Axilus Prime Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 How do you see Bionicle Characters in your minds? Like the movies? Like the sets? As armored humans? Anything in between?How do you like to design your own Bionicle characters, also? This is related to the first question because it's a matter of how you think of them. I personally see them as the living sets, like in that Mahri Mini Movie. Glowing eyes are a must. :PI normally design my characters as Set-style Titans, but the scale can be way off. Titans allow for more detail and overall coolness, and so I make drawings in that form. For example, one character I dreamed up and drew, Dervian, has more pieces (probably) than the Axalara T9, yet is average Toa height if put in-story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPNML Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see them as sentient biomechanical beings, with their squishy parts covered with armour. movie style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aderia Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 (edited) I picture them like they're portrayed in the movies, for the most part. LoMN specifically, I love the Toa Metru.And I acutally just got a graphics tablet of my own, so I'll probably be working on designing the characters in my own way sooner or later, which I'm looking forwards to. I've been lurking in the GA forums again, and the artistic styles that I like the most are definitely Taka Nuvia's (Demon Jester, as of now, I believe), Lady K, Uncle K(Empire?) and there are also a few other pieces I've seen that I like, but can't remember the artists at the moment. While I've seen extremely accurate and detailed pieces that look like the sets, I just think that the movie and aforementioned ways of portraying the characters works better in my mind. Edited June 27, 2012 by Aderia Quote (disclaimer: none of this banner art is original, I just smooshed it together in gimp. Torchic, Matau) Those pesky firespitters... Library | The Sculptors and the Smelters | The Ternion | Review Topic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenFlash Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I often see them as animated and living sets just like in those mini movies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a goose Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see them either as the sets or as humans. But if I ever see them as humans, it's in the RPGs, and it doesn't happen all that often. Quote [BZPRPG PROFILES] Nikarra - Kaelynn - Ronan - Muir - Donal - Aerus - Montague - Kira - Koura - Learu - Alteora - Fuacht - Caana - Nessen - Merrill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Swimming Beard Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see them as sets. Quote "I pitea the fool!" (quote by Chro) 98.7% OF BZPOWER MEMBERS HAVEN'T SEEN MY BUCKET IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE 1.3% THAT HAS SEEN MY BUCKET, COPY THIS AND PASTE IT INTO YOUR SIGNATURE I MISS MY BUCKET Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishers64 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I think I have a mix of movie and set representations - it depends on the characters/situations in question. Quote Hero Factory RPG | Bionicle Mafia XXIX: Storyline & Theories Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatanui Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see them as an immobile and motionless CGI image of the respective set. -Gata Quote - Gata Please don't use my avatar or signature without permission, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mata Rahi Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see them as sets, but animated, living versions of the sets. Biomechanical beings, I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athmos Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Basically the same as the sets, with a few slight, personal, differences. And flesh covering the joints. Quote WIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuparu1995 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 If a character appeared in the movies, I usually imagine them that way, unless they came out really weird. Other than that, I imagine them in a movie-like fashion, with some set details. Quote Nuparu1995 92% of teens have moved onto rap.If you are part of the 8% that still listen to real music, copy and paste this into your signature. R.I.P. - 7/20/2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
<Reverb> Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I believe I image them in set form. If not relesed in a set, I imagine them as sentient, industrial type beings.~Gravity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Six Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Moving over to LEGO Discussion, since this is about Bionicle and not BZPower. Quote Bio of a BZP Admin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen of Noise Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see every Bionicle character as Black Six wearing a cardboard mask coloured with magic markers. Quote bring back "an cool dude" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toa Smoke Monster Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I see Bionicle character in a mix of computer and Anime animation. I don't really design any new ones though. Quote Everyone is one choice away from being the bad guy in another person's story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cederak Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 I've always pictured them in my mind as the movie-type characters. Except the Rahkshi. My mind gives them Rahaga heads with angry slugs inside. -Ced Quote Cederak's Library l Blog: Fair Enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axilus Prime Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 Wow. Lots of varying interpretations here. I even found a few that agree with mine.I do admit that the movie style is cool, but it looks..I don't know, malleable. Just can't explain it. Vorex, what situations make you see them as humans? That's quite a jarring thought to me. Every time I see a humanized Bionicle, it makes me irritated, just like flipping a switch. (No offense, just want to know.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toa Of Virtues Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 I'd have to say I see them in set form, when I'm not watching a Bionicle movie. Then, I see them just how they are in the movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dotcom Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 I see them as an specific mixture of set and... something else. It's not really like the movie representations, but it's somewhat similar. Elements from sets are more prominent, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toa Turing Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 I see them as movie style characters in the style of movies 1-3. (More organic looking, but clearly biomechanical) Quote I really need a better signature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeeCee Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 (edited) A bit between toys and movie mode. They look a lot like the toys but their masks can cove with their expressions and have proper fingers. They still have gear functions and stuffI also love how the movie made the Hordika look. I didnt think they were ugly. They looked quite cute actually. You want ugly, get ignika. Edited July 1, 2012 by SamH1995 Quote Signature Guidelines: Avatar and signature total file size may not exceed 250 KB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuRon the champion Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 I see them as a variety of things. Organic, from the movies, or living sets. I design my sets with Organic in mind, and I often visualize things in a fashion similar to the movies, but when I am really thinking about nitty-gritty plot details or in my writing, I think of them as living sets.I'm weird >_> Quote BZPRPG Characters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSR Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 Movie-esque would probably be the best way to put it; still mostly mechanical and set-like, but with additional range of expression and a general filling out of the body with connective tissue and the like underneath the armor. Quote Hey: I'm not very active around BZP right now. However, you can always contact me through PM (I have email notifications set up) and I will reply as soon as I can. Useful Topics: The Q&A Compendium | The Official RPG Planning Topic Stories: Fractures | An Aftermath | Three Stories | LSO 2012 Epics: Team Three | The Shadow and the Sea | The Days They Were Needed | Glitches | Transformations | Echoes | The Kaita and the Storyteller | Nui BZPRPG: Komae · Soraya · Bohrei Blog: Defendant Lobby no. 42 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalhiki Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Toa mainly like they appear in the MoL game. I just like the look of them. Otherwise it's movies, or living sets depending on what fits. For instance, Visorak would look like the movies because they look cool, but Sidorak would be more like the set (Bionicle Heroes, mostly).Or my own style if I ever drew a character I like in my style.Kalhiki Quote You're Doomed, Rayman!Boy! I just love it when my computer doesn't tell me when my battery is getting low!(that's sarcasm, by the way) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShadowBionics Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 I see them as something like how the original Bionicle trilogy portrayed them as. And sometimes what I do is for everything post-OT is I'll imagine something similar to that. Like the 2008 Makuta, I imagined them having rusted armor like Teridax, yet having some qualities of a Toa but without any kind of biological tissue (they are less biomechanical than a Toa). It makes sense in my head.If there's any consolation, I've drawn a human version of one of my fan-made Bionicle characters, sort of combining elements of what I'd make "movie-esque" and making her look human as well. Quote [flash=250,100]http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/sprxtrerme/BANNERS/thornax.swf [Bionicle: Unsolved Mysteries] [The Knights of Terankos] [Miyaka The Blazing Wind] No, I didn't see you playing with your dolls again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axilus Prime Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share Posted July 2, 2012 I see them as something like how the original Bionicle trilogy portrayed them as. And sometimes what I do is for everything post-OT is I'll imagine something similar to that. Like the 2008 Makuta, I imagined them having rusted armor like Teridax, yet having some qualities of a Toa but without any kind of biological tissue (they are less biomechanical than a Toa). It makes sense in my head.If there's any consolation, I've drawn a human version of one of my fan-made Bionicle characters, sort of combining elements of what I'd make "movie-esque" and making her look human as well.Consolation? I dislike human-like Bionicle! I think it ruins the concept entirely.Though I realize that some disagree. Still, I started the topic, and you didn't address anyone in particular.Sounds interesting to see one time though...could you post that drawing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SolitaryHyena Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 (edited) More of as movie-style, organic-ish on the inside mostly yet still looking mechanical and not to human-ish. Or when I draw them it's a more set-form with slightly more organic parts. That's kinda how try to think of them. Otherwise, half the time I think of them in set-form, but animated like in MNOG. Edited July 2, 2012 by Kv195 Quote "And where does the newborn go from here? The net is vast and infinite." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Void Emissary Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Well, for me it varies from case to case, but for the most part, I envision them as a weird mix between the sets and the movie characters. Their bodies are generally more like the sets, but the more detailed features (faces, hands, etc.) I envision as more malleable and human-like, like the movies.-Void Quote [ BZPRPG ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haecceity Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Usually I see them in a realistic style that exposes more of the organic elements that the sets neglect. Quote If you found this text, know that Kevin isn't real. He's a fairy tale to scare children. Kevin. Is. Not. Real. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShadowBionics Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Well, if you really wish to see the drawing... Before I do, here's a few things to note. My character (her name is Elitha) has gone through a lot of changes over the past, so the drawing is going to reflect how I originally made her in MOC form, with the exception of the eyes. The current version has different armor, but she actually has the same color of eyes as the drawing.The drawing itself, note that I draw in a sort of chibi-style, so in this from Elitha will look cartoonish. Also note the drawing is old and I have started to get better since then and I do plan on possibly making a new one to reflect her new design.First off, here's the current version.http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/texaskid92/Creations/Elitha/dscf4955.jpgHere's the old Elitha to compare. This version, I know she looks horrible, but I did go back and fix her.http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/texaskid92/Creations/Elitha/dscf4285.jpgNow here's the drawing of the old Elitha in "human form"http://www.majhost.com/gallery/texaskid92/Drawings/dscf4954.jpgLike I said, I do draw in a kind of chibi form, so before you say she looks cartoonish or simple... That's the point. Also, I blotted out part of my name as well. But yeah. She has some of the armor from the MOC Mk I form like the chest and shoulder armor. The mask is takes the shape of a tiara, and main reason I did that was I wanted to show her "true face," so to say, which in this case is that of a young woman. You can also tell that I did want her to have green eyes instead of the red her Mk I version wears. At least with the Mk III.5, she does have that aspect to her. Quote [flash=250,100]http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/sprxtrerme/BANNERS/thornax.swf [Bionicle: Unsolved Mysteries] [The Knights of Terankos] [Miyaka The Blazing Wind] No, I didn't see you playing with your dolls again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axilus Prime Posted July 5, 2012 Author Share Posted July 5, 2012 @TemporphilicNeglecting the organics? Just about everything from 2005-2008 showed the organics prominently. (I mean, it was present in the rest, but mainly those.) Oh well. Got a drawing of a humanoid character? Your Screamer (Epic as it is) doesn't really show your take on it, since there was no Screamer set to go by.@ShadowBionicsActually, I preferred the second link.I can see the chibi-ness in the first. It's a clean, smooth drawing, but I really dislike humanizing Bionicle. After all, BS01 states they're 85% mech, 15% organic--and what is organic wasn't said to be human. But, this topic isn't about my preference, it's about yours, so that's an interesting take on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aanchir Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Personally, I have nothing against human BIONICLE. It requires several parts of the story to be re-imagined, but it's an interesting way to put a unique spin on the characters. Most of my older BIONICLE art involves human BIONICLE, though my more recent stuff (still fairly long ago by any measure) tends to be designed with a more mechanical or biomechanical design.I'm surprised there is so much objection to human BIONICLE since one criticism I've often seen of BIONICLE's later years is how much more important the sci-fi elements became when people felt the story was at its heart a fantasy adventure story. Most recently I've seen this argument used in defense of the orchestral music from the BIONICLE music and against the music that had more rock or electronic influences. If the sci-fi elements weren't essential, then why such a huge objection to an interpretation that minimizes those?With that said, I don't tend to picture BIONICLE characters as humans. Personally I imagine Matoran Universe characters as biomechanical, but without the biological portions exposed. My way of visualizing them is inspired both by the BIONICLE movies and by the sets, and I also re-imagine the characters somewhat to reconcile set designs that should look similar and accentuate the characteristics that unify them.For instance, I imagine all Matoran with 2004-2007 Matoran proportions, V-shaped torsos, and human-like hands inspired by their movie depictions. Here's a drawing of Macku that I'm particularly proud of.Turaga in my mind are about the same size as Matoran, just as they were in 2003 and 2004 sets, but with less V-shaped torsos and sometimes (but not always) with slightly more hunched postures. Here's a drawing of Turaga Vakama where I tried to reconcile his 2001 Turaga set design with his 2004 Toa Metru incarnation.Toa proportions are perhaps the most variable in my mind, since they are the most variable in BIONICLE sets, but I imagine all generations of Toa with the same typical height (i.e. Toa Mata, besides those with unusual posture like Pohatu and Onua, are the same height as Toa Inika), somewhat Y-shaped torsos (with about a 135-degree angle between the branches of the Y), and legs that are a bit different than human legs proportionally. Here is a drawing I made of Tahu, which I'm mostly happy with besides the possibly too-long legs and scrunched-up mask.And finally, Here's a drawing showing how Toa proportions compare to Matoran proportions in my mind.I have various ways of imagining Glatorian. In terms of MOCs, I obviously keep them looking mostly mechanical, as I want the designs consistent with Glatorian sets, but at the same time I try to use solid-looking armor without too many pistons. From a story-based perspective, I imagine them as mostly organic with semi-mechanical armor which includes some pistons and other mechanical parts embedded in the body. I also try to unify some of the designs stylistically. Here are several Glatorian sketches of mine.My ways of interpreting characters as humans are even more esoteric than any of what I've mentioned so far, so I won't go into too much detail, but you can see some examples of my human BIONICLE drawings here, here, and here. Suffice it to say that all of the designs are inspired by the sets, with the Toa and Glatorian designs the most human-like and the Glatorian the least sci-fi like. Quote Latest MOC: PAIGE (Prototype Artificial Intelligence, Gynoid Expression) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
You just lost the game Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 (edited) I picture them like in the mini movies. Edited July 6, 2012 by You just lost the game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Click Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 I think I'd have to agree about human bionicle, it just always bugs me, no offense to those who prefer it. It just doesn't seem Bionicle-like.Anyways, one way I picture them similar to the movie style, but with setlike/slightly stylized armor, and muscle-like organic tissue that looks similar to wire bundles. The head is only stylized enough to add a mouth, with slightly altered masks. I've been considering posting some art, but every time I start to draw, I get sidetracked. :PThe other way I like to draw when I'm feeling courageous is extremely detailed and slightly stylized set version.Some drawings do get a little more human-like, similar to the first version, with muscles, but also very stylized armor that is only vaguely recognizable as the pieces used. One example I actually did post was this Muaka Jaga (I think I called it). I just really need to get some art up. Quote ~ Corpus Rahkshi: Fang | Hoto | Tube | Tear | Canvas | Garrotte | Reda BZPRPG: Azusai | Mitsuri The Scarabax Library | Flickr | Deviantart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee.3x3 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 I see them as a mix between MNOG and the Moives (The Legend Reborn style). I see them being a bit more bulkier and solid, and there armor more like exo-skeletons and so you can't see any organic material, as well as keeping the same physical aspects from MNOG.I also like to think the charachters act like the way they do in MNOG as opposed to the movies: In MNOG they were like normal villagers, whilst in the movies they were more like children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShadowBionics Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 @TemporphilicNeglecting the organics? Just about everything from 2005-2008 showed the organics prominently. (I mean, it was present in the rest, but mainly those.)Oh well. Got a drawing of a humanoid character? Your Screamer (Epic as it is) doesn't really show your take on it, since there was no Screamer set to go by.@ShadowBionicsActually, I preferred the second link.I can see the chibi-ness in the first.It's a clean, smooth drawing, but I really dislike humanizing Bionicle. After all, BS01 states they're 85% mech, 15% organic--and what is organic wasn't said to be human. But, this topic isn't about my preference, it's about yours, so that's an interesting take on it.I know, and I agree. This was a one time thing I did for a character I made up, either way. Although there are times when it can be sort of interesting to see what a person thinks a character might look like if they weren't biomechanical, and I have seen other artists' takes on other characters from the story, like the Toa Metru.I do prefer like how the original trilogy portrayed them more since it really brings the characters to life and it keeps the whole aspect of the original set in mind. Quote [flash=250,100]http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/sprxtrerme/BANNERS/thornax.swf [Bionicle: Unsolved Mysteries] [The Knights of Terankos] [Miyaka The Blazing Wind] No, I didn't see you playing with your dolls again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzee Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 I know how I imagine them, but I can't really explain it. :/Sort of how I can't explain to you how I see Harry potter when I'm reading the books. Quote Starting a new comic series soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titanous Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 The same way Onua was when he walked up the beach back in 2001. Quote Upcoming: Karzahni Review, The End Chapter 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemony Lepid Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I think it's like.... okay, like the bionicles are undetailed, so I do this. lets say I have lewa's axe, then, take off the handle shape, then wrap cloth around the end, add some stains to it, use a toa mata hand, edit to look like a robot hand then add chips in all of it, small ones, now add some vine like moss in it. lewa's axe. Quote ~~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranaki_Pakewa Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I see them as the sets, and if there is no set I will make one. Sometimes I use the actual pieces, but I also just imagine them as a built set that would take me to long to build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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