Boomas, which are also called boomers, energy balls, or Gungan grenades, functioned as spherical energy weapons similar to grenades and were utilized by the Gungans. The Otoh Gunga Defense League produced them using the unique plasma found naturally within the permeable surface of Naboo. These weapons existed in varying dimensions and could be launched manually, or with the aid of a sling, atlatl, cesta, or a catapult pulled by a falumpaset. The Gungan Grand Army employed Boomas, significantly in the Battle of Naboo. During the time of the Imperial Era, these weapons were available for purchase at an Arms Market located on Nar Shaddaa.
The initial appearance of Boomas was in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace), the first film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Industrial Light & Magic designed them using the Sabre digital compositing system. This system was also used to generate the glow of the Gungan energy shield and to brighten the lightsaber blades wielded by the Jedi.