VahiHolder02

I'm curious to see if in the next couple of years, LEGO will release fewer themes. I think there may be some degree of cannibalistic erosion in sales, due to too many themes competing against each other.

Excellent work! I like your use of the life preservers on his feet.

Nice job, especially on Dalu's Rau. It looks extra detailed.

I'm a little confused by the word 'musical'. Is this what the sequel will be? Perhaps just the Batman component of the story? Can Kevin Conroy be the voice of Batman to sing?

These look great! The one thing I was concerned about was indeed validated: too few parademons. I know how powerful Steppenwolf is, but it's hard to give of the appearance of a General of Apokolips with only one parademon to back him up.

Strangely, her DCYou outfit is among my least favorite. I would have much rather seen her outfit designed by Jason Fabok for Darkseid War. That one is awesome.

This looks superb. The detail, the functionality, all of it. The only thing I am slightly disappointed in is the inclusion of microfigs instead of standard minifigs. However, I don't fully know the legality of using actual persons' likenesses, so perhaps I was being unrealistic.

I know it's not super pertinent, but I've been waiting for this headline to be used ever since I saw they were making a Chirrut set.

I'm very pleased with the album. Absolutely no buyer's remorse here. The only disappointing element of the album was that I was very much hoping for an extended piano-cover of the 'Unity, Duty, Destiny' theme, improving upon the roughly 1.50 minute sampling at the end of the track. Ah well, LoMN will hopefully be out following this excellent work.

Wow! Exceptional work! It took me almost a full minute to recall where the 'faceplate' piece came from. I really admire your use of a tricky piece to work with.

Now, if only the same thing would happen for MNOG *crosses fingers*.

I know it's from the prequel trilogy, but I would very much like to see a Magna Guard or Captain Rex.

Your work deserves great credit, Wiriamu! Your undertaking has proved very enjoyable. You really capture the essence of these characters, and I really feel that I am reading a 'legitimate' G1 story. The fact that you have woven so many characters into the story is also very admirable, as this is a very challenging task. While others might view it as sacrilege, I enjoyed your use of G2 names and your use of the Makuta body was also perfect. While I'm sure your not taking suggestions/requests, I have a couple of questions about future installments (if applicable): -Is the Fire Entity planned to make an appearance, or are the Element Lords too similar of characters? -Does Mata Nui remember Helryx's place in the origin of the Toa Mata and Destiny War? -and finally, will the original Turaga make additional appearances? I feel like you have the skill to deliver a great conversation between Lhikan and Vakama. Thanks again for your work!

Wow, simply stunning work! I wasn't expecting to see the Hikaki, so that was a pleasant surprise. Also, the animation on the Kirikori Nui looked perfect. You really held true to basic MNOG animation staples, but I enjoyed how you also made it your own. You should be very proud.

These look pretty decent, but what will always make me hesitate on these guys (and gals) is the price. I know it's a licensed theme, but I don't feel the same value as in many BIONICLE sets. I hope that less constraction competition will allow Lego to release a wider variety of buildable Star Wars characters. As to the possibility of Rebels chracters, which I am very much in favor of, the window might be closing on that opportunity. Filoni said that plans are not to have the show be as long running as the CLone Wars, and Lego would only likely produce those figures as long as the show is running.

Up until about three months ago, the Lego store closest to me was still trying to sell off the rest of the last Death Star released.

I do not think a G3 is inevitable. For some reason, I felt the door was left open a smidge way back in 2010, but this was far from a guarantee. Now, I feel the door has been closed for good. The G2 story wrapped up with virtually no unanswered plot points, and the plot itself seemed to end with a lack of future adventures, as the last villain, Makuta, is gone. The BIONICLE website has yet to be updated with the summer set story/character information, whereas the G1 website was regularly updated, even with it being known this was the end. This could be a sign that TLG really is trying to move on from BIONICLE ASAP, but I could be mistaken. While I love Star Wars, I really feel that the buildable figures hurt BIONICLE sales. I bring this up because, as long as TLG is cranking out Star Wars figures, another constraction line could not coexist. The demand for licensed themed toys is much higher than in 2001, so I think if/when interest in Star Wars and super-heroes has cooled down, then BIONICLE might be able to make a meaningful comeback.

I understand about the quality control; TLG does not skimp on it. I would almost have to disagree, however, about the cost component. I can't imagine putting out a safe mask of ultimate power would be even close to the costs of the bronze Bob Fett, the platinum Avhokii, or even more recently, the 14K masks of 2015. I know this would be a new mold (and those are incredibly expensive), but I imagine they could pull some strings to create a more up-to-code 3D printing. Of course, I could be entirely wrong, but I feel Lego has released several costly one-of-a-kind items in the past.

I'm actually pleased about this. It's much better than G1's sendoff contest. I am disappointed though, having watched the video, that at least one of those masks of ultimate power isn't a prize. It's not like that piece can be reused for anything else.

The simple fact of the matter is, yes, it is true TLG was doing much worse financially in the early 2000s. Bionicle was a major investment for TLG, and they had a lot riding on its success. As a result, extreme effort was put into Bionicle, in terms of marketing, designing, media, and the story. The second time around, there was less incentive for TLG to invest the same percentage of capital because they did not need the same percentage of return. We also need to consider the economic atmosphere of G1. When Bionicle first started, the main heroes cost $7 a piece. Granted, inflation and cost drivers change, but now the flagship characters cost, at a minimum, double what the same character cost when G1 launched. Yes, things are by and large more expensive now, but it cannot be denied that 2001 and 2002 were so successful because the story’s main focuses cost less than $10. Yes, the Toa Mata were smaller in stature than their 2015 descendants, but their function in the story was identical. HF likely saw a second year because of the sales of the heroes (marketed to be the leading characters AND the least expensive products). Even four years ago, the entire roster of heroes could be purchased for less than $75. Now, the same quantity will cost you over $100. The story was focused on the most attainable characters because they sold the best. This leads directly into my next point. The market has also changed. The G2 target age group today is more connected to media outlets than the G1 target group. Yes, G1 saw massive success because of media-based games and products, but it was a secondary factor to playing. Today, tablets and phones are replacing physical toys as the primary form of entertainment. Reading-based story presentation, another critical part of G1’s success, is also diminished now. The Protectors, excluding Narmoto, saw barely any face-time in the animated story last year. Do you think that helped sales? Why would you feel compelled to remember to ask for a character that never spoke or played a major part in the story? Bionicle comics arrived monthly, showcasing several characters, and regular monthly animations did the same. Can four 22-segement animations, available for a fee, released over a much wider timeframe be expected to garner the same interest and action? Of course not. It can also be noted that G1 was released at a time with less inter-brand competition. There was no other Lego theme remotely like Bionicle when it arrived. When G2 came out, Ninjago, Chima, and several other themes made Bionicle less unique, relatively speaking. Yes, Chima was discontinued last year, but having three elemental-based toys at the most crucial time of introduction undoubtedly impacted sales. I have no doubt that passion went into the genesis of G2, but it was not introduced with the same mindset, under the same circumstances, or to the exact same behaving target audience as G1. If TLG was expecting another bombastic Bionicle (which I doubt) they were being unrealistic. G2 was a worthy successor to G1. It had good builds, an acceptable story, and just enough of the familiar to beckon old fans’ attentions. It wasn’t perfect, and frankly, cannot ever be equal to G1, but I don’t think anyone who experienced G1 would ever allow it to be. Now is not the time to argue over what caused G2’s cancellation. There were likely several factors. But the fact is, green is always, always, going to be the main driver. If you are upset the G2 was cancelled, but never purchased a single set, it is likely that inaction that led to this end result. If you did buy even one set, then thank you. Bionicle does not have to end in squabbling, but rather continue through fond memories and creative new adventures through fans’ imagination.

I'm curious as to how Makuta is depicted. In every other media recounting thus far of Ekimu smashing his face, Makuta is red and black, and a good deal taller. I can't think this was done without reason.

I'm a little disappointed that we didn't receive multiple character videos like last year, but I think these creatures are less individualized, so it might not be necessary. The animation looks awesome, plain and simple.

I'm very curious to see how Umarak has changed. In this form, I wonder if he acts purely as a conduit for Makuta, or if there is still a bit of free will beneath that girth.

Thanks for the review! I recently picked him up for the parts, but was surprisingly pleased with the model itself. He REALLY looks better in person. I feel like of his legs were just a little bit meatier, he could be one of the most aesthetically pleasing villains in a long time.

Excellent review! I know 'Metru blue' got kind of old after a while, but I am sure glad to see it come back in multiple sets this year. It's a color with wide application and MOCing potential.