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Reminder: The Pet Peeve Contest is open till November 29. Today the Bones Blog brings you a feature on "gimmicks" in Bionicle sets through the years. This is a common subject in debate topics, often with a "gimmick" being implied to be a bad thing, and also often portrayed as something new to Bionicle. But even the definition of "gimmick" is subjective, and the definitions usually used/implied also apply to much older sets -- so what's the actual history of gimmicks in Bionicle? What is a "Gimmick"? Before we start, we need to understand the word's meaning(s). First let's look at Dictionary.com. Their top definions are these: This is surprising -- their #1 definition makes gimmicks sound like a great thing, and the only one that sounds like the typical negative noun "that's just a gimmick" is listed as a verb! These definitions seem almost mutually exclusive at first glance. Dictionary.com also quotes the New American Heritage Dictionary: Even more confusing -- their #1 is a negative; completely opposite of Dictionary.com's own definition. To solve this problem, I asked BZPers what the word meant to them. In the Sets forum topic "What's a Gimmick?", here are seven definitions members gave: So again, there's no clearcut meaning everybody agrees on. What is common through all these definitions is that a gimmick is an "extra", however. Personal taste and different "standards", if you will, of whether gimmicks work to each individual are probably a big part of why the meaning varies. To those that don't like a particular gimmick, it lowers the set's quality -- those that like it say it raises it. Some don't like the idea of gimmicks at all, while others like the idea, and you get the same result. So the differences themselves give insight into another part of the meaning -- a gimmick is highly reliant on personal taste, perhaps more so than the main, non-extra aspects of a set. It makes sense -- Bionicle targets largely the action-figure-liking roleplayers who like quick builds, which creates its own dichotomy of those who like it and don't, but within even the group that largely likes it, the chances of them all agreeing on the extras is slimmer, precisely because it's an extra. Of course, the point of this is as many BZPers said; intended to increase appeal. Another interesting note is that Dictionary.com claims the origin of the word is unknown. That really surprised me, given that the word sounds like "gimme" -- I always assumed that the meaning was basically that, since gimmicks are "extras", the idea was that consumers would think "gimme" about it; wanting that extra thrown in as a bonus. Perhaps, perhaps not, but it would make sense. Finally, in regards to Bionicle sets, BZPers seem to agree that gimmicks either ruin or improve the play value of the set, although it can't be limited just to play value. The dictionary and BZPer definitions also include the idea of advertisting and marketing. The basic idea of this entry's banner, for example, is an advertising gimmick used almost universally -- though ads are never that honest. So the meaning of gimmick we'll go with is this: Gimmick: An extra feature intended to increase appeal beyond the main point of a product, but highly dependant on personal taste, often focused on play value, and also related to marketing and advertising. Concept can go beyond just sets, but today we're focusing on sets. Gimmicks aren't inherently bad or good; it just depends on if they work with most fans, like anything else with Bionicle sets. Also note that they're so highly dependant on taste that whether they even count as a gimmick can be disagreed on, based on whether their purpose in the set fits with what one fan sees as the main point of the product. So main point will be judged based on the majority preference, with mention of the minority preferences too, but also asking the question of whether the gimmick is "needed" to fulfill the main point. Balljoints are probably the biggest example of something that cannot be called a gimmick in Bionicle sets, as well as similar Technic joints, because motion is essential to action figures/roleplaying, and to Technic as well. Gimmicks in Bionicle 2001 Gears -- Gears stand out as the prime example of a gimmick in Bionicle history. Used in the Toa Mata, they were definately an extra to the action figure roleplayers, especially now that we know they were consistently the #1 complaint so were not seen as central at all to the concept of Toa to most fans. The meaning is muddled in 2001, however, because LEGO did theorize originally that many Technic fans would be into Bionicle. A big, integral part of Technic is mechanical features, so things like that would be less gimmicky to those fans. However, most Technic fans didn't get into Bionicle, and roleplayers turned out to love it, so we have to question whether the main point of the product is in LEGO's attempt; to appeal to Technic fans, or to the actual results. I think the question is a bit misleading, though -- because something like lightup eyes, if it worked for most fans, would be seen as part of the main point of roleplaying, so then they wouldn't be called gimmicks either by the same logic. We have to be objective in this question, or we'll get nowhere other than in circles. So if we ask if gears are essential, they are not. In Technic, there are plenty of sets without gears; the only essential idea in Technic is something moveable, and balljoints can still qualify as that; and it was another Technic line, Slizers/Throwbots, that introduced balljoints. Perhaps in Technic some kind of mechanical feature is essential, but fact remains that Bionicle didn't work as a Technic line. Objectively, then, gears are gimmicks. Motors? -- The Manas crabs used this gimmick, which is probably easier to identify as an extra because it was only used once in Bionicle. On the other hand, it's a lot bigger chunk of the size and price of the Manas themselves, so we can't call this one clearcut. It's arguable it was the main point of those particular sets, and that it failed altogether. Collectible Kanohi -- Many BZPers listed this one, as it's one of the most obvious. The idea that you have to "Collect them all!" is a very old one in the toy market. In this case, what is being collected is by definition an extra to the sets, given that each set already has a Kanohi so you don't really need others to get the play value out of the ones included. Unlike collecting the actual sets themselves, which is central to the toy, but as a marketing slogan itself can be a non-physical gimmick. Also included in this are the rarer collectibles, which act as "extras" to increase appeal of the already-extra collecting. Bamboo Disks -- We tend to forget that projectiles existed in 2001 (and earlier in Throwbots), but Kanoka disks were inspired by these bamboo disks at the beginning. They were found in the Mctoran sets. Now, projectiles can arguably also be considered part of roleplaying, but again, are they necessary to it? No. They are extras. So they are gimmicks. Kanohi -- Masks could arguably be considered central to Bionicle, since they have become a key part of the tradition. But there's not much evidence that sales hinges on the presence of Kanohi, especially looking at 2005 which largely took a break from masks. So even though they may be one of the two most successful gimmicks ever, they are still a gimmick. Fall-Off-Kanohi -- In addition to the idea of masks, the idea that you knock them off easily in play is clearly a gimmick too. Generally, you'd think the idea of Kanohi would be to make them stay on well; what hero would want his mask falling off left and right? But in 2001 this idea of easily falling off masks was intended to increase the play value, forming an actual "game" that was central to the intent of the year. Now, from what I've heard, this actually was reasonably successful in 2001. However, we saw it dropped in later years with no evidence that its loss has harmed sales in the slightest. Most likely to keep using it over and over would have been seen as repetitive, just like the Kal, so it is still an extra. Makes sense, because it is not essential to roleplaying, and may actually be more annoying than helpful, when the masks fall off when the kid wants them to stay on. Snapping joints -- In Muaka/Kane-Ra and Tarakava especially but also in all the Rahi, these mechanical features were the second part of the Fall-Off-Kanohi game, and also part of the whole Technic mechanical functions idea. The game depended in large part on the purchase of a Rahi, which didn't sell well, so a lot of fans probably never played it in the way intended anyways. Rubber bands -- Minor note, but these were a key part of the snapping joints of some Rahi and later the Bohrok. Springloaded Pistons -- Used in Tarakava; they are what they sound like. Pistons with a spring around them to act like shock absorbers. Their role in the Tarakava was highly extra. Teeth/Jaws -- Special white teeth pieces were featured in most Rahi, usually with a jaw action feature. Canisters -- Canisters not central to action figures; another example of a gimmick. The toy inside the box is what's essential, and plenty of LEGO sets sell fine in boxes. This appears to be a gimmick that works, as long as the style varies each year so the new sets always stand out from the old ones, and canisters in general stand out from anything else on the toystore's shelves. Powers & Attributes -- One that's only partly in the set realm is storyline "attachments" to the sets that might affect how a person sees that set, or that Kanohi, etc. Mask powers, the personality bios of each character, etc. that are very prominent in marketing does seem to influence how a person likes or dislikes a set. For example, the idea that each mask has a different power can provide motivation for a roleplayer to buy collectible masks and imagine their Toa switching masks and using those powers. Clonism/Variety? -- I hadn't even thought of this one, but many BZPers listed it. Personally, I'm still not sure how clonism counts () but variety in a set series makes sense as it is an "extra" uniqueness to each set that makes you want to buy it seperately. I guess clonism could count on the idea that the "extra" similarities might be seen as making a team that "matches" or pieces that can be used in MOCs in different colors, etc. If I'm misunderstanding how you guys meant that, lemme know. Clonism began with the Toa Mata/Turaga/Mctoran, and technically with the two of each kind of Rahi, but the different types of Rahi showed large variety. Overall -- As you can see, 2001 was a highly "gimmicky" year. These do not even include things like the card game, promotional tours, and marketing slogans/posters. Even the storyline itself could be viewed as a gimmick, though it quickly became central. Obviously the storyline varies from year to year, and even its seriousness and depth of quality is an "extra" when it comes down to it -- the point of it is to help sell the sets. The large number of gimmicks argues strongly against the idea that later years were somehow more gimmicky, especially when you consider how many of these were later dropped. 2002 Krana -- These second-generation collectibles and "extras" on the Bohrok sets could function like Kanohi, like brains, or like projectiles, and they also were the first examples of rubber being used for biological components in Bionicle. (Ironic that the first robot sets used the first biological parts.) Definately a gimmick on several levels. They were quite popular this year, but that popularity was confused in 2003 with a "central" theme, along with the Bohrok design. Ball-fold-up design -- Bohrok could fold up into a ball, which might be essential in Transformers, but to Bionicle it is an extra. Wearable Exo-Toa suits -- One BZPer listed this, and it's a good point I hadn't thought of. Exo-Toa rocket cannons -- Probably one of the longest-lasting gimmicks and projectiles in all of LEGO, as they've been used in tons of lines since, including pirate/castle ships and Star Wars sets. Snappable neck -- Bohrok and bahrag both with this carryover gimmick from the Rahi. Bohrok using it in a new way with a special gear-lever that MOCers have struggled to incorporate ever since. Collectible Krana -- Same concept as the collectible Kanohi. Gears -- Still around, mostly the same but also with the special lever-gear mentioned above, and the gears-button in the Bohrok necks. Brainpans -- Bohrok eye-triggered brainpans and poppable headshield that could turn their brains into projectiles. Very strange () but innovative gimmicks. Teeth -- Bohrok featured white teeth, just like the Rahi, though why is still unclear given that they are robots. This was the last of the major uses of teeth until 2006. Transformations -- A gimmick used partly to keep characters in the story, but also with the Nuva, and soon with the Kal, basically a way to repackage an old set and hope it will sell again. Seemed to work "alright" with the Nuva, but sales overall dropping, as people wanted new sets. Overall -- Note that I'm not listing some from 2001 such as canisters or clonism that became mostly consistent ever since. 2002 was pretty equal to 2001 in gimmicks, possibly using them a little more depending on how you look at it. Both years had a lot of them. 2003 Krana Kal, Foldup Bohrok, snappable necks, transformation, etc. -- Copies off of Bohrok used in the Kal. Silver -- Use of this color heavily could be considered a gimmick. Kraata; collectible and in-Rahkshi -- Same concept as before, although not fitting on faces like Kanohi. These used both rubber, and a newer "creature" shape of slugs that turned the collectibles into actual creatures. More joints? -- For a short time, knee joints could have been seen as gimmicks, though they quickly became essential as expectations rose among the fanbase for quality action figures. Debatable, since other joints had already been standard. But in 2003, the knees were the talk of the town, as it were. Valuable Collectibles Beyond just rarer collectibles, there were some silver, etc. collectibles that were actually valuable in material terms. Despite this gimmick, the concept of collectibles couldn't be saved, it seemed, and so it was dropped the very next year. Overall -- 2003 was a year of really very little innovation in terms of gimmicks. It was heavy with them, but there was not much new. 2004 Kanoka Disks -- The moment when projectiles truly took off, not quite "replacing" collectibles yet (see below), but definately becoming a "gimmick" that's been a force to be reckoned with ever since. Also, even though projectiles had been in Mctoran small sets, Exo-Toa titans, and technically the Krana of Bohrok, true projectiles had never before been included with canister sets. This year all Vahki had them, and Toa Vakama had one as well. Launchers -- In 2001, and 2002-3, there really was nothing like a special "launcher", except the Exo-Toa rocket. The Mctoran were supposed to just be throwing them with their arms, and similarly the Bohrok's brainpans were built-in too. This year, the launchers themselves were focused on as a gimmick more than previously (except debatably in the Vahki as those were somewhat built in too). This concet would grow more pronounced in later years. Kanoka codes/collectibility -- The main reason Kanoka were said to be collectible; the codes that could unlock online content. Also, each Kanoka of the six Metru and of different power codes had a different power in the storyline. Gears -- Those pesky gears are still hanging on for dear life this year, though it was their last year of almost universal use in canister sets. The Toa Metru introduced a new body shape designed specifically to house a two-arm gear system internally, unlike the external-gear Toa Mata chunk. For those that do like gears, it was an admirable attempt to save them, along with another one the next year, but it wasn't working. Overall -- The number of gimmicks seems to have decreased in this year. Fall-Off-Kanohi are gone, as are most overly Technic features, except gears. However, innovation in the realm of gimmicks returned, with projectiles mainly. It seems that Bionicle was now learning what kinds of gimmicks work with its fanbase and what kinds don't, and adapting accordingly. 2005 Rhotuka -- The first projectile to disavow the concept of "collectibles" almost completely. The idea of the launcher was different this time -- it actually uses a tiny gear and a pullable tab to launch, while the launcher itself is largely hidden inside the construction. So whether the launcher counts as its own gimmick is debatable; I'll simply consider it part of the Rhotuka, as without it the Rhotuka would be totally useless. Obviously, runs of the helicopter concept. Definately a gimmick, and a popular one. Only aspect of this that resembles a collectible now is the ammo packs, which I'll also count as part of Rhotuka. Arm Gears -- the last gasp of a dying breed, the Toa Hordika featured these special arm gears in one arm. Other than this, we saw an unprecedented level of "joint purity", if you will. Innovative, but not enough to make an unpopular gimmick popular. Gears remained the #1 complaint. Snapping jaws -- Visorak jaws could snap shut when body closed down. Obviously another gimmick. This one was also innovative. Bending tube functions -- Many of the titans used a bending rubber tube to create a snapping function, without the use of gears. Innovative yet again, and seemed to solve the gear problem, but it was only used in 2005. Not sure whether that was because it wasn't successful or not. I don't have data on that. Could just be that they weren't re-used to avoid the repetition problem of the Kal. "Bulb Gear" Spinning pieces -- Technically the pieces in Keetongu and Roodaka's spinning shield/claws were a new kind of gear, though they came colored and didn't look much like gears. Again, these were only used in 2005. The concept of them was to make spinning easier. Bi-colored tools -- Much like silver in 2003, could be considered extra. Overall 2005 saw a move away from the less-successful gimmicks of 2004 and before, such as gears and collectibles, and featured a lot of innovation. It began the new tradition of projectiles, and also the ushered in the new age of Bionicle success after a downward slide in 2002-2003 (2004 being on the up but still down after 2003). Gimmicks alone were not the cause of this success, but they illustrate the active attempts to move more in line with the fanbase's majority tastes that was the cause. 2006 Zamor Spheres -- Spherical projectiles with a unique intangible water-balloon style story-power. Also with ammo packs. Continued the new tradition begun with Kanoka and established with Rhotuka, but fired in a new way, relying on back-pressure that makes the sphere pop out and fly far. And begin with a "Z". Zamor Launchers -- Like Kanoka launchers, these were highly visible as weapons. The last of the launchers so far that was constructed out of pieces (like Rhotuka and Bohrok brainpans), it resembled a mix between a crossbow and a hi-tech gun. Zamor Ammo clips -- Attached to the top of the launchers in the Toa Inika and some other sets; an extra to the extra that launches extras. Allowed multiple Zamor to be fired rapidly, using gravity to reload the firing area on its own. Lightup Eyes -- First use of lightup pieces in Bionicle, and something a lot of people on here including me had been asking for, given that Bionicle characters have always been shown in marketing with lit eyes. Piraka eyes had actual story powers too, so technically they were not the existing lit eyes -- storywise their eyes would be already glowing, but then they would flash brighter when they activate their powers; really when you press the button. Batteries weren't replaceable. Lightup Swords -- Same idea as Piraka eyes; used in Toa Inika swords, this time with replaceable batteries. Both kinds of lightup concepts were dropped after research showed that while most fans didn't mind them, they didn't increase the sets' value. Organic Kanohi -- First, and last so far, of the rubber Kanohi used in the Toa Inika and attaching to special featureless "heads" by snapping to the sides. Helped create a biomechanical look that previous sets lacked, another thing many including me argued for given that it was already in the story since the beginning, and in this case, in the sets with small examples like Krana. Piraka Spines? -- I'm counting this as a gimmick mainly because it was the first rubber piece used so prominently, and no sets since have featured something quite that ambitious. Could be argued they don't count since they were such a major part of the sets, on the same grounds that the Manas motors might not count. Also note that both examples of rubber were more prominent in 2006 than 2007, so this may have been another example like 2005's rubber actions features that might have been dropped due to unpopularity, or might simply have been trying to stay away from repetitiveness. Note that the biomechanical look itself remained popular in 2007, and some rubber parts remained too; but rubber itself wasn't used quite as much. Leg pistons -- Used in some of the Titans, this is somewhat like the Tarakava pistons, except from what I hear, it does help support the weight of the titan. So it's somewhat functional, but not necessary as other titans have existed without it. Piraka Teeth -- A new kind of teeth, similar to Bohrok in that they lack a functional jaw; they are for appearance only. They also glowed in the dark. They gave the Piraka a unique grin that has set them apart from all villains before and after. Unlike the Bohrok, though, and like the Rahi, the teeth made storyline sense because the Piraka are biomechanical. Axonn's fingers -- Self-explanatory; I'm considering these gimmicks because such fingers are unique to titans to far. I suppose UD's fingers could count too in 2004. Nonclonism? -- One the same principle mentioned in the 2001 section, nonclonism as begun to be really emphasized in 2006 was a major reason to buy more sets. Debatable whether it's "extra" or not, though. Overall -- 2006 had an increase in gimmicks, roughly back to the 2001 levels, but better focused on what most fans wanted, with some apparent exceptions. Featured a lot of innovation yet again. The style was heavily into "cool" (as I define it, anyways), perhaps more than the next year (depending on what you focus on; overall, that's debatable). 2007 Squids -- The first true rubber projectile, with Bohrok Krana being the closest previously, these actually rely on the snapping power of their stretchable tails to fire. Unfortunately for many, they are difficult to fire properly, to the point that many never did master it. They can attach to holders on the Barraki in various places for storage, and can stand on their own in storyline though their main use is as a projectile, with their lifesucking power. They're single pieces, unlike Zamor, but like Kanoka launchers. Squid Launchers -- The first launcher to also be rubber, presumably to soften the wear and tear on the squids. BTW, these and the Zamor launchers were designed so they could be fired in a kid's hand, seperate from the sets, and to a degree the same could be said of the Metruan and Vakama's Kanoka launchers. With this one, there's cleary a finger-sized gripping loop, so we are starting to see the launchers move a little away towards the fiction of it, and towards the toy aspect. Bendable Jaws -- The Barraki's buglike jaws could be pressed in on the sides. Not with a rubber band like the Visorak jaws; just bendable plastic, more like the Mctoran arms of 2001. Cordak -- Ammo for the first gatling-style Bionicle weapon, and the first to clearly resemble a gun, which seems to resonate quite well with most fans (apparently despite the launcher's lack of cool styling). Ammo can be stored in sockets for plus bars anywhere on a set. Also colored red to be easier to see. Cordak Launcher -- Features pumping action and rotating barrel. Also can be held on its own, with a large button on the back clearly designed more for the toy than the fictional concept of the hero. Introduces a strange-looking but functional ball joint sticking off one side so it can attach directly to things like shoulder mounts. Various Barraki specials -- Nonclonism being emphasized even more this year, we also got things like Carapar's claws that are simply action features. His claws are just a joint, for example. Another big example is Kalmah's rubber tentacles. Color-mixing -- Had been used in 2003-04 but not as much as in the Barraki this year. Tubes -- Mentioned a lot by BZPers in that topic, they are an "extra" to the Toa Mahri and some other 2007 sets. Kongu's brain -- Jokes aside, the System pieces in the Toa Mahri like his head or in Nuparu are another good example. Jaller's crab -- Literally an extra; an extra set included with Toa Jaller. Kongu's guns -- Having two guns is a gimmick that a lot of fans love, as guns basically = fun fun fun to them. Of course, it's a downside to fans of swords/staves. Hahli's wings -- Same idea. These kinds of things can also be lumped in one "Mahri specials" category like the Barraki ones, but they're a little more distinctive than the Barraki's. Overall -- The trend of gimmicks in 2007 is the same as with the sets themselves; a move away from clonism as the main focus. Overall there may be a little less new gimmicks this year, however, if the unique ones are lumped into groups like "Barraki specials" and "Mahri specials", compared to 2006. Perhaps most noticeable is that there are two seperate projectiles this year; one for villains, one for heroes. 2008 Just some brief notes on 2008 since it hasn't arrived; the level of gimmicks seems to be, again, much like 2006 and 2007. The styles seem to be like 2007 with unique group-member gimmicks and a split between villains and heroes. There's also the flight theme that is shown especially in the "gimmicks" like the wings or the helicopter claws, although that might be more "central" to the theme of the spring sets than extra. In total, depending on how you look at it, as far as we know the number of gimmicks is lower since 2006; more like 2007. Conclusion The levels of "gimmickyness" in Bionicle have varied, with the most examples in 2001, 2002, and 2006, 2007. Lately in terms of number it has roughly stabilized at about 2001 levels again. No clear trend of increase can be identified as it varies, but a general trend of a downgrading in innovation around 2003 and then innovation going back up afterwards does seem to match the sales trends, roughly. Gimmicks are not inherently bad; only if they do not please most fans do they harm the toy's sales, though individually they are disagreed about much more unpredictably than the main aspects of the sets themselves. The styles of the gimmicks have shifted over the years, generally closer to what most fans like best, and focusing better on improving play value. There are two familiar, distinctive trends; the past one matching the "Technicism" style of the original sets, and the new one fitting roleplaying better. In fact, since these trends in gimmicks match the time periods of the same styles in the sets, they are generally lumped in with the other aspects of the sets. Those who like the gimmicks of gears are often into mechanical styles of "Technicism", and those who like the gimmicks of projectiles are often into roleplaying and the more biomechanical style of newer sets. The latter being the majority, generally.
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Bzp's Some-won Dyed!1!1! Culture, & The Killed Off Psychological Shield
bonesiii posted a blog entry in blogs_blog_39
Please note: The following will NOT spoil the identity of a Bionicle character who recently died. I wouldn't even tell you that, but it's been basically leaked past the point of no return now, but I'll hope at least somebody didn't hear who yet. So there will be no spoiler tags here today. This is an expansion on a recent post about this. And please note, I'm not trying to be offensive in any way about this -- if you feel I'm speaking to you, I apologize if my tone seems that way. I must admit I'm annoyed about this but I won't want to seem to be belittling anybody. What I'm trying to get across to someone like this is -- I think you're making a mistake. And here's why. Okay, guys, here's the deal. I was planning to finish my History of Bionicle Set Gimmicks entry for this one, but something else has come up in response to the latest comic in which a character died (not Mata Nui; he was already dead). If you heard the news, you know who I mean, but please don't say it without spoiler tags. This blog entry is about one -- no, two -- of my main Pet Peeves. *Product Placement Alert! * It's the "Dumbledore dies!" culture. "Someone Dies!" I've noticed this trend growing both on BZP and off it for a long time now. You know me -- I watch S&T as much as I can. Lately that's maybe not as much as I'd like, but I'm reading at least half the topics, I'm watching the topic titles, I'm getting the gist of what's going on in discussion. When a Bionicle character dies, we get this "Lhikan dies!" proclamation everytime. I've seen it getting more and more feverish as time has gone on, to the point that people seem to leapfrog over each other in a mad dash to be the one that posts the topic first. Now, I'm a moderator of S&T, a guy who eats up spoilers as much as I can when I'm "on-duty". I expect to run into spoilers like this, because I'm often the guy who has to remove/spoilertag them. But this time, I'm taking a break from my moderating duties for the most part due to college, so I'm not reading reports right now, I'm not trying to stay up on all the spoilers, and during this time I'm trying to feel what it's like to be a "normal" fan again. As I speak, this comic has not reached my mailbox. And yet I have known for days what happens on one certain page of it. "[Censored] dies!1!!!!!1!" There's something wrong here. If it wasn't in the fifteen or so posts I saw in one day trumpeting the death of this character whether I wanted to know or not, it was in the banners that put an image of the character right in front of my eyes as I'm just trying to help approve some posts or look for some question I can help answer, etc. with something like "RIP" on it. Come on! Do you guys really think people can't figure out that means they died? Translation: Use spoiler tags. What is Wrong With This But it's a lot worse than just spoiling things -- it ignores what this is really supposed to be. A story. Life in fiction. This matters to someone like me, an aspiring author who wants to write serious fiction, even if it is for entertainment. In stories and in life, people die sometimes. In both, they smile sometimes too. Where are the "OHMYGOSH DUMBLEDORE SMILES ON PAGE 107!11!" people? Most of the responses aren't that extreme -- many are just about whether it bothered you or not, but it's the same thing, isn't it? It seems odd, and somewhat disturbing, to single out death as the thing to object to, or say you don't object to -- it wasn't about that. Now, I know, smiling isn't as sensational as a death, but what is a story about? It's not about whether the hero lives or dies, but about the hero as a character, as a person. It's about who they are. It's not about doing something that "bothers" you as a reader or not. It's about telling a story; it's about a "who". This character's "character", if you will, is now crystal clear. But only if you read the story. You don't get it from the "Heshe died!" topics or the "RIP, [Censored Identity]" banners. Just seems like a slap in the face to the author. Memorialize the character? Great! That's taking it seriously. Make banners? Fine -- as long as you wait a long time before making them. Memorialize them in spoiler tags. Not topic titles. Fine -- that is taking the author's writing seriously. That is a compliment to the author and it takes herhis character seriously. Emotions getting tangled up in this? I understand that perfectly. When a character you really liked dies, that's a strong emotional connection that you feel has been cut. I know several people that actually cry when they read a book with a character death. That's a healthy response -- if your grandmother died, you shouldn't go "Eh, doesn't bother me." I'm just saying, you wouldn't go "Grandma dies!!1!11!" either. The character's death is just as important as the moment where this character smiles at a joke one of the other characters just told. It deserved the same respect, IMO. "Killed Off" A related pet peeve -- when a character dies, we say they were "killed off". As in, by the author. Guys -- if your grandmother dies, do you go "Eh, she was killed off."? I know it's a popular cliche in our culture, and it's a psychological shield to avoid pain of death. But if you did it in real life, it would be disrespectful to her memory. It's almost to the point where an author of a series can't even have a story that involves death if they want to touch on serious themes. Good authors do it anyways, so I'm very glad Greg did this -- but it's still a disturbing phenomena among some readers/viewers/fans. I can almost -- aaaaaalmost understand it with a TV show with live actors. Generally they die in the story because the actor wanted off. But not always, and to just brush all TV live action death aside as "Killed Off" is demeaning to the writers, IMO. But this isn't TV, and these aren't actors. Nobody's contract ran out. There's no such excuse to pretend this was done just to get rid of a character. And even if it was an actor who wanted out -- why should that belittle the story being told? Why could we still not say "they died", and treat it with respect just like any other reason? Not all death is random and unscheduled, after all -- sometimes it's cancer that is known ahead of time to probably be lethal at a certain time range, or the like. That's a very comparable situation, except it's real instead of fictional. What I'm NOT Saying Now, again, I understand this is fiction, and entertainment. I'm not saying you guys should bawl your eyes out over this. Honestly, I wasn't that affected by it even after I saw scans of the page in question (though I haven't yet seen the whole comic). What I'm saying is, let's treat this storyline event with the same respect we would show for any other moment in the Bionicle storyline. And I'm not saying there's anything wrong with giving death a unique notice, with the proper delay in discussion to avoid spoiling it for someone else. I am exaggerating about the smile thing. A little. I'm saying, why be so feverish about it? I'm not saying I had anything against Greg announcing Mata Nui was going to die. Heck, if you scroll down in the Bones Blog far enough, you might find a joke about that. I'm also not saying there's anything wrong with memorial banners, or wishing the death hadn't been used in the story, or wishing the character could come back. All of that can be done respectfully, so there's nothing wrong with those things by themselves. Nor am I making fun of poor spelling. I just think this needs to be emphasized. In Other News Gimmicks entry coming soon, and don't forget the Pet Peeve Contest is open till November 29. Other news: My old bonesiii_topics website has been spiffed up a little to cut that hugo intro paragraph down and add contact info. (Plus the latest two topics.) That contact info is also now in the bones blog -- and you may notice my AIM name is now revealed there too. If you wanna talk to me that way (and for some strange reason I'm actually online), please feel free. And if you missed this topic of mine: Post Counts Are Not What Count, check it out, because it was almost a blog entry at one point in planning. -
...who likes Bionicle in my School. Two of my friends like Bionicle, but one has really no use for them but wants to know the story. He might be selling some of his to me! I'm even gonna' start tutouring him in the Bionicle story tomorrow.
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So, I got my Lego Magazine, not much, but I have it, I haven't gotten them since we moved >_< And the bionicle comic, well, matoro dies, so I'm gonna make a sure-fire guess that it'll affect sales. Now, on a note of life, Its almost '08! Wow, this year went by fast, and, I'm almost 14 (yay me), if your Mormon, you can probably guess why. And, I want to say something to you rating lower-ees, 2 stars, that's pathetic, and, that being said, so are you.
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I found the pieces there were missing from my collection...well, most of them. I was looking for a missing Cordak rocket I shot at my computer chair in the shelf behind it. After removing the books I found a basket that used to be on the computer's desk. I thought the Bionicle pieces had been taken out of it and basket put away ages ago. But apparently only the latter was done. So yeah, I welcomed back my Zaktan foot, Jaller Inika thigh armor, Vakama lower arm, and three red pieces from Sidorak. They're on the sets now, but I know the pieces because I'd been puzzling over their disappearance since BBCC39 (which explains their colors). Cordak was retrieved as well, BTW.
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Reminder: The Pet Peeve Contest is open till November 29. One of the most asked questions about Bionicle is "What genre is it?" There's a lot of confusion about this, and today the Bones Blog brings you the answer to the question (and to why it's confusing!). There's a standard conversation that I see very often in S&T and other places. It goes something like this. Member A: "What genre is Bionicle?" Member B: "It's science fiction." Member C: "No, it's fantasy!" Member D: "It's supposed to be fantasy but there's all these machines messing things up." Member E: "It always had machines! It's science fiction but there's these mystical themes." Member F: "I agree." And on and on, ad infinitum. In reality, these members are falling prey to the logical fallacy of false dilemma/dichotomy; also known as the "Either/Or" fallacy. It's Both The answer is really very simple -- it's both! Bionicle is science fantasy. This is what Greg Farshtey has labeled it, and objectively speaking, it has all the elements of this genre. It is a blend of science fiction and fantasy themes. But you're probably thinking "But bones, but bones, I've never seen a sticky label on a book that says 'science fantasy'!" Very true. Science fantasy is a relatively new genre, and much that is in it is mislabeled as one or the other. Not everyone knows the term; not everyone even agrees that this is the term to use. There are some out there trying to push their own invented term for this new genre, probably hoping for the fame of inventing "the term". This has happened before. Science fiction was once a new genre too. When it first became popular, a plethora of terms popped up, everybody trying to promote the term they invented. It took a long time for the term "science fiction" to catch on. Now "science fantasy" is going through the same process. If you watch the "Sci-Fi" channel, you might notice that a lot of what they show feels more like fantasy. If you watch Star Wars for example, it's labeled science fiction, but there's the mystical element of the Force that the story centers around. One of the biggest problems is -- how are science fiction and fantasy defined? If you research this, you'll discover everybody has their own opinion, and they usually try to define it with some clever concoction of words, rather than simply looking at it logically. Well, this logician has his own opinion on it. Physics Fiction Spectrum Science fiction, science fantasy, and fantasy are all within a larger category that we could call "Physics Fiction". If you think about it, the common trait of them all is that physics is important to the storyline, as opposed to more "real world" fiction. What's more, "Physics Fiction" is a spectrum, not three seperate categories. At one end, science fiction focuses on real physics. The story centers around what real phsycists, scientists, etc. know about how our world works and takes it in an imaginative direction. At the other end, fantasy focuses on fictional physics. The story features physics invented by the author; taking physics itself in an imaginative direction. In between, science fantasy merges the two, melding real phsyics with fictional ones to give the fictional physics more of a sense of realism while also giving the imagination freedom. So here's what the spectrum looks like if you consider examples of popular physics fiction examples: Bionicle is probably one of the prime examples of "pure" science fantasy. You've got fictional elemental energy, protodermis, Kanohi, etc. and yet you've got machinery, technology, etc. blended together. Star Wars is another good example. Don't Misunderstand One myth that needs cleared up. This spectrum has NOTHING to do with the physics being "realistic". There's a big different between that and "real". "Real" phsyics are what our world just happens to have. "Realistic" physics is what is logically plausible in a fictional universe; physics that make sense but just happen to be different from ours. So just because Harry Potter's physics of magic spells are not real does not make them "unrealistic", nor does the presence of elemental energy in Bionicle mean that Bionicle physics are implausible. All quality physics fiction presents its physics as making sense. Some scifi or fantasy might keep the physics secret, presenting it as a mystery, but it's still intended to make sense. Some poorer quality science fiction might have just as implausible physics as poor quality fantasy. Science fantasy is not a compromise on physics making sense -- it simply delves into fictional physics, yet stays grounded in some real physics too. Of course, this excludes comedy examples that use nonsensical physics for comedic value. Another myth is that science fiction always takes place in the future while fantasy takes place in the past -- this is OFTEN true, but not always. Scifant often plays with this idea; Star Wars takes place long ago, for example, while Dune takes place in the future. Narnia took place in the present, as did Jurassic Park. Back to the Future took place all over time, but was grounded in the present. Bionicle isn't even in our universe at all, so it's not in the past, present, or future. Still another myth is that the vague concepts of "science" or "technology" are by definition only for science fiction. No, "science" is the study of physics, real or not, and technology is the use of those physics in machinery and the like. Within the fictional context of a world like Bionicle, the fictional physics is "real", and so there's no reason the Matoran cannot study it and use those physics to make machines such as Chutes, Vahki, Zamor Launchers, or Lava Boards. In Harry Potter, for example, there are magical machines and all sorts of technology that makes use of the fictional physics within that world. So don't mistake scifant for a melding of technology and mystical or natural themes. That is simply a theme that is popular in science fantasy because those two aspects do "feel" like either scifi or fantasy. But technically, science and technology are possible all throughout physics fiction. Popular Genre Lately there's been a shift among the public in popular genres, and story authors and observers are only just beginning to catch on. In the fairly recent past, the "science fiction" end of the spectrum was very popular. There is a giant collection of scifi fiction works out there, but most of it ceased in the late eighties. Some of the popular themes were starships, time travel, and alien planets. Star Trek has stood for all three of those for a long time. But nowadays, there's been a shift away from science fiction and towards fantasy, largely due to Harry Potter's success. People are tired of real physics, which often feels dry and "heady", and they enjoy the more mystical feel of fantasy, which gives more of a sense of freedom to tell enjoyable stories and focus on characters without the headaches required both to create and absorb quality science fiction. Recently we witnessed the failure of Star Trek's latest spinoff for this reason (among others), and this is also why you're seeing the "scifi" channel delving into fantasy and scifant a lot more. The negative reaction has been especially strong in the time travel category. Time travel used to be the perfect gimmick for get-rich-quick moviemaking schemers. Throw time travel in your story and BAM, popular. But the public seems to have either caught on or gotten tires of the complex mechanics of time travel. The latest example was "Daybreak" on ABC, which bombed in the ratings, despite it being highly enjoyable to physics geeks like me who love time travel, and even despite being actual high quality in terms of characterization. Even LOST may have been hurt by its use of time travel (or apparent time travel) in Season 3, which had dropping ratings. Thus I'm very, very glad Bioniicle has a rule against time travel, even if I'd personally enjoy it. At the same time, science fantasy has benefitted from this shift. Scifant that avoids time travel is pretty popular now, with Star Wars even doing well in its latest movies with starships and alien planets. The theme seems to be that enjoyable storyline is what the public wants most, and science fantasy allows this. Delving into fantasy physics frees up the storyline to have epic danger without getting too "heady" and "technobabbly", unlike science fiction. Also, one of my theories has been that we are living in an over-teched society nowadays, but we are still human -- we still long for nature. At the same time, we wouldn't want to live like Suvivor contestants -- we like some technology. Thus science fantasy that feels like a melding of nature and technology is naturally pleasing to people living in today's society -- it presents a world many of us wish we could live in, even if we don't consciously realize it. Conclusion Bionicle is "science fantasy", a blend of themes between science fiction and fantasy. It is in the center of a "Physics Fiction Spectrum", which is fiction that focuses on physics. Real physics are at one end of the spectrum, fictional physics at the other. In feel, Bionicle is a melding of nature, "magic", and technology. Its physics is designed to be different from our own, but to make sense and even feel somewhat 'scientific'.
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Now that I've built both of them, I can officially say that the two are a good contrast of a good and a bad set – both the yellow set of their groups, by an interesting coincidence... The same could be said of Mantax and Nuparu, actually, and perhaps Ehlek and Kongu, though which of the latter pair is the good one is bound to vary from person to person. :: Carapar :: His color scheme is not perfect, but it's still far better organized than Hewkii's. The biggest problem with it is that the pure yellow-orange always attracts attention to itself, and the waist and extremities are not where one wants attention to be drawn straightaway. Though the hips are the only really odd area. There's also the fact that his Inika torso is black, while nothing else in him is. But that's only really a problem from the back, since from the front it works perfectly with his chest armor. Oh, that armor. I love it. Thigh/shoulder pads included – great shape, and the color is much nicer in real life than a lot of pictures have shown. The blend with transparent dark grey is great... It would work better if he had old dark grey instead of the bluish kind, or, since that's not possible, iron grey, but the combination isn't bad at all. Besides, that means we get both Rahkshi feet and Inika legs in dark bluish grey. Though I wouldn't mind some more pieces in the yellow/trans-dark grey blend... His claw is a bit awkward in relaxed poses since his arm is long and claw huge, also because of the way it attaches to his hand, but it works. His biggest problem is the color stuff, really. And the squid. Excluding his one-stud-wide waist, he's nicely bulky, with all of his pieces contributing to that, and the result is swell and smooth. But then, in the same color in the latter half of the year, there's Hewkii... :: Hewkii Mahri :: Hewkii's color scheme is just horribly done. The yellow and black are distributed unevenly. On Carapar, silver was just an accent, through his mandibles and tools, but on Hewkii it's almost an accent – but then becomes a main color through his thigh armor. And then there's red splashed on top of that. Just... no. The yellow is concentrated and prominent in his upper right half, thanks to the Piraka arm, while it's obscured in his legs thanks to the thigh armor. As a consequence the black is uneven as well, again because of the yellow Piraka arm. The silver would have been nicely balanced if left to his tools, spikes, and breathing tube, but the spike ball halves upset that balance by dragging it into his main color scheme. Then you have the red Cordak stuff on his shoulders, his horn, and the axles in his left arm and legs, competing for attention with the yellow. When you throw all these together, you get something eye-searing to look at because there's little balance, contrast all over the place (not helped by the shadows within his Piraka body), and neither rhyme nore reason to the whole design. Oh, and the chains. They further increase the confusion. Not bad on their own, but when on top of everything else... If I could only change one thing, it would be to make all the red black. That still wouldn't leave the greatest color distribution ever, but with only three colors he would be far easier to look at. Fortunately, however, a revamp isn't limited to changing only one thing. Next is his build, on two levels: proportion-wise and as Hewkii. Going in reverse order, Hewkii was the powerhouse of the Inika – he doesn't need to be as bulky as Carapar, far from that, but if he just had the general robustness that, say, Jaller Mahri has, he would look adequately strong. Long, thin upper arms, short, slender legs, and a complete lack of a chest make him look scrawny. That's not a bad look in and of itself (except for the arms), and desirable underwater, but it's the opposite of strong-looking. And then he's missing his right hand! Then there are his proportions. Oh dear. Wide body, short, thin legs, and enormously long and thin arms – they do not go together. The sheer width of his mask doesn't help, either. There is a very big problem when his arms are so long they're three studs from the floor if left to hang – that means they're almost as long as his legs and body combined. Carapar doesn't suffer from this – he's evenly bulky and lacks the huge disproportionalities Hewkii has to begin with. He's also not a character expected to have human proportions... But despite all those things, he has wonderful pieces. Yellow-orange Piraka body, Piraka forearm, and black clawed Inika feet in the way of recolors are all excellent, then his various blades and the breathing tube are all nice pieces. (I love the aqua warblade, by the way.) His mask, too, has a nice shape, even if it's rather odd without the mouth attachment, and I've been wanting the spike ball halves for a while... Fortunately, there are poses where he doesn't look terrible, mostly helped by having his mask pointing downward. It really doesn't look good face-on, but from other angles it's quite nice... It's mainly his arms that make posing hard, since they're so disporportionately long... So, there you have it, the two yellow canister sets of 2007. Carapar, a very good set overall – he has those armor pieces for distinction, his unique (and mostly well-executed) color combination, and a smooth and streamlined design. Then Hewkii, who is generally terrible but saved from utter shame by his pieces. Uneven color scheme, awkward proportions, and, in contrast with the smoothness of Carapar's overall design, can be seen straight through all over the place, has an intricate "texture" in all his pieces, and is just difficult to look at. But he has nice parts. As I've said before, what made the Barraki quite good was their unique molds that tied their whole design together – Hewkii lacks such a piece, which is probably the reason what he does have doesn't work together... Though one could say his shoulder spikes fullfil that, and they are his non-mask/tool distinguishing piece, they don't fulfill the role. Expect a full revamp tomorrow or so. ~ ToM
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If you know much about the four fundamental forces, could you PM me? PS: What were the previous two entries about?
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The IAIA wishes to inform you that according to Adventurer's clock, BIONICLE 2007 is over and BIONICLE 2008 will be starting soon. That is all.
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I has a new Titan! View it. Now. :angry:
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I'm considering buying some Mars Mission stuff, are they any good?
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...and it's Maxilos.
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I will now bring you my thoughts on the little evils of 2008. The first thing of notice which I failed to look up on the first part of this extended review was the price. I noted that the amount of new pieces wasn't ordinary for those types of sets. I was wrong. These sets will be (according to the links we received) selling for 6.99 Euro. Sure, that'd be a good price if it was in USD, but it's in Euro. And it converts to $10.1495 USD. To save me from doing this in parts 3 and 4, that makes the larger sets (Phantoka and Nuva) $14.5055 USD. And finally, Toa Ignika will be $26.1215 USD. It seems the usual USD prices are now the Euro prices. Our $6.99 boxed sets are now 6.99 Euro. Our $10 canisters are now ten Euro. Ah well. Hey, it looks like age went down to six but still won't go above 16. These sets show the boxes and box graphics rather than pictures of the set, so we don't get to see as much detail of these as we did with the Matoran. The box design on Radiak immediately made me think of a volcano-type box often uses on those little packs of dinosaurs. I wonder if both the top and bottom come off or just one of them. Radiak (red): Looks like we get more of Tanma's arm pieces with this one. The piece is alright so I won't complain. They're just small sets anyway. This amount of new pieces is usually...unusual. Four more of the slightly changed hand pieces and--surprise--they included more Takanuva staffs. This shocks me. The pieces is hardly ever used. The four-legged design is interesting, though not usual for intelligent beings, which these would appear to me. I suppose it's time we broke away from the humanoids being intelligent. Can't see much of the body, except that it is a grey-ish color, in contrast to the other pieces' color except the hands. The head is...interesting. Reminds me of something previously used, but I can't tell what except possibly Hakaan. Kinda cool, though. Gavla: (blue): Carapar's weapons are way big on (I hope) her. But being almost longer than Gavla's height gives a sort of cool effect. Can't tell what the arms are but the legs have been used on the previous three sets I talked about. I think they're Tanma's arms again, but I'm not really sure at this size and angle. Ah! The arms are Photok's legs. Um...wow. Are those what I think they are? Two-toed Piraka claws? Very strange. I think they clash as well. Body appears similar to the others'. Mask is interesting, new. Somewhat looks as if they tried to make it stream-like. Again, I wonder if those eyes are really there. With the Kongu Mahri piece, eyes can be put in without limiting posability. Kirop (Uh...white? Black?): Photok arms and Tanma/Solek legs! Wonderful. Photok's arms are the best I've seen so far and I'm glad they're on this set. Well, like everyone else, I like this one the best. The body is similar, but on this one we have little funny-looking wings. And Matoro's twin cutters are the weapons, which work nicely. The head is great and the eyes might possibly be the studs, sideways this time, used on the Barraki. The color scheme her is good as well. Next: Toa Nunuva
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I might be able to buy Maxilos today!
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I've saved up my money, and I'm wondering whether to buy Maxilos or a video game? Hmm...
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Meh. Everyone does it, but that's only expected. Everyone has an opinion and these are a major revelation, so it's natural that everyone would express their thoughts on new sets. And now, I make mine known, in a four-part blog entry series. Most people are doing two, but I think four works best for me. Tanma (Green Matoran): Sounds more like a Ga-Matoran name to me, but whatever. I like the mask, despite its looking like a Great Huna. At least it is new, unlike previous small sets. I wonder if those eyes are edited into the picture... These new limbs look awesome. It looks like both of Tanma's limb pieces are new. The design of a socket-to-ball piece is an interesting idea, not pulled off since the Rahkshi thigh. Something I liked about the Rahkshi thigh that isn't present here is that the socket is stuck, not an addable piece. Ah well, it's cool and at least there are + and O holes. Looks like we're taking a break off of the viking horn holes this year. I haven't seen the Toa Mata food since...oh yeah, Matoro Mahri. I noticed something different about the hand pieces. They don't have the see-through parts on the long side of the socket showing the + holes as previous sockets have. They are covered, perhaps to add sturdiness? Can't see much of the bodies, but it appears to be a 1-or-2 piece body. Solek (white): This mask is flat an awkward, IMO. Another new arm piece in this set with an interesting mechanical look, and what might appear to be a new weapon (I dunno, it might be from a Mahri, I'm not all caught up). I can't tell if those leg pieces are the same as Tanma (Green)'s or not. They may be new. I think I see a slight difference in where the shoulder ball joints are on this one, but I can't really tell with these pictures. Photok (Brorange): This mask just looks stone Matoran material. The shape is great. A similar body to the others here, but I think the shoulders are somehow broader. I dunno, it's probably angle; we'll find out more later. There arm pieces are the best non-bendables yet. They're half 7-length double socket (with the three O holes in the middle) and half Hordika leg. Wonderful. You can see here the rounded ends on the horizontal + holes (those not holding weapons) on the socket piece, like those on the + hole-to-socket pieces. Not like the square edges seen before. Not going to comment on the Chronicler's staff weapons. The legs are Tanma's arms in a new color, a piece that could prove to be quite interesting. I love the orange Mata feet. Notes: Now, note that I think people have positive reactions to these more than to the Nuva because these are not existing characters. If these sets had been Tamaru, Kopeke, and Hafu, people would have probably disliked them, complaining about how they don't look "in character" and about the color change. The point is that people aren't used to seeing these characters represented in this way, and so they get more positive comments. But people also want to see the Nuva return. The choice is hard for Lego, and I think they've done what they could to satisfy. Looks like 4-5 of those limb pieces that are new. Almost 100% new pieces. I don't know how Lego is going to afford that without these being rediculously high priced. Like, higher than the Toa Metru. Or at least Toa Mata price (which we've had before with much less new pieces than this). I certainly hope they aren't using cheaper plastics. It also seems that Lego is making battle-play more possibly at all points of the year this time, instead of starting out with 6 canister villains and 4-6 small good guys. This will make battlers happy, I should think. And it also marks the return of villain small sets, which I'll be reviewing in the next installment.
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But I don't think you can help me to get these pieces. There are only a few people that could, and it would take a lot of time for them to do so. When I was recently MOCing I noticed there are a few pieces needed, similar to many existing, but not yet made. The pieces can be found below with text explanation and an image representation, though small. Link to image, just in case. Note that the 1.5 length O rod is already in existence.
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Title says all. Just need to know.
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I do seem to like using interrogative words as titles... This time, it's what I would change if given the 2008 "Nuva" basic designs to work off of into Toa Nuva restyled... even though that doesn't use the word "how." :: 8686 Toa Lewa Nuva :: First, Nuva chest armor redesigned to appropriately fit onto an Inika or Piraka chest, then Nuva shoulder armor remade to attach like the Inika's. But keeping the overall smooth, clean shape. In silver. Legs ~ lime joints with green (Lewa's original color) over them. I think I'd make the Rahkshi legs into green Metru legs, to prevent the long, spindly legs with a short, blocky body look he has now, but I might keep the Mantax feet...Arms ~ uppers are lime short double-sockets (with the new Nuva armor on them), lowers green Metru legs.Body ~ lime Inika body with green hips, and Nuva chest armor. I wouldn't say no to new a 7-wide torso piece instead of the current 9-wide one (not including shoulder balls).Mask ~ Working off the Faxon-thing he has now, I'd bring in the cheek... turbines a little, then extend their top outer edge into a sweeping point like on the Miru Nuva. Add two similar points above to, again, resemble those of the Miru Nuva. I'm not sure about the color; either green or lime could work. Also, a clear visor instead of ice blue.Tools ~ Keep the twin Katana, except shorter and a lot less huge-messy-and-spiky than the new sword. These would then attach to his back to serve as wings when he needs to fly – I'm not sure if it would just be through simple Technic pins or a construction like Hahli's Metru hip on her back. :: 8685 Toa Kopaka Nuva :: Legs ~ keep the shape, but the ambiguous grey would be quite definitely light bluish grey. White round Inika feet are glorious.Arms ~ again, short light grey double-sockets with Nuva armor for the uppers, but light grey Vahki legs and white hands. The Vahki legs, though bulky, are so he can attach a shield to his forearm via this piece and a pin/axle piece, leaving his hands free for blaster and sword.Body ~ white with Nuva chest armor. For wings, again the Metru hip on his back, with either a two-piece construction like Hahli's, or his wings made of a short double-socket and Hordika neck each, with a "feather" piece attached to each... Either way, they'd be posable, Bionicle-ized angel wings.Tools ~ I'd keep the ice skate shape, but something akin to his original sword would be fine too. So long as he actually has sword and shield, and, little though I'm fond of it, blaster. Oh, that shield would be a white or silver 10-studs-wide System dish, the same appearance as his Nuva shield, only two studs wider.Mask ~ Since I dislike the overall look and style of the "Akaku Phantoka," I'd adhere more to the Akaku Nuva in design. Most necessarily, a visor on the right side of his mask. And no lightsaber beam poking out of it. :: 8687 Toa Pohatu Nuva :: I'd keep his general build, just changing colors, since short-and-stocky is fine for Pohatu. Except for Mata Nui's sake without those shoulders... Legs ~ brown clawed Inika feet, brown Piraka thigh armor, and yellow-orange joints and Vahki legs. I'd love to leave his feet and their spifftastic toe guards, but I think they might look too small with the rest of his new build...Arms/tools ~ yellow-orange short double-sockets with Nuva armor, then I'd leave the lower arms the same. As I've said, I like the propeller-claws enough... though I'd be tempted to make the "forearms" brown or yellow-orange.Body ~ brown Piraka body, yellow Metru hips, and Nuva chest armor...Mask ~ give it a top half that continues the sweeping, curved look of the Kakama Nuva, which negates the need for a visor... All of that would actually be reddish-brown, the color Avak had, which replaced brown at the same time as the greys were replaced by their bluish counterparts. But moot point. He'd be advertised as a yellow set, just like Hewkii Inika... I'm not overly fond of the brown/yellow combination, but I have severe doubts Lego would use anything else if he had any brown at all. Of course, if redesigning the Nuva were left entirely up to me, I'd make Project Nuva, since that's what I would want. But the above would actually look like redesigns, as the Nuva Phantoka supposedly are, instead of the near-complete transformation that Lewa and Pohatu look like they underwent... ~ ToM
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» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «Well, here are the Makuta: Antroz, my favourite of the Makuta we've seen so far Pros: The orb in his chest looks interesting...The shoulder armour suits his mask His mask is awesome, can't wait to see what power it will have...Cons:The feet are Piraka feet. Can't really complain with all the new pieces though The overall legs look a bit bland, that is made up through his overall appearance though Vamprah's turn in the spotlight now Pros: The mask again is awesome.The same red orb looks interesting.Cons:He doesn't stand out as a set very well.Again the feet are old pieces. The vampire I mean Chirox's turn now Pros: The design looks fairly interesting The wings really suit him.Comes with the cool orbs Cons:He looks lie Mantax a bit.The wings look like they may fall off easily...The mask isn't as good as others.[*]Legs are pretty run of the mill...
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Today the Bones blog presents a four-tiered feature on the official & approved 2008 set images seen in this article. First, enlarged and lighting-fixed images are used here that make judging each piece and the overall set easier. Second, my in-depth objective analysis of the sets is included with each image, as well as my own in-depth subjective personal reactions. Fourth, at the end I will make my customary predictions about how these are likely to sell. If nothing else, I hope the improved quality of these images helps you better make up your own mind about these sets. All of the following is spoilers, so read at your own risk. » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « Firstly, the "Analysis" sections below are written as objectively as possible. Any traces of my own bias you see in these, please point them out and I will try to remove them. Secondly, the "My Reactions" parts are totally written from my own personal tastes. Feel free to skip those sections if you like, although I do make some observations in there objectively that aren't mentioned in the analysis. I spend time on it partly just for my own sake, but also because I do tend to resemble most fans in a lot of what I like, so perhaps my reactions can be used to roughly gauge how these might play with most fans. But please take that with a grain of salt, because it is really just me, and of course there are some things I differ from most fans on. Thirdly, please do not link to or describe leaked images, as too many keep doing when discussing these official images. Suffice it to say, the leaked images were apparently prototypes, which is why you shouldn't go by leaks anyways (well, one reason; it also doesn't help that they're illegal). Nuva Nuva! Analysis: The Nuva are now able to get the storyline spotlight for 2008, something most BZPower voters have supported (see here), and storywise this is not technically a transformation, but (apparently) simply new weapons, tools, and armor, as this was what Greg told us would be discussed (though whether this was approved as the explanation has not been revealed). The Nuva sets update these characters to the "new" style that evidence indicates most fans prefer, as opposed to the older, more Technic style that LEGO originally assumed would be most popular (and that has proven not to be the case since 2001). So right off the bat, when we compare these to the older sets, these are likely to play much better with most fans. Also, we see the better standards of articulation at work here, and much more varied use of pieces, less clonism, etc. They play up differentiation from their old forms much more than the 2003 Nuva, but interestingly their masks and tools resemble their old ones much more so than the Inika compared to their Matoran forms or the Mahri to Inika. Projectiles return with something like looks like a mix between the Cordak launcher in shape, and the Zamor launcher in what it fires. Due to the move to the new style, this will likely be a set group with intense reactions; strong liking by those who prefer the newer style, and strong dislike by the minority who prefers the older style, especially those emotionally attached to the Mata/Nuva03's exact forms and style. Very few fans in the main fanbase now remember 2003 or these characters, and even on BZPower most support this move, so overall the negatives to the "Newva" are minimal. My Reactions: I'm very excited about these sets overall, because I disliked strongly several features of the older sets, both Mata and Nuva, such as the chunky bodies, the gears, the lack of knees and elbows, the gears, the less cool style of some parts of the body design, and the gears. I'm happy to see the more Mata-esque mask designs. The Nuva were a good attempt at "coolifying" the masks, but only a few of them really struck a chord with me (mainly the Miru, and Kaukau). These masks are much more in line with the 2001 Kanohi, the Mahri's Kanohi, and other similar "cool" designs. I was hoping for a few more new pieces than we see here, but old pieces in new colors are cool too. The best part of that is that now, seven years in, Bionicle has finally built up a good collection of varied pieces for legs, arms, feet, etc. This makes it much less expensive to reduce clonism today than in 2003 (for example), and is something I've been looking forward to for a long time. Still, almost all of the limb and feet pieces are recycled (possible exception being Pohatu's arms). Got a bone to pick with the projectile weapon, though -- it's the same problem as the Mahri's Cordak Launchers. To me, the weapon isn't very stylized in appearance. To me, that is very important. There is evidence that most fans don't care since it's a gun, and certainly many real life guns are similar in that design. So it might not be a real problem, but my question is, why not coolify it anyways with a little with Bionicle-style pistons, serrations, etc. on the sides? The Zamor launcher, or both styles of Kanoka launchers, or to an extent the Squid launchers were good examples of cool looking launchers, IMT, and I miss that in Cordak and these weapons. Theoretically, that might make it even more attractive to most fans. However, it is much cooler looking to me than the Cordak Launcher, so it's a step forward. Kopaka Nuva Analysis: Kopaka's mask is the most recognizeable, with the lens concept included. He is very true to the style of the Nuva, maybe more so than the other two, in the smoother limb design and the more plain metallic design of the wings, much like the plain metallic design of the 2003 armor. He also has what appears to be a sword, much like how Kopaka Mata had one sword (although in his Nuva form he had two). The blade might be attached to the weapon like a bayonet; not sure. His feet are the first Hahli Inika feet in white, as I recall. My Reactions: He's my least favorite of the bunch, but still miles ahead of the 2003 forms. Mainly, I just didn't like that old metallic plainness all that much; I wanted him to be more original and less "true" to the older form. I love wings in a Toa, hoped for them for years. And the wings definately fit his style of cold strength. Airplane wings fit him much better than, say, Hahli Mahri's wings which were more "feathery". But I would have liked more "coolification" with these wings. Also, his mask isn't that attractive. Plus side is that it resembles an Akaku, but minus is, again, it's not that "cool" in the way I see coolness. The use of red in the laser thing seems very out of place on this set. And the feet have always been my least favorites ever since they first appeared in Hahli Inika (I believe). Best parts seem to be the sword/bayonet, the arms and legs, and the presence, at least, of wings. Personally I'd rather spend my money on Hahli if I want a winged Toa, though. Lewa Nuva Analysis: Again we see a lot of similarities to his older forms, in this case especially to Lewa Nuva. The mask has the same lower cheek things as the Miru Nuva, and the mouth area is very close to that. The top resembles the Miru Mata more closely. Lewa Nuva used to have two Katana until a Piraka broke one -- and this Lewa has one sword, again an interesting similarity given that these are apparently new tools the Toa get. He features the first use of jets (aside from Vakama's Kanoka launcher). And he brings a mostly new color scheme to the table for Toa; lime green instead of Mata or Metru green, balanced with gray and metallic colors. And his feet are the first silver Mantax feet. My Reactions: Lewa and Pohatu are sortof tied for my favorites of the Newva. Overall, I like the style of Lewa best. He's the most coherent of the three, his lime balanced perfectly with the gray and silver, the jets providing the perfect balance to all of that, the sword stylish and sensible, the weapon free in his other hand, again, sensibly. Kopaka's pose makes his sword/bayonet seem clumsy and his face doesn't fit that well with his body, and Pohatu's eyes are hard to understand and his tools seem awkward -- none of those problems exist with Lewa. (Pohatu comes close mainly because he's orange, and I'm bonesiii.) Lewa is a perfect example of what "cool" means to me in a Toa, and quite possibly to most fans too. I love the jets -- not just a little, but I think these are the best jet pieces LEGO has ever made, that I can think of, including System jets. Reason being the two-pronged look of the top end, mixed with the wider and roundish lower end; they just look so cool! The sword is awesome, very much like his old Katana, but coolified. And the mask -- it's perfect. It looks exactly like what the word "mask" in Bionicle means to me; slightly curvy enough to tell this is something molded from a Kanoka disk and worn on the face, not the face itself, coherent, not just round, and with some serration things going on. Plus what seems to be "visors" as a bonus. The one possible downside is that it looks a lot like Lesovikk's lime Faxon, but personally the strong resemblance to both forms of Miru nullifies that as a problem, whereas L's mask looks more like a lime Kaukau. Really the only downside IMT to Lewa is that he's not orange. Pohatu Nuva Analysis: Yet again we see a strong resemblance to his former forms. The Kanohi is almost identical to a Kaukau Mata, with the top turned into a visor. He's got a wide build, though unlike his previous forms it is not inverted. His last tools were double-clawed hand tools; these seem to be able to actually fold in like claws, and again there is one per hand, just like Pohatu Nuva. In color scheme he modifies Hewkii's yellow concept into orange, which might make more sense, and possibly might play better with most fans. On the one hand, yellow is perhaps more eye-catching and stone elemental energy has always been yellow, plus tan stone is one of the most common colors and tan is simply gray-ified yellow. On the other hand, orange is closer to red, the most popular color, also eye-catching, and closer to Mata brown, which is simply dark orange. It's also very close to Hewkii's yellow, which had a slight orange tint to it. It may very well be a perfect compromise -- one that increases interest both with many of the rare older fans and with the majority alike. The tools are apparently some sort of helicopter-like blades, so in addition to closing like a claw, they might rotate, giving Pohatu his method of flight to match Kopaka's wings and Lewa's jets. However, I can't quite make out a method of rotation; the only hinge I see is the sideways one to make them snap like claws, so that might not be true. His body also seems to be built something like Kongu Mahri's. The front half of his arms appears to be a new piece, and it might be part of the tools; that stick thing by the elbow might be connected to the helicoptery things to spin them. But that's just a theory. My Reactions: He. Is. Orange. Rad cool, man, my favorite color of all time. The mask with the visor is very cool, too, if a little less coherent than Lewa's. It's a little cooler than the Kakama Mata, and a lot cooler than the Kakama Nuva. His feet are my all-time favorite Toa feet, because they are bar none the most "coolified". Spikes are the key. The shoulder-mount for the weapon is good, not new, but still good. And the style pieces on the limbs are my favorites of those. What takes him down a little to me is that he's less coherent. The blade things look awkward, the visor color isn't balanced anywhere else, and the shoulders are maybe a little too wide. Or, I should say, for shoulder that wide, the arms seem too small (but that might be the pose). And I don't like the front of the arms, as far as I can see. Looks too industrial, not cool enough. In terms of recognizeability, LEGO could have switched Lewa's and Pohatu's feet, as Mantax feet look a lot more like Pohatu's old feet addons. But then Pohatu would be second best in terms of coolness, so I can understand and appreciate the reasoning, and I can especially appreciate my favorite Toa feet being orange. Phantoka Analysis: We know next to nothing storywise about these characters, except that they are batlike, and there was a bat-related teaser pic this year that many are connecting to these sets. Setwise, we are seeing some of the most uncloned designs ever, with a lot of "coolified" style (putting the term in quotes because whether it comes across as cool is, of course, subjective; my understanding of most fans' tastes is that they see it that way) and a lot of innovation. The nonclonism even goes so far as to give two Phantoka feet, and one something more like an insect leg. They seem designed to come across as "spooky" or "creepy" as villains, a common theme with bats, of course. The canisters look very rocklike, another similarity to the teaser image people are talking about. My Reactions: It's a lot harder to judge these sets than the Newva thanks to lower quality images, but there are lots of things I can tell for now. What stands out to me are 1) the wings ROXOR, 2) the faces are varied and cool; Antroz' resembling a coolified Krana or a mask, Vamprah almost humanoid, like an alien, and Chirox almost skeletal (you can guess my reaction to that). Also interesting is the sphere where the belly would be. Not sure what the deal is with it, but I guess it's a weapon they would release while flying sorta like a WWII bomber. Certainly innovative, although perhaps a little awkward, not sure. It's interesting to note that there doesn't seem to be anything else like a projectile with the Phantoka. Perhaps a pin in the back pushes it forward like a Zamor launcher, though, who knows. The rest is so varied it's better discussed with the individual sets. Overall, though, the Phantoka prove to me that Bionicle can still put out innovative canister villains just as much, if not even more so, than in the past. I can't think of any villains since the Bohrok that have been this "out there" in terms of cool innovation. Possibly the Vahki, but then they were so clony, it got watered down. Rahkshi, Piraka, and Barraki are very very Bionicle, and Visorak are maybe a little more "out there", but these are even more unique and unusual. Perfect villains to face the Newva too, in that they are very Rahi-esque, with enough variety to conceivably be different species. Antroz Analysis: Antroz features a red and silver (or possibly white, like Pridak?) color scheme, very triangular wings, some sort of blades (again, something like Pridak's?), and clawed feet. The feet are apparently the tri-claw Piraka feet, but might possibly be the new bi-claw piece in the smaller villain sets and Chirox; hard to tell at that angle compared to the canister's plastic overlapping the image. The face is perhaps the oddest in Bionicle yet, very remniscient of a krana or a Kanohi with no forehead. The red appears to be Mata red, not Metru red, though it's hard to tell for sure, especially considering the lighting in the original pics was so much darker and these are the brightened images here. The body, legs, and arms aren't visible clearly in these images. My Reactions: Aunt Rose. Sorry, can't help but notice the name resemblance. Antroz is the most beast-like in appearance due to his face; looks with this lighting like a giant mandible mouth or something; very cool. The claws are very cool, though apparently an old piece (an old favorite IMT). The wings are a good example of how I like wings -- they're stylized, but not feathery. Something more like this would have been nice in Kopaka, even without the bat shape of the inner-upper part. I like the bomber-belly (if you will) in Antroz; the red matches his color scheme well, and the size of that sphere looks intimidating as a weapon. (Incidentally, I wonder if it reloads storywise?) Vamprah Analysis: Not as much can be said about him as the arms and/or wings are still distorted on the sides of the canister. The wings or blades seem to be the long and skinny type, but I can't be sure. His head features a more distinguishable face than Antroz, somewhat humanoid, possibly with some kind of fangs (as the name might hint as well). Most notably, his legs are insectoid blades rather than feet, somewhat like a Visorak leg mixed with a Vahki staff in four-legged mode. I'm assuming Vamprah can walk with his arm-blades and leg-blades like a spider, but can't be sure because I can't make out the arms. But otherwise it would impossible to balance him, so something along those lines is probably the case. My Reactions: Vamprah is to me the creepiest of the three, with the face and legs. The face almost looks like a Kanohi, again. All good points, and I think the wings/blades look cool but I can't tell for sure. I don't like the red of the bomber-belly with his blue; it's the only place red is used in this set. Blue would have been more coherent. Chirox Analysis: Chirox features a skull-like face with what seem like fangs, a color scheme of black and silver (and possibly white?), skinny arms with blade weapons, Nuparu Mahri style pieces on the legs, the new two-toed feet, and apparently his bomber-belly has just fired in this image, which is what the half-and-half sphere below him with the green things coming out is. My Reactions: First. The. Face. Is. A. Skull. With. Fangs. I am in skeleton heaven. Of course, not 100% sure skeletal is the look they were going for, but I see it in there. So I happy. The wings look the best, the feet look the best, and the body looks good sans weapon. I'm even not really minding the skinny arm as it does fit with the skeletal theme. And fangs. Downside... again, I don't like that the weapon is red. At first I thought it -was- loaded in his belly but was simply black -- that would have been far cooler, a black weapon. But ah vell. Still, overall he's the coolest of the three IMT. He also seems the most intimidating; whereas the others might be creepy or beastly, if I ran into this guy, I might really cower in real fear. Except of course that I'm a skeleton too. Anyways. Also, side note, but the tone of gray on the canister is perfect. I love that color. Not sure the arm has two halves, though, which I don't like, but that's hopefully just the pose. Matoran Analysis: Before I begin, here's a pic of all three side by side. I bothered to make it, might as well include it somewhere. The 2008 Matoran seem to be much more oriented towards new pieces than 2007, with new legs, arms, body, and masks. The feet are all Mata feet, and the tools are old tools from various years. They appear to have only fake knees and elbows, though I can't be sure given that this is only an image. They do have working necks, apparently, though. And again the colors are lime, white, and orange. My Reactions: These are my favorite Matoran sets since the Mctoran 2001, which is saying something, because I was beginning to think LEGO couldn't surpass them. I love their masks, their colors, the choice of old tools, and the Mata feet even seem to fit perfectly. The body piece seems very cool, as do the stylized arms and legs. The masks are all based roughly on the Toa Newva masks, interestingly. What I loved most about the Mctoran was their coolified arms with serrations, along with the hunchback design, gear-free design, and the fact that the arms were longer than the legs, ape-like, and the heads big compared to a tiny body. All of this has been imprinted on my mind as "Matoran", and all these other forms since have gotten away from it. I don't think that's been a wise move, at least if most fans are anything like me (and they often are). But the Mctoran had no balljoint articulation and their feet were not that cool. These bring back arm serrations, they bring back body to head ratio, they are gear-free, they're hunchbacks, they have all of this, plus articulation. And, even what is there is coolified beyond the Mctoran, with the body especially, and the Toa Mata feet are far cooler IMT than the Mctoran feet. If the limbs don't have bendable knees and elbows, though, that would be dissapointing. Mctoran-worthy Matoran with knees and elbows would be awesome, but it doesn't look like that is the case. They're certainly better than Bohrok limbs (though those were cool too), but bendable joints are an important aspect of sets, to me. Of course, they're just small sets, so not that huge a priority. Also, the arm serrations still aren't as pronounced as with the Mctoran, which is dissapointing. Overall, so much of these sets I have been hoping for for so long, thinking I'd never get, that I still have trouble believing it's really coming next year! Tanma Analysis: Tanma features Lewa Nuva 03 Katana. His mask resembles Lewa Newva's mask, but it stylized differently and has no visor (that I can see). His arms and legs are different, the arms at a 90 degree angle with a highly noticeable serration, the legs looking somewhat like the Toa Metru shoulder armor. My Reactions: I like these arms the best as they're the closest to the serrated Mctoran style. The Katana is a perfect choice for the green set, the mask is an even cooler variation on the theme of Lewa Newva's mask. The knees look great, like a much cooler version of the Mctoran leg style, albeit with smaller feet compared to the rest of him. Solek Analysis: Hewkii Mahri swords, a variation on Kopaka Newva's Kanohi, and four identical limbs with slight serrations and pistons characterize Solek. Again, the legs appear locked into a 90 degree angle. My Reactions: This mask is what I would have liked as Kopaka's mask, maybe with a lens added too (sans the red laser). I could still coolify it, but within the Mata style, it's very cool as is. There's less serration on the legs, which to me is a downside, but the design is cool. The Hewkii swords are an excellent choice; one of the best tools out there, just like the Katana, IMT. In this case I'm very glad the designers didn't go with a "borrow from the Nuva" theme on the tools, as neither Kopaka form's swords were all that cool (although a silver Kopaka Mata sword might have been interesting -- no idea if that mold even still exists). Photok Analysis: Unlike the other two, only his arms feature the primary color orange; the legs are gray. Again the arms have some serrations; I can't tell if this is a new piece, or the same as Tanma's legs at a new angle. The legs appear to be Tanma's arms, but again, not sure. The mask is yet again a variation on the Newva mask of this color, looking much like the original Kakama in this case, even more so than Pohatu's new mask. And finally, Chronicler's staffs are his tools. My Reactions: Orange. Too bad the legs aren't orange, though, since that piece (if it's Tanma's arms) is my favorite out of the bunch. But great mask; maybe the most 2001ey of all these Kanohi and a lot like something I might design for the Paracosmos. Chronicler's staffs always rock; again I'm glad there's no Nuva-borrowing going on there. There's something confusing going on with the shoulder, though -- it seems way too high up to me. And there might be something attached to the back, or that might just be part of the background, can't tell. Small Villains Analysis: It's been a long time since Bionicle has featured small villains; the last I can recall is also the first; the Bohrok Va. Considering how much more advanced these are than the Va, these are a first. They appear to be essentially Chibi Phantoka, each with a variation on the faces of the corresponding Phantoka (just like the Matoran and the Newva's mask similarities). They use the same body piece and leg pieces as the Matoran, and two of them use the same two-toed feet as Chirox. All three appear to have the same bat-wing pieces, that resemble System bat/dragon wing pieces LEGO has made before. And like the Matoran, they each feature an old bladed weapon, one in each hand. My Reactions: Very cool. The Va were... well, their heads were alright, but that was it. They were cheapie extras, but these are real quality (IMT) sets that happen to be small. The wings are even clearer than the Phantoka's to be wings, although they look a little too small to really help in flight much (but this is Bionicle physics of course). The two-toed pieces and the spider-leg pieces work really well in them, and the tool choices are excellent. The faces I have mixed reactions to, but will save that for later. And the canisters are a nice chibi version of the stone look in the Phantoka canisters. Kirop Analysis: Kirop features Matoro Mahri claws, two-toe feet, and apparently Photok's arms as both arms and legs (and at this angle, it appears Tanma's legs must be this piece as well). The face looks the most batlike of all of these, apparently with four fangs just barely discernable at the bottom. My Reactions: My fav of all three. The bat-ear look with the fangs is great, the black wings fit the color scheme best, the weapons are perfect (and perfectly coherent), and for a villain the limb choice looks perfect. I love the two-toed piece, especially in a small set like this. And the face reminds me of mimes or those bad guys in Zelda... um... the one with the fish.... Windfish? Anyways. Red eyes are perfect. It's just a great set. I think those wings could be bigger, though. And I keep mixing his name up with Chirox, but I'm learning, I'm learning... Gavla Analysis: Gavla features a blue and black (or possibly dark gray/silver) color scheme, with either white or silver at the top of the head. Again the feet are the two-toed pieces. The limbs appear to be Tanma arms. And the tool is the green Visorak's pincher. My Reactions: Again LEGO is hitting the mark perfectly with the coolest old tools to choose. The Visorak Keelerahk jaws were always my favorite [Lol, no, they're Carapar claws, which are very similar, and also my favorite Barraki tool -- thanks to xccj for catching that mistake), as I've posted on here many times (were you guys reading my posts, lol?), as they seem the "coolest" in my view of what is cool. Head isn't as attractive to me; it's a little plain, though there might be a sortof batwing/tentacle thing going on at the top. Reminds me of Mantax's head, which I thought was only semi-cool until someone finally showed a pic of it from the top view, revealing it to be the coolest perhaps ever made with those sweep-back tentacles. Might be something like that going on here, not sure. Again, I love the two-toed piece. This guy looks like perhaps the most dangerous of the three with the longer weapons. I'm dissapointed that the wings have to stay black. Blue versions would have rocked. Radiak Analysis: Again we see the spidery formation of legs, and in this case it's clear that the arms form the other two legs. Takanuva staffs are held by Tanma arm pieces in the front, and apparently the back is the same, though it's hard to tell. Again the batlike wings come out the back, and the face resembles another Krana-like shape just like Antroz's. The red also, again, appears to be Mata red, not Metru red, but, again, might just be this pic. My Reactions: This is what a Krana should have looked like, IMT. All those spikes sticking off the sides rock. Spikes are the key to cool. Interesting that the spider design is in red, whereas with the Phantoka, it's in blue. I wonder if white, orange, and lime Phantoka and small sets will have some of this spider design? Again, I wish the wings had been colored; red in this case, not just black again. Takanuva staffs -- again, the best of the best of tools are being used here. Again I feel like the set designers are reading my posts. This guy ranks very close to Kirop to me, close to being best, with Gavla a little behind. Mainly, it's because both Kirop and Radiak are coherent, overall, but Gavla's head does not fit with the coolness of his weapons. Also, Radiak and Gavla's black wings aren't as coherent as red and blue would have been, but Kirop's black wings are coherent with other black in him. Remember the importance of coherence -- it isn't just pure cool shapes that make up the whole of "coolness" IMT. Big Box Set Toa Ignika Analysis: Obviously, the name and mask bring up many storyline questions. I think it's safe to say for the moment that Toa Ignika wears the Kanohi Ignika and leave it at that here. This set is much like Toa Takanuva, in that it presents old pieces (like a Titan set would) to construct a Toa and a vehicle, with a new piece for an elite mask, and sells in a box. The main difference is that this Toa includes the same projectile weapon that the Toa Newva have. In this case, we see a standard Toa Inika/Mahri/Newva style body and limb design, decorated with bladelike shoulder armor and Nuparu leg armor that also looks somewhat bladelike. The bladelike theme is repeated in the Hewkii Mahri staff and several places in the "hoverboard", matching the bladelike ridges in the also-silver Kanohi Ignika on his face. There's a Piraka torso, Rahkshi legs as limbs, and Toa Metru feet. In the hoverboard there's a Jaller Mahri sword, two Brutaka swords, and two other swords I can't make out. Also of note is the color scheme -- largely silver, but there is also some yellow. Same yellow featured in Hewkii Inika/Mahri and other sets like Keetongu. My Reactions: THIS is cool incarnate. Blades/Spikes, serrations, great blade-like shoulder design (a key to coolness I use often in my own MOCs and such), a great staff weapon, a hoverboard... Not just any hoverboard, a cool one with sharp streamline front with a three pronged design, and wings. Wings apparently even slightly bent forward. Perfect design for a hoverboard. Perfect example of an ubercool, coherent set. This rocks. Only real downside is the lack of new pieces. Of course, that's standard fare for box sets anyways so no surprise. The main new piece, the Kanohi Ignika's 2008 form, is familiar but still coolified a little, in the way it's pinched in at the cheekbones a little compared to past forms. And regardless of being coolified since its last form, it was already one of Bionicle's coolest masks. I would have increased the spike/ridges on the top though. My Predictions I've had a tradition of making informed predictions for many years now about how sets, mainly canister sets, will come across to the fanbase and how that will affect sales. My approach has proven correct in almost every instance as sales results come in, most recently the Inika and Piraka. For the moment, my predictions on the Barraki and Mahri are still waiting results, so I'll rehash that. The Mahri should sell roughly as good as the Inika, possibly down due to some flaws in coolness with some body designs and Cordak uncoolness, but also probably up due to their higher degree of nonclonism than the Inika, better (more "Bionicle") masks, and of course, the Cordak are "guns" which is guaranteed to earn major point. The Barraki should sell even better than the Piraka, due to less clonism and very strong cool designs of heads, bodies, tools, etc. What might bring them down is that overall many are not as "out of the box" as something like Visorak or Bohrok, and their coolest parts aren't as intense as something like Piraka spines or Rahkshi spines (except Ehlek -- but he is lacking limb styling pieces). So here's my thoughts on 2008's sales prospectus. First, there is a high level of coolification throughout many of these sets, and so that right off the bat is going to grab attention on the shelves. The strongest sets in this respect, to me, are the Phantoka. We are seeing the most stylization and the most "spikes" and such in these sets, and they are also highly innovative. Much like the Bohrok or Visorak, they are a new shape to Bionicle, and much like the Rahkshi or the Piraka, they focus on style over mere practicality. They seem somewhat biomechanical with the style of their faces and in two cases, the toed feet, as well as the wings. In addition, they are very non-cloned, so interest in buying all three (for now) will likely be strong. All of these make them stand out as something worth buying, rather than just another canister set. These are the first villain sets I've seen aside from some of the Barraki that combine all of these positive factors together in each set and roughly balance them out perfectly. I predict that for villain sets, these will sell very well. Possibly even surpassing the Piraka. Second, the Toa Newva. I have issues with some aspects of them, especially those issues mentioned with Kopaka. Judging purely based on Lewa for the moment, I see the same balance of cool, coherence, and a high degree of innovation, with a very cool color scheme, and a better-than-Cordak launcher. Lewa, I think will sell well. Pohatu will probably look a little clearer with higher-res images from the magazine, and a better pose with Kopaka that shows off his sword/bayonet, or whatever it is, may also cast him in a more positive light. Both, especially Pohatu, are at least equal to the Toa Mahri in level of cool. Kopaka could have gone a lot beyond it than he did. Pohatu could have been more coherent. The weapon could have been far more cool and stylish. Kopaka's feet could have been better. Body armor could have been cooler (just like with the Mahri), with spikes or the like. Things like this seem to make them look less like the noble heroes that fans want, in my understanding, and a little more like machines, especially Kopaka. So there are some negatives that I think might hurt them. Overall, though, they are very cool. I predict the Newva will sell roughly like what the Toa Mahri will sell (which should be about like the Inika, which was very good). I worry the Newva might not go as high as they could have gone in success, though. Small sets. These are strong in coolness, the Matoran with possibly better Kanohi than the Newva, the small villains miles better than the Bohrok Va (Phantoka Va?). Tricky to judge small sets, but I predict these will sell decently. Most likely the Matoran are the strongest of the two kinds, with so much similarity to what was cool about the original Matoran. There really is no context in which to judge small villain sets, though, other than the Va, so that prediction is less certain. Given that these are high quality cool sets, it's a safe bet that they'll far surpass the Va. By how much, I have no idea, because villains rarely sell as well as good guys. Toa Ignika. This should sell a lot like Takanuva in 2003, which was a strong seller despite that year overall being down, and quite likely a lot like Lhikan and Kikanalo, though there is no Rahi here. I.e. this one should teach big box sets how to leave shelf. Main possible weakness is lack of new parts, but since the old parts that are included are the best of the best, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Overall, as you can see, I expect 2008 to be very up for Bionicle. Will it be the best year ever? That's a question I'm not going to touch, as it is really purely subjective, though I'll be interested in how that question plays late in 2008 or in 2009. But I think it's safe to say it will be up to par, at least, with 2006 in sales. I think it will be a hard year to beat in years afterwards. Well, hope you enjoyed this or found it useful. Please comment any questions, corrections, disagreements, agreements, whatnot.
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...I don't think the Nuva Phantoka are terrible as sets. They have a plethora of recolored pieces, among which are some I've been wanting since 2006 – white round Inika feet and (apparently) silver smooth Inika chest armor. Dark bluish grey Mantax feet, Piraka legs (unless they're light bluish grey, which would be wonderful, but even the leaked pictures didn't establish firmly what color they were), Inika thigh armor, Inika bodies... a dark bluish grey Kongu Mahri body construction is good in principle, but because it is absurdly disproportionate, looks no better than it did on Kongu... Lime blocky Inika chest armor is also good in principle, but a piece I have no use for. Yellow-orange Piraka thighs and clawed Inika feet are great – I still say Hewkii should have used the former. Yes, I know they look orange. We'll see what color they turn out to be; I'm just assuming yellow-orange... like how I'm assuming dark bluish grey for the white Toa's legs. As to their tools and means of flight, here I'm dragging their identities back in. I sort of like the propeller-claws on Pohatu – they're both an inventive but continuitous (... making up words here) redesign of his Nuva tools, and also a fine means of flight (I mean, he has the Miru and Kakama at his disposal – they do help in maneuvering). One I got over the initial shock and anger, I started to like them. I've already mentioned how much I hate the airplane wings. (To quote Lah, "Kopaka is not, to my knowledge, an airplane." I agree with her.) If it were up to me, I'd have given Kopaka angelic wings more similar to Hahli's – combine sword, shield, and wings, and voilà, he's an angel! On Lewa, the boosters look fine on the set, but he already had a means of flight – the alternate function for his Katana, combined with his Miru and elemental power. I do not approve of doing away with that. Well, it's not like I'm going to be paying any attention to him having this form anyway... I've already mentioned I hate that sword, too. Proportion-wise, they suffer many of the flaws of the Inika and Mahri. Kopaka and Lewa both have arms the length of their legs – that's a big no. Metru and Vahki legs all the way for forearms, preferably with short double-sockets for upper arms. Also, for some reason Lewa has the far bulkier Inika leg piece in his arms, with the comparatively skinny Rahkshi shins for legs. Pohatu suffers as much as Kongu – though short-and-stocky works a lot better with his character, nobody should be cursed with shoulders that impossibly wide. He too has no chest at all, which is made just as bad as Kongu by his absurd shoulders. As to the Matoran, my initial reaction was dislike. After the more complex-yet-simple bodies of the Voya- and Mahritoran, what looks like a one-piece body is a grave disappointment. The villains I want to see frontal pictures of instead of just from above before I decide on them... I dislike Antroz, not fond of Vamprah's face one bit, but I like Chirox (a question on him: how do you readers pronounce his name?) enough. Overall I think I'd like the latter two more if they had a more formidable air to them. I know Makuta can shapeshift, just... I'd want a bit more to them for being the first non-Makuta of Metru Nui (who shall forever remain just "Makuta" to me) Makuta introduced as sets, especially Vamprah. Interesting look, but doesn't inspire the sort of menace I'd want a Makuta to. I might go over just what I'd change in the Nuva to make them acceptable in another entry. It's quite fun to think about... And no, Project Nuva has not been forgotten... for Pohatu I can't take a picture and tweak it; I have to draw him from scratch. *works on a short story and comic script he's been getting ideas for* ~ ToM
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My Thoughts On The 08 Sets And The Frenzy That Follows!
Adventurer posted a blog entry in blogs_blog_586
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «Many people have currently gone into the bi-yearly craze over the new set pictures/names. I shall post my thoughts for entertainment Here's Kopaka Nuva Pros: Awesome wingsWeapon looks decentThe mask resembles his old one. The red piece is a nice add on I think Cons:Build looks a bit stiff. I'll make my decision when I get him Shoulders look exposed. Lewa Nuva now Pros: Pretty cool sword. It suits his element The rockets look fun I can't wait to see a Toa of air in an air type location!Cons:Mask looks a bit too much like the Faxon, though since every set comes with a new mask, this is acceptable Pohatu Nuva next Pros: Generally, a fairly unique design The weapons/helicopter blades look interesting.The bulky build suits stone.His Midak Sky Blaster is mounted in the same way as Nuparu Inika's Cons:I would have preffered yellow over orange, but I guess he's orange because Toa Ignika is yellow I hope we'll get a yellow Makuta The head looks awkward.I'll post more each blog entry -
You may have been wondering what it was that spurred Project Nuva to life. Look at the front page. Now you know. When I saw the leaked pictures, the first thing I thought upon seeing the lime and orange Toa was that the former looked exactly like Lesovikk (lime chest and head with a distinctly Faxon-like mask – two out of three points of distinction), and the latter like a Toa wearing the Vahi. There's a big problem here when a new set is released that is instantly recognizable as an old character – but isn't that character, and a mask shape for four years (and one later book) defined as that of the Mask of Time is for some reason called the Kakama. I have discoursed at length in various other places why it makes no sense for Lego not to make re-released Toa Nuva that actually look clearly like their former selves (notice I did not say "exactly"). "Lewa" has only two similarities to his former self – the presense of lime green and the fact that he carries a sword, and as I've said that appearance immediately makes me think of Lesovikk. "Pohatu" has claws, and absolutely nothing else to make me think of the Toa Nuva of Stone. "Kopaka" bears the most resemblance, through at least having white and a shade of grey, but his mask has the eyepiece on the wrong side, and he lost the sword(s) and shield that defined him for so long. And I utterly and completely hate those airplane wings. I do not feel like attributing anything positive to these at the moment. When I do (and rest assured that I can separate my opinion of sets from opinion of sets in relation to story), it will be from a viewpoint purely of pieces, because I have seen nothing to make me think, at a glance, that these are the Nuva, and also see no reason that such a course of action should have been taken. This is my opinion. Unless you can provide me with a logical, evidence-based reason for Lego to have left almost no resemblance to the Nuva (and as yet no one has, so until someone does I will not see logic in this travesty), I ask that you allow me to keep it in peace. ~ ToM
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It's cold outside... not quite perfect weather for Kopaka, but it's close... Edited pieces: thigh joints to light grey, eyes to ice blue, and thigh armor to dark bluish grey. His shoulders and neck are also dark grey, continuing the dark accents. He too keeps the axles to attach his skates, and this time his shield is attached via a loose axle/pin plugged into one of the axle holes at the middle of his hand... (I tried the axle hole at the end, but that left too little room given the width of the Nuva leg.) The Rahkshi legs are there because they already exist in light grey, I liked the smooth look with Kopaka, and I also thought it might be interesting to make Kopaka taller than the other Toa. (For proportion reference, their new bodies would be one stud taller than the old due to the hip piece used – another way to make them taller would be to use an ordinary Metru hip instead of the shortened one I designed. I might do that for Gali.) :: Project Nuva :: :: The New Pieces :: :: Onua :: The Nuva symbols and Nuva Cube are two of my favorite things in all of Bionicle. ~ ToM
