Mahri
Entry posted by Shine
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Remember that monthly magazine thing that Skiz started? Well, a bit before it was canceled I wrote this for it, and although it may be outdated, it still reflects my thoughts on three of the Mahri.
When blurry images of the Toa Mahri first surfaced many people felt that LEGO had let them down. Remarks that they were the worst Toa yet, uglier than even the Hordika, and that the designers should be shot soon flooded the forums. Weeks later when actual photographs and clear pictures were released everyone seemed to have a change of heart. These new sets had suddenly become amazing in the eyes of many members that had previously disliked them. After the hype of new sets had settled a bit, people began forming more detailed opinions of the sets themselves.
Jaller has a pet crab that I can see appealing to young children, as it’s kind of cute in a giant machinegun toting crustacean sort of way. Jaller also sports orange, a color that we haven’t seen on a Bionicle set in quite some time and is reminiscent of Tahu. Swords have been essential to Bionicle since the beginning, and Jaller continues this tradition by wielding a large silver blade that looks too much like two Brutaka tools and an Inika sword mixed together for my taste.
I believe that LEGO was going for almost an army-like theme with poor Kongu, between dual Cordak Blasters and a color scheme of dark bley and Metru green that in theory could represent camouflage. Needless to say most of BZPower didn’t take to kindly to this seemingly militaristic representation of a character that was once our happy Gukko riding, tree swinging, fast talking Le-Matoran we knew and loved. I will be interested to see what sales say in regards to this new type of gun toting hero.
Hahli is a perfect example of what could have been a great set if not for some major design flaws. For one her tool is well...I’m not really sure what it is, it looks like it could be some sort of harpoon on a tripod, but that’s my best guess. The breathing tubes that hook to her mask are silly, as they end up looking is as if they are emptying her oxygen supply into the water. LEGO could have simply made longer hoses and had them connect directly to her mask without bothering with the droid hands and made the set look far more realistic.
You’ve just heard my take on three of the Toa Mahri, I encourage you to go out and find your own opinions on the others. When you do I ask that you at least look past the shiny box art and brand name, I ask that you look at the set itself.
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