, but you’ll never see it shoot oil all over enemy droids, then use its rockets to catch said droids on fire.

Winner: R2-D2. While BB-8 may be the new cute and adorable droid that everyone wants to see, he wouldn’t be half as popular if our old pal Artoo hadn’t paved the way…plus, we haven’t see the last of our little blue and white astromech, as he’s sure to have a role in the happenings and events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Next: #16 TIE ATTACK

16. TIE Fighter vs Attack Fighter

The symbol of the Empire: The TIE Fighter. With its incredible maneuverability and weapons array, the TIE was made for quick and focused strikes. Few starfighters in any science fiction/fantasy franchise can match the speed and utility of the TIE. Trek has a version of an attack fighter, but it doesn’t seem up to the task of standing against a TIE Fighter. Let’s break it down.

TIE Fighter:

• Max Speed — 1,200 km/h
• Engines — Twin ion engines/twin ion maneuvering jets
• Armaments — Two laser cannons

Federation Attack Fighters:

• Max Speed — Unknown
• Engines — Unknown/Varied
• Armaments — Three Torpedo Launchers, and Two Phaser Emitters

Winner: TIE Fighter. Allow me to explain. While on the surface there doesn’t seem much difference between the two besides the shape, the TIE holds the edge in maneuverability. The Federation Attack Fighters are more heavily armed, but are built to escort or assault in waves, while a single TIE Fighter can engage an enemy then disengage when necessary. Coming from above, below, or the sides, the TIE would carve the Federation Attackers into ribbons before they knew what hit them.

Next: #15 Beam me up Scotty!

 15. Transport Ships vs Transporter

Question: Would you rather have your DNA switched and swapped with your crew, scattered out into the void of who knows where? Or, would you rather take a safe ride to and from your destination? While on the surface, the Trek Transporter seems cool as heck, there are just too many unknowns involved for me to feel safe taking that form of transportation.

While on the other hand, what better way to arrive in style, that in an Imperial Shuttle? Imagine catching a ride up to the Death Star on the last shuttle out. You land, and all the sudden the Imperial March sounds, and Darth Vader is waiting on you…could it be? Nope, the Emperor is aboard the shuttle and you just got Force choked for stowing away. But hey, it was fun while it lasted right?

Winner: Transport Ships. In all seriousness, give me the relative safety of a starship, over the molecule scattering transporter, any day.

Next: #14 Now it's time for the X-Wings

14. X-Wing vs Away Shuttle

If the TIE Fighter is the symbol of the Empire, then the X-Wing is the symbol of the Rebellion and now Resistance. Trek‘s got small ships too…but, ummm it looks like a beached whale. Let’s check out the benefits of each.

X-Wing:

• Built for speed to counteract the TIE
• Engine — Four regular engines on the “X” foil, and a Hyperdrive allowing the X-Wing to make those long jumps.
• Armaments —  Four laser cannons, and two proton torpedo launchers.
• Navigation — Astromech enabled

Away Shuttle: 

• Built for carrying Away Teams
• Engines — Impulse Thrusters and Maneuvering Thrusters
• Armaments — None

Winner: X-Wing. Okay, so this wasn’t really a fair fight. We pretty much compared apples to oranges here, but since we already covered the Attack Fighters used in Trek, I figured we might as well go with another small craft. Sorry Trekkies, the X-Wing would obliterate your puny shuttle. But hey, at least the Away Shuttle has weapon lockers inside…you know…in case you actually land in one piece.

Next: #13 Attack of the Clones!

13. Republic Clones vs Federation Cadets

In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, a Grand Army of the Republic was put into play, after the Galactic Senate gave Chancellor Palpatine the authority to do so. The Clone Army was created on the planet of Kamino in what can only be described as a intergalactic space puppy mill. The Clones were ordered by a mysterious Jedi Master named Sifo-Dyas, who was tricked by and then murdered by the man he thought was his friend, Dooku.

The Clones proved militarily efficient, and were used as the spear point of the Republic Army, with the Jedi Knights serving as Generals, leading their Clones. It was all part of a grand master-plan on the part of the Dark Lord of the Sith, however, and when the time came, Darth Sidious nee-Palpatine ordered the Jedi to be purged with Order 66. The Clones, through no fault of their own, turned on their Jedi Generals, and killed them.

The Cadets of the Federation of Planets train rigorously at Starfleet Academy. Whether they are training to be a ship’s medical officer, translator, or engineering, there is something for everyone. And then there’s the officer training, in which James T. Kirk and other Starfleet captains and commanders went through.

Winner: The Clones. While Starfleet thoroughly trains its cadets, they are still fallible. The Clones were born and bred to be lethal and efficient killers; loyal soldiers who would carry out any and every order given them by their superiors…even if it meant risking their own lives.

Next: #12 What about Lobot?

12. Lobot vs Seven of Nine

The closest the Star Wars universe has ever come to the Borg of Star Trek, is Lobot. The Borg collective is attuned to each other through a network of the Hive Mind, and Lobot experiences the same thing, only with an entire city. When he was younger, Lobot was convicted of a crime on the floating gas city of Bespin. Having compassion, the Administrator at the time, commuted Lobot’s sentence to serving the city…with one caveat, he had to be cybernetically enhanced to be plugged into the city’s computer at all times.

Seven of Nine is a human female, who was assimilated by the Borg at the tender age of six. In trade for safe passage through Borg space, the crew of the USS Voyager promised to help the Borg create a weapon to destroy their common enemy. During the battle, Seven of Nine’s Borg Cube was destroyed, and she was severed from her collective. In an effort to save her, the Voyager’s doctor removed most of her cybernetic enhancements, bit some of them could not be removed, as they were keeping her alive. Seven of Nine worked with the crew as an enhanced human.

Winner: Lobot. While Seven of Nine is one of the cooler Star Trek characters, she is no longer plugged into the collective, whereas Lobot is connected to the city of Bespin. By merely thinking, Lobot can control all aspects needed to keep the city in top form. Lando Calrissian said it best: “You think Lobot’s mute, but he’s just too busy talking to the central computer to bother speaking to us organics.”

Next: #11 Philosophies Collide!

11. The Jedi Code vs The Prime Directive

The Jedi Code and the Prime Directive are very similar, in so much as they both teach peace and knowledge first. However, which one of the two is more practical? How many times have we seen the Prime Directive broken because of the need to accomplish a mission, or even by accident? Then again, how many Jedi follow the tenets of their own code, and can such a code even be practically followed, in time of war?

The problem with the Prime Directive is that each Starfleet Captain can interpret it as he or she sees fit. it has been breached several times throughout Trek’s long history, whether it was Kirk and Bones relocating a people from the eruption of a volcano that would have wiped them out, or when Kirk and the crew gave a vaccination to a deadly virus to a people on a planet resembling earth. Others would have us believe that the Prime Directive is absolute: “The Prime Directive is not a matter of degree. It is an absolute.” ~Worf.

Winner: The Jedi Code. According to Obi-Wan, only the Sith deal in absolutes, so is the Prime Directive fallible? Can the Jedi Code be followed more closely than the PD? I think so, as the Prime Directive has too many guidelines and too many species and star systems to cover. The Jedi Code can be followed, even in time of war, just look to Obi-Wan Kenobi as the example. He gave himself to the Force, allowing Vader to strike him down so that he could better guide Luke.

Next: #10 J.J. vs J.J.

10. J.J. Abrams vs J.J. Abrams

Boy, if there was ever a time when Star Wars and Star Trek converged on a massive level, it would be the anomaly known as J.J. Abrams. In 2009 Abrams was tasked with breathing life into a dead franchise…and he did it in a huge way. Star Trek was a huge success, garnering a box office tally of $385.7 million. In 2013 Abrams struck gold again, with the sequel, Star Trek: Into Darkness. Topping his first foray into Trek, Star Trek: Into Darkness earned a whopping $467.4 million. J.J. Abrams was now the most sought after director in Hollywood.

Then Disney came calling, and they too wanted Abrams to breathe life into their nearly dead project, the newly acquired Star Wars franchise. The rest is recent history, but if advance ticket sales are any indication, The Force Awakens will be the biggest box-office success of all time. Sales have already reached $50 million, and the opening crawl hasn’t even begun. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is going to be a juggernaut, and J.J. Abrams is the man to thank for that success.

Winner: Star Wars Abrams. This is going to be the first live-action Star Wars film in ten years, and at this point, there is just no way this film will fail. Disney should make a J.J. statue in their new Star Wars Land theme park.

Next: #9 Currency of two genres

9. Galactic Credits vs Federation Credits

Both Star Wars and Star Trek have their special brand of currency. Both are named credits. One is used universally, while the other has restrictions.

Star Wars Galactic Credits: 

• The Galactic Credit is the main currency in use in the galaxy since the time of the Galactic Republic.
• The credit is backed by the wealth of the planet Muunilinst and the Intergalactic Banking Clan.
• The credit is an actual physical currency with both coins, and bills in circulation.

Federation Credits:

• The Federation credit is the monetary unit of the United Federation of Planets, even though it is stated on several occasions that the need for money no longer exists in the current Star Trek timeline.
• A  medium of exchange that is accessible to Federation citizens.

Winner: Galactic Credits. Why? Because they are recognized throughout the galaxy. The Federation Credit is only recognized by those planets participating in the Federation.

Next: #8 Religions debated

8. The Force vs Atheism/Trek God

The creator of Star Trek — Gene Roddenberry — was an atheist, and much of his ideology was infused into the structure of Star Trek. Roddenberry once said: “We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty Humans, and then blames them for his own mistakes.” With that in mind, it’s easy to see why the topic of religion is not something one comes across in the work of Star Trek. Even when Kirk meets a being claiming to be a god, it turned out to be a lie.

Star Wars is a different animal. Both the Jedi and the Sith adhere to the tenets of the Force. In fact, by the time of A New Hope, the Force is considered to be an antiquated religion. Here’s what Obi-Wan tell Luke about the Force: “The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.” That sounds an awful lot like a religion…something believed in by those who choose to believe in the Force (an unseen entity, by the way).

Winner: The Force. Regardless of your personal beliefs and ideology, there is no denying the pull of the mysterious Force. And, while it is a make-believe religion, it still holds an entire saga together. From the films, to the television series, to books, games and comics, the Force is in everything Star Wars. Plus, you can’t be a Jedi or Sith without using the Force…so there’s that.

Next: #7 Gungans attack...

7. Gungans vs Ferengi

One race is an annoying and bumbling bunch of idiots, who make their franchise worse for having been part of it, the other is the Gungans. Seriously, I don’t know one Star Trek fan that likes the Ferengi. When it comes to looks, the ferengi are far more ugly that the floppy-eared Gungans, and that mouth full of teeth makes it nearly impossible to understand what the little rat-bastards are trying to say. But does either species have any redeemable qualities, at all? Let’s see…

Gungans: 

• Live underwater on Naboo, so you rarely ever see them.
• Helped the Jedi liberate Naboo from the Trade Federation.
• Their underwater city is neat.
• Their younglings are cute, at least.
• Jar Jar is a Sith Lord that brought about the total destruction of the Republic…I’m kidding, put down the blaster.

Ferengi:

• Fell down the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down…oh wait, this was supposed to be a list of good attributes, huh?
• Misogynistic…oops.
• Untrustworthy…dangit.
• Greedy…WELP.

Winners: The Gungans…begrudgingly. Look, I am the first to tell people to give the prequel trilogy a second chance, because I firmly believe those three films have their own merit and place in the Star Wars saga. But, I could do without the Gungans.

Next: #6 Evil vs Evil

6. Emperor Palpatine vs The Borg Queen

In the world of Star Wars there is not a more evil being than Emperor Palpatine, who is the Dark Lord of the Sith as Darth Sidious. Palpatine embodies what it means to be an evil Sith. As a general rule, the Sith are pretty bad, but Palpatine surpasses all other Dark Lords before him, because of his manipulation of young Anakin Skywalker, the kidnapping of Force sensitive children so that he could experiment on them and most likely create a new batch of Dark Side acolytes, and finally his coup de grâce, the Jedi Purge: Order 66.

The Borg Queen is just as evil. What else would you call someone who says this about themselves:  “I am the beginning, the end, the one who is many. I am the Borg.” Under her guidance, the Borg assimilated entire civilizations, and destroyed those who resisted. In a collective that was supposed to show no emotion, the Borg Queen was the exception. She was ruthless, manipulative, and even feigned fear at being killed, when Captain Janeway threatened to kill her. Many would say that the Borg could not be evil, rather they were simply carrying out their goal like soldier ants in an ant colony. But, the Queen Borg demonstrated that she above all others under her, was the most important, even at the cost of sacrificing the Borg drones in service to her, in order to survive.

Winner: Emperor Palpatine. He can shoot Force lightning. Oh, and he carried out his own assimilation, when he turned the prophesied Chosen One — Anakin Skywalker — from the Light to the Dark Side of the Force. Can the Borg Queen shoot lightning? No? Didn’t think so.

Next: #5 SPACE CHESS!

5.  Dejarik vs Raumschach

Both Star Wars and Star Trek have their own versions of Chess. Star Wars has a three-dimensional version where creatures actually kill each other, and Star Trek has an elaborate three-tiered version.

Star Wars Dejarik:

• Originated as a Jedi game
• Played on a hologame table on top of a hologram generator within a cylindrical base.
• Black and white checkerboard pattern on the top surface, just like normal Chess.
• Three-dimensional hologram playing pieces were projected onto the board. Each piece resembled creatures both real and mythic, from throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
• The Millennium Falcon had a dejarik table in its lounge.

Star Trek Raumschach:

• Tri-Dimensional
• Thought of as a cube, sliced into five equal spaces, across each of its three major areas.
• For Trek the design kept the 64 squares of a traditional chessboard, but distributed them onto separate platforms in a rising of levels.

Winner: Dejarik. Hey, it’s 3D and it uses creatures from the Star Wars galaxy. How could you not love it? Just don’t play Chewie, because he might rips your arms out. “He made a fair move. Screaming about it won’t help.”

Next: #4 Lando is the man

4. Lando vs Quark

Look, this isn’t really a fair fight. Lando is a smooth talking, fine dressing, gambler, who can rock a cape like no one else. Quark is a damned nasty Ferengi. Lando once owned the Millennium Falcon, and even piloted the ship in the destruction of the second Death Star, with his pal Nien Nunb. And, while betraying his long-time friend Han Solo to the Empire and Jabba the Hutt, he risked life and limb to rescue him from the Sarlacc Pit. Lando put the needs of his city, Bespin, before those of his own, and that makes him a hero in my book.

Quark is a jerk. Yeah, yeah…he did something good I’m sure, and while he and Lando only compare because the two are swindlers and love to run games on the unsuspecting, Quark is just foul. I won’t even go any further, because I think you know where this is going.

Winner: Lando. Now let’s kick back and enjoy an ice cold Colt 45, while Lando regales us with stories of the time he won a shipment of Sith artifacts from a Rodian pirate in a game of Sabacc.

Next: #3 Old Ben vs Picard

3. Obi-Wan vs Picard

Now we’re starting to get to the big ones. No character in Star Wars canon holds such a special place in the majority of Star Wars fan’s hearts, than Obi-Wan Kenobi. The first time we saw him, he was called Old Ben, and he was living on Tatooine, watching over the son of his former best friend, Anakin Skywalker. It was Obi-Wan who saved Luke from the Sand People, and it was Obi-Wan who gave Luke his father’s lightsaber (which by the way will make an appearance in The Force Awakens). However, the most selfless thing Obi-Wan did, was to allow Vader to strike him down, so that he could be one with the Force, and better guide Luke.

In the prequels, Ewan McGregor took on a role that was made iconic by Sir Alec Guinness, and he knocked it out of the park. In fact, all respect due to Guinness, McGregor made the role of Obi-Wan his own, and when I read about Kenobi, it’s McGregor’s voice I hear, and his bearded face I see.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard was known as the other captain of the Starship Enterprise, for the longest time. However, the longer The Next Generation ran, the more Picard became the captain of the Enterprise, and James Kirk became a fond memory. In that regard, Patrick Stewart went through the same paces as Ewan McGregor, as he too took on an iconic role made famous by someone else.

Of course, he wasn’t portraying James T. Kirk, and perhaps that how he was able to make the new Enterprise all his own. No, that job fell to Chris Pine…but he isn’t part of this debate.

Winner: Obi-Wan Kenobi. Why? Well, because Kenobi fulfilled a promise to watch over Padme and Anakin’s son. Even though his former brother did his best to kill him, Obi-Wan adhered to the Jedi Code, and didn’t allow anger to encroach on his feelings toward the offspring of his now arch-nemesis, Darth Vader. Obi-Wan is the ultimate hero, and hopefully we will see a bit of that in elderly Luke Skywalker, when Star Wars: The Force Awakens roles around.

Next: #2 Lightsabers take center stage

2. The Lightsaber vs the Bat’leth

Is there a more recognizable weapon that the Lightsaber? If you see one, you instantly associate it with Star Wars. it is iconic. Does the Bat’leth do the same for Star Trek? Would a casual fan be able to identify the Klingon melee weapon of choice, and place it with the correct film franchise? I would argue, no.

Since Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, lightsabers have been the obsession of both the young and the old, male and female, serious and casual fan. How many times did you take your mother’s spent wrapping paper cardboard tube and run around your house making the familiar lightsaber sounds, while battling imaginary foes, be they Sith or Jedi?

Now compare the Bat’leth to the lightsaber, if they were to ever confront each other in battle. Disregarding that a Klingon warrior might be able to duck and dodge a Sith or Jedi wielding a lightsaber, for a time, eventually the two weapons would meet, and the lightsaber would sheer right through the metal of the Bat’leth, and down into the Klingon holding it.

Winner: Lightsabers. Call me old fashion, but I don’t see any old wrapping paper tubes being turned into Bat’leths. I mean, seriously, you could put your eye out!

Next: #1 Luke vs Kirk in the final round!

1. Luke Skywalker vs James T. Kirk

Are there two characters that best represent their respective genres better than Luke for Star Wars, and Kirk for Star Trek? Let’s see how each one adds up.

Luke Skywalker:

Born in 19 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) a fraternal twin to Leia Skywalker-Organa. His father was the former Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker turned Darth Vader, the Chosen One who was to bring balance to the Force. His mother was the former Queen of Naboo, Padme Amidala. Raised on Tatooine by his aunt and uncle, Luke lived a life of relative peace, helping his Uncle Owen maintain their Moisture Farm.

When two droids entered his life (droids formerly belonging to his father), Luke’s life changed forever, and he began a path toward the truth and a calling as a Jedi Knight/Master. Through the Great Galactic War between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, Luke’s skills as both a pilot and a fearless Jedi warrior in training, helped tip the balance in favor of the Rebels.

James T. Kirk:

James Kirk was born on March 22nd, 2233, in Iowa, USA, Earth. At the age of 19, Kirk began training as an officer, in the officer program at Starfleet Academy. After some years working his way through and serving in several Starfleet commissions, Kirk was given his first starship, the USS Enterprise. Soon after, Kirk made first contact with a group called the First Federation. After that, he became a living legend, captaining the Enterprise through many trials and tribulations. James Kirk is Star Trek, he is the one that comes to mind when someone mentions Trek.

Winner: Luke Skywalker. This wasn’t easy. While I am no Star Trek fan, I would be remiss in not acknowledging that franchise’s main character, in a vast ocean of great characters. However, Luke’s destiny as a Skywalker, as the last Jedi, still has yet to be written. And, with Star Wars: The Force Awakens picking up 30 years after the last time we saw him, Luke’s story will be all the more compelling. Luke Skywalker is Star Wars. More so than his father Anakin, more than his sister Leia, more than his friend Han Solo, Luke embodies the story, the saga that is the greatest franchise in the universe: Star Wars.

Sources – Wookieepeedia, Memory Alpha, StarWars.com