Bionicle 2008 Images and Discussion

[Zarkan]

True, the limbs are thinner, but I don't see why you think they look less ape-like than the final kopaka's. I mean, they are the EXACT SAME LENGTH. But maybe I'm missing something, I dunno. Maybe it's because the different body looks better with those legs, but I dunno. :-/

Actually, though, I didn't miss the second half of the post. I didn't respond because IMO, it would be just as good whether you changed the weapons on the prototype design or the final. Both would be improved massively - the real reason why I refuse to buy Kopaka is because he doesn't have anything other than a midak. Sadly, I really don't think TLC cares, as the Mistake-a show. It seems that TLC like to make Toa rely on massive guns instead of handheld weapons. |-/

You know, one major disconnect I have with many of the Bionicle fans is that I see no novelty in "unique" builds when it gets in the way of making something look good, which in some cases, I define as being faithful to the character. To be honest, I hold a great distaste for all Toa canister sets in 2007 because they didn't reflect the characters. The "heroes" ended up looking more nasty and vicious than the villians, which I simply could not stand behind. 2008 has some really strong elements in the first half, though almost all of these were dropped in the second half. I'll say it here and now, and you can quote me on this.

This is where I can not agree with you. While I agree that the Inika were great, I really love the Mahri far more because they actually seem to look more heroic than the Inika, in my opinion. Take Jaller. I really think that he is one of the most amazing fire toa we've had in all the years of bionicle. More than Vakama. More than Jaller Inika. I simply love him, because he conveys everything a fire toa should. He has a wonderful color scheme that harkens back to Tahu. He has a giant fire sword. And his mask - man, it's simply amazing. I mean, it really looks like fire, and it has a decent face as well. That and the wonderful crab makes him to me the best fire toa since the original Tahu - which can't really be beat.

And of course, I can't really see how Kongu Mahri looks far more villanous than Kongu Inika. Kongu Mahri = average mask shape. Kongu Inika = giant frog face. Then again, he and Hahli are the only two that have bad masks in their inika form, to me. And then Hewkii and Matoro Mahri have the worst masks in 2007. Argh, can't TLC have a toa line where all 6 are awesome?! *sing*

Also, the sheer fact that he's alot thinner makes him blend into the rest of the "Winter Three" alot better.

Wait a minute - how does making him thinner make him blend in more with the rest? I mean, Lewa and Pohatu aren't exactly thin either. Could you explain please? 8-|

Sorry if this sounds a little rushed - it is, so I may not have worded everything right. :-/

[Visorak-kal]

I never said that I would love it. I still think 2008 is designed specifically as a smack in the face to the few like me. Makuta-face-Onua, Naruto Tahu, Man!Gali, 40-piece Krika, and those Racer-esque sleds are continuing to heap the abuse that was started by Gorilla-Musket Kopaka.

Well, I don't think it was specifically towards the few like you, lol. Where I do agree is in your descriptions of Onua, Tahu, and Gali. Really big disappointments. That isn't to say they aren't bad sets, they just (to my tastes, mind you) don't look like Toa. I like my Toa to look noble. Gali looks evil, and Onua looks like he's got the special-edition Kraahkan from 2003 or the Ultimate Dume specia-edition mask from 2004. Tahu I think is the most acceptable of the three, as a ninja/knight is a noble look. Plus, at least he's got a melee weapon! I mean, Kopaka at the very least has a knife which can be paired with either his old sword or shield. Gali has a sniper, which can serve no purpose unless it is attached to her gun. Onua at least has a shield.

While I wish Krika had arm articulation, I am okay with his 40 pieces since they fit what I think is a well thought-out design.

And needless to say I like Axalara and somewhat Jetrax. Not a fan of the flying green box.

It seems you also missed what I said. As I said earlier, this is on the right track, but it still needs revisions. Heavy revisions.

Yeah, sorry about that. Either I missed that or I was just commenting but not to you. Can't remember which.

You know, one major disconnect I have with many of the Bionicle fans is that I see no novelty in "unique" builds when it gets in the way of making something look good, which in some cases, I define as being faithful to the character. To be honest, I hold a great distaste for all Toa canister sets in 2007 because they didn't reflect the characters. The "heroes" ended up looking more nasty and vicious than the villians, which I simply could not stand behind. 2008 has some really strong elements in the first half, though almost all of these were dropped in the second half. I'll say it here and now, and you can quote me on this.

Actually, I do see where you're coming from with this. Where I "luck out" so to speak is that I value two things; innovation and style. I like my Toa to look noble, but I also like them to be innovative. Perhaps this is why I like the winter 2008 Toa (they are noble-looking) and I like the Mahri (they are innovative in design.) There are several times that LEGO has pleased me on both accounts, obviously with the original Toa, the Toa Metru, Matoro and Hewkii Inika, and Jaller Mahri.

I don't get what you mean by faithful to any particular character, I think what you mean is faithful to the ideals of "Toa." I also like my Toa to look noble, heroic, etc. I mean, some of the Mahri and Inika I didn't like because they looked evil. Kongu was two-face and Nuparu looked like an evil psychopath. Hewkii Mahri looked villainous. This is my problem with Gali, she looks pure evil!

Perhaps that is why I notice that on BZP in particular there is more support for the villains than for the heroes. Heroes must look heroic, villains can look anything they want. My praise for the Mahri is on their innovation, which is why I am a fan of Matoro, Kongu, and Hahli. Especially Jaller, since I think he looks both heroic and has some of the best armor I've seen in a long time.

I love the Winter canister villians. I love Pohatu.

Sure, they've been bashed for being similar in build, but they look absolutely amazing, especially Chirox. I don't care if his build is similar to the others. His arm structure is by far the most entertaining and interesting in the entire Bionicle universe, even surpassing the Piraka's flip arms. Just to have 2 different modes for the arms blows my mind, especially in the now mundane line that Bionicle has become.

I also liked 2006's Toa and loved the Piraka. Sure, they were huge, but it looked so good to the point where you completely forgot about it. You loved it for the thrill of the asthetics and how it actually reflected the characters. The Piraka were basically all the same build, but they really worked the look to the point where you just loved it. I had a real blast as I was taking photos of it, as every shot conveyed how simply intimidating they were. In my books, they will be the team of villians who really stood out amidst a sea of bland, "dark", "violent" types in recent years. Seriously, you don't have to be dark, brooding and boastful to be a good villian.

This year's winter canister villains are some of the best I've seen in years. A. Since their gimmick doubles as a wicked-cool body piece they don't have guns. While I'm okay with guns, I prefer not to have them. I agree with you on your thoughts of the winter Makuta, I think that the bat-feel conveys their menacing evil without being overly ugly. I mean, I look at Chirox or Antroz or Icarax and I am not thinking, "Ugh, ugly!" That is a change. And I am glad to find someone who likes Chirox's arms! On BZP they are loaded with complaints that the arms are too long, people just don't see the innovation! While ugliness works for a year, such as with the Barraki, it is best not to let it get overwhelming. To tell the truth, though I loved their innovation, I actually prefer the Makuta to the Barraki. PIraka I also think were great, but your story interpretation of them is wrong, I find them to be the most violent villains as of late. But not in a bad way, of course. Zaktan was a masterpiece of character and visage.

Well, those are my thoughts. Not much, as I don't think anyone can see where I'm coming from, but it was well worth the effort.

Never fear, I see where you're coming from.

Grievous

Both would be improved massively - the real reason why I refuse to buy Kopaka is because he doesn't have anything other than a midak. Sadly, I really don't think TLC cares, as the Mistake-a show. It seems that TLC like to make Toa rely on massive guns instead of handheld weapons. hmpfbad.gif

I bought him to show that I support his blizzard blade. I will NOT buy Gali for the reason you have stated. I refuse to support Toa with no melee weapons! Kopaka is acceptable because of his knife, Onua because of his shield. (Though I probably won't buy him anyway.) Hopefully LEGO might realize that we want Toa with melee weapons. I'm okay with guns as long as they don't replace swords and shields, but when they start replacing them they become my enemy.

VK

[Icesaber]

And of course, I can't really see how Kongu Mahri looks far more villanous than Kongu Inika. Kongu Mahri = average mask shape. Kongu Inika = giant frog face. Then again, he and Hahli are the only two that have bad masks in their inika form, to me. And then Hewkii and Matoro Mahri have the worst masks in 2007. Argh, can't TLC have a toa line where all 6 are awesome?! *sing*

*points to Toa Mata*

Anyway, I didn't like any of the Inika masks, except maybe the Iden. Kadin might've been nice without that grin, Suletu's nice for a frog, maybe I would've liked it if it was symmetrical and didn't have that scaly growth, Calix and Sanok look just weird to me and I hate them, and the Elda has a mustache.

I liked Jaller Mahri's mask. It looks noble, but almost commanding too, which fits Jaller. Hahli's follows the same idea as the Kaukau Mata, a partially (or completely) transparent mask that sort of resembles a streamlined diving helm. The box pic of Kongu's mask reminded me of the Miru, but not really in real life. Too bulky for Kongu, maybe with a redesigned mouthpart. Matoro's looks weird in the box, less so in the set (but still a little strange to me, like bug-eyes), I just don't like Hewkii's, and Nuparu's reminded me of him in a strange way.

[Shine]

'nother small promo set.

Though, hell, at least this one actually has hands...

[BrotherDog]

'nother small promo set.

Though, hell, at least this one actually has hands...

It would be nice if they made those feet finally available in either DarkGreen, Lime, or Standard Green.

[Zarkan]

*points to Toa Mata*

Well, yeah, of course. I meant that in the last few years, every canister set line has had at least one or two kits that aren't that great. In 2007 we had Pridak and Hewkii. 2006 it was Hahli Inika. And now in 2008 we have half the mistika and Kopaka. Of course it wasn't like this in the very begining, but now it is. *sadnew*

Anyway, I noticed that several people asked me about why I dislike Icarax so much back a page or two ago. It seems that a lot of people like him, and to tell you the truth, I really can’t understand it. To me, Icarax has a bunch of good ideas in him that were all executed poorly, and he has very few redeeming qualities.

Firstly, the legs and feet really need some work. I appreciate that the designers were trying something new instead of the basic design used in titans these days, but honestly, they implemented it poorly. The Nuparu claws look slapped on, and the blades protuding out of the back of the feet give them an odd look. Then there’s the lower torso – oh how I hate that lower torso. From what I can tell, the designers were trying to put some extra bulk on Icarax’s lower body, while also giving the legs better stability. Well, they failed miserably. I can tell the bionicle comics that the red Metru armor piece protrudes out a lot more than it should, giving Icarax a sloppy look. The main problem though is that the extra beef doesn’t look good when attached to the Tridax pod body, which is super thin at the bottom and isn’t bulky enough for a titan the size of Icarax. Grevious is not pleased. *hmpf_bad*

The arms and weapons are a whole ‘nother story. Unlike the legs and feet, which tried to have some originality, Icarax’s arms are just plain old Inika arms. And they don’t even look good, as they contrast with the bulkiness of the legs. I also hate how the gear function is implemented by using that awful Hordika arm piece, because it leaves Icarax without an actual hand - just a stub where a hand should be. And about that gear function – Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me whether titans have them or not, only how they are implemented. And since this gear function leaves Icarax without a left hand, I’d rather have him without it. Finally, the sword. Oh man, I haven’t seen such a slapped on piece of weaponry in ages. Basically, you’ve got two Hewkii staves with two Ehlek claws. No detail pieces. No originality. Just a silly haphazard sword. *thumbdown*

Honestly, the only things I do like about Icarax are his wings and the fact that he’s wearing the mask of shadows. But those two things aren’t going to make me buy him, and the shoddy design sure isn’t. I’ve seen now that Toa Ignika and Mutran&Vican are far better choices, as they combine good piece selections and exclusive masks with decent design. Icarax – not so much. *sick*

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Warning: Above post has extremely outspoken opinions that may incite outrage in readers. *tongue*

Edited April 9, 2008 by Grevious

[Zaktan of the Shadows]

Well, it seems all of us like at least half of the entire 2008 line, but many aren't that good.

Well, they weren't made for you. We're obviously all 13 - 18 year olds here (some even older!) and it's suprising we're even debating on such a ridiculous thing.

These are aimed 9 - 12 yr olds. And for some reason, they like huge-megablocks guns, lots of un-needed armor, and monkey limbs.

If this was aimed toward us - we'd get huge, overpriced, ridiculous sized Bionicle's.

And many of you like that, and I'm fine with it. But I don't mind the direction Bionicle is going in now. In my opinion, the sets are pretty good, in both athsetics and playability. I got Lewa Phantoka a week ago, and I'm quite impressed. I expected worse, quite frankly.

So yeah, I don't mind Bionicle right now.

Oh yeah, I'm reading Downfall and Shadows in the Sky, right now. Finished Downfall, still reading Shadows in the Sky. Great books. Really epic.

Oh yeah, just to say, I won't be on much... I'm busy with other things.

-ZotS

[Spartan_01]

I personally don't want huge sets, I want smaller but more posable sets. Taller then the old Nuva, with movable waists (that don't flop), movable joints and cooler weapons (not big bazooka guns). Basically, a revamp of the old Nuva, but making them way more posable and with coolified weapons (old ones revamped).

Bionicle isn't bad right now, its just that it could be better, in my opinion.

[legomilk]

New from brickmaster set in u.s

a new set from september

[Pencoin]

that lil rahi appears in fed o fear

[Icesaber]

I personally don't want huge sets, I want smaller but more posable sets. Taller then the old Nuva, with movable waists (that don't flop), movable joints and cooler weapons (not big bazooka guns). Basically, a revamp of the old Nuva, but making them way more posable and with coolified weapons (old ones revamped).

Bionicle isn't bad right now, its just that it could be better, in my opinion.

I don't mind the current size of the titans or canisters, but I'd like the small sets to shrink a little, maybe to the size of the Metrutoran (if the next small sets are Matoran which I doubt) and more complicated-ness. I loved the Mahritoran. The Kardatoran look nice, but they're pretty bland in terms of pieces.

that lil rahi appears in fed o fear

How do you know? As far as I remember, no Rahi like that has appeared in FoF.

Edited April 15, 2008 by Icesaber

[Pencoin]

i know straight from the horse mouth ( Greg F the writer of bionicle)

actually i knew a while ago

it appears a while later

[Zarkan]

[i don't mind the current size of the titans or canisters, but I'd like the small sets to shrink a little, maybe to the size of the Metrutoran (if the next small sets are Matoran which I doubt) and more complicated-ness. I loved the Mahritoran. The Kardatoran look nice, but they're pretty bland in terms of pieces.

Totally agree. I mean, the kardatoran are the size of the Toa Mata! Worse, they are more <insert that tiresome argument> than any previous bionicle line PERIOD.

i know straight from the horse mouth ( Greg F the writer of bionicle)

actually i knew a while ago

it appears a while later

Hm, really? Funny, just yesterday I was thinking it was the rahi/matoran hybrid Vican rode in Bionicle Legends 9.

[Natman8000]

hmm, funny. That exclusive looks like some one was screwing around with some parts and decided it passed as a set. Aint worth my five bucks.

[Dovchenko]

Greg Fartsty's a bit over his Krika this Bionicle Season...

...glad I quit.

[Icesaber]

i know straight from the horse mouth ( Greg F the writer of bionicle)

actually i knew a while ago

it appears a while later

Oh, I just read the OGD, and you're correct.

Totally agree. I mean, the kardatoran are the size of the Toa Mata! Worse, they are more <insert that tiresome argument> than any previous bionicle line PERIOD.

Hm, really? Funny, just yesterday I was thinking it was the rahi/matoran hybrid Vican rode in Bionicle Legends 9.

Nope, it's another Rahi.

[Pencoin]

something i found ironic is that by the times federation of fear has finished the rahi will not be out yet

on closer expection it seems it will have 3 new claws ( they not actually new, there prototypes of nuparu inikas claws) 2 of them toa jets a metru head with yellow eyes ( strangely in the body of the set) and what appears to be a new mask where the head should go. some phantoka wings and a marhitoran blade on the tail.

[Icesaber]

something i found ironic is that by the times federation of fear has finished the rahi will not be out yet

on closer expection it seems it will have 3 new claws ( they not actually new, there prototypes of nuparu inikas claws) 2 of them toa jets a metru head with yellow eyes ( strangely in the body of the set) and what appears to be a new mask where the head should go. some phantoka wings and a marhitoran blade on the tail.

Nope, there's no mask, it's a Toa Metru head with Mistika jets on the side (???). Also, silver Gorast claws, which can also be ound as Bitil's thigh armor.

[Makuta'sdarkslave]

Okay, well, my software sucks, but i checked out that picture of that piece-of-crap rahi thing causing a whole bunch of fuss, and found that around hit's back, or the lower neck, is a Metru head w/ green eyes, i see it has 4 pairs of those Gorast claws used by Thau and Bitil as armor, and some Phantoka Wings. I see the Mistika rocket boosters, and what appers to be some kind of mask holding up the claw on the front. The torso appears to be an Inika back.

The pic is really blurry, but it's all i got.

[Pencoin]

Okay, well, my software sucks, but i checked out that picture of that piece-of-crap rahi thing causing a whole bunch of fuss, and found that around hit's back, or the lower neck, is a Metru head w/ green eyes, i see it has 4 pairs of those Gorast claws used by Thau and Bitil as armor, and some Phantoka Wings. I see the Mistika rocket boosters, and what appers to be some kind of mask holding up the claw on the front. The torso appears to be an Inika back.

The pic is really blurry, but it's all i got.

thats pretty much what i said but good on the inika body

[Phantoka_Chirox]

TAHU!

GALI!

ONUA

BITIL!

GORAST!

KRIKA!

VULTRAZ!!

ROCKOH!

JETRAX~!

AXALARA!

Edited May 1, 2008 by Phantoka_Chirox

[Clonie]

Hawt pics.

Wub Tahu.

[Pate-keetongu]

TAHU!

GALI!

ONUA

BITIL!

GORAST!

KRIKA!

VULTRAZ!!

ROCKOH!

JETRAX~!

AXALARA!

Thanks!

Now I want Gorast more and more and more!

[Zarkan]

WARNING: The following has traces of extreme anger, extreme opinions, and extremely disgusting toy injustice. Read at your own risk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, summer is edging closer, and the summer means a lot of things to bionicle fans: higher prices, more serials and books, and, of course, giant vehicle sets. Sadly, though, the summer means one more thing as well – the arrival of the Toa Mistika, who also happen to be three of the Nuva trashed beyond comprehension.

I mean seriously, they have taken our favorite Toa of fire, water, and earth, and turned them into three of the worst canister sets to date. Okay, so 2005 and above have all had failures as well. 2005 had the visorak AND the hordika. 2006 had the awful rubber Inika masks. And 2007 had Pridak, Hewkii, Matoro, or whatever canister sets out of the 12 you didn’t like as much. But not in ages have we had the original toa back in set form, and that should raise the bar in quality. SHOULD, but unfortunately, has not.

Firstly, summer 2008 has brought a slowly appearing trend out into full force: the lack of melee weapons for Toa sets. This all started in 2007, when we got Kongu Mahri, who had double Cordaks instead of one Cordak and a different weapon. This was met with mixed responses, but since Kongu was established to be a distance fighter in 2006 (laser crossbow, anyone?) and even in 2001 was known for less melee fighting and more projectile fighting, this was not so bad. Then we got into 2008, and Kopaka suffered a huge downgrade. Toa Lewa got an air saber and a midak. Pohatu got two giant propellers AND a midak. But what did Kopaka get? A midak and an ice pick. That’s quite a downgrade from his usual shield and sword, if you ask me. Still, he had a melee weapon, and the other Toa faired much better.

All this, however, will change this summer. The Toa Mistika happen to be the most unarmed Toa set to date. Lacking conventional melee weapons, they have instead gone for a much more “shoot-em-up” style. Instead of a giant flame sword, something that he is known for and Jaller got as well, Toa Tahu has to make do with a spinning tri shield thing. Instead of a pair of massive digging tools of sorts, Onua has to make do with a piece of silver Takanuva armor for a shield. And instead of some sort of swimming tool or water based weapon, which Hahli got in the last two years, Gali has to make do with a tiny crosshair for her stupid launcher.

Come on TLC, is this the right way to treat characters who were once the staple of your theme and now are again? You gave Jaller flameswords, Hahli harpoons and giant swimming claws, and Nuparu GIANT shields and blaster drills, so why can’t you at least be as fair to the Toa Nuva as you were to them? More importantly, is this a trend you are going to continue – making Toa rely on giant shooters and tons of Halo style violence? Please, don’t do this!

But the madness doesn’t stop there. Look at the Toa Mistika, just look, and what comes to mind first? Their awful masks! Okay, so I know a lot of people here hate the old nuva masks just as much, but at least you can agree that they still looked like the original mata masks at least somewhat. Tahu still had the giant mouthhole and bulky shape, Onua stil had the small eyes, mouthhole and inner ridges, and Gali still had the diving mask look and nostril-thing. Now flash forward to 2008. Tahu now has a Knights Kingdom helmet with no mouthhole at all, Onua has a giant evil mask of shadows, and Gali has the face of a dark hunter. What has TLC done to our favorite toa? Look, if you made the Phantoka masks look at least somewhat like the originals, why couldn’t you have done this with the Mistika? And guys, I respect your opinions, but I still can’t see how Onua’s mask of shadows is better than his 2002 Nuva mask.

But above all, the Toa Mistika show one thing – TLC is running out of originality in Toa designs. All three of the Mistika have almost identical designs, minus specific part shapes and colors. Piraka body, legs and arms, armor – and there you go, a generic bionicle humanoid. Even the new aspects – the flying propulsion devices - are much more tacked on in the Mistika than in the Phantoka. Lewa had two giant jetpacks on his shoulders, Kopaka had a giant wingpack, and Pohatu had two giant propellers, but the Mistika all have little jet engines attached to various parts of their body. They don’t even look like they can hold their ugly bodies up!

Okay, so I may have very strong opinions, and I certainly am not mirroring everybody elses, but I still think a lot of people here understand where I’m coming from. TLC is getting lazy on toa designs – end of story. And in the process, they have mutilated three of the original toa and turned them into the most boring, ugly, underarmed “heroes” we’ve ever gotten in bionicle. And that just isn’t right.

EDIT: Merged this post in from the "Mistika = Mistaka" topic... because Hades knows we've been here already.

-JINZO

Edited May 3, 2008 by JINZONINGEN 73

[Icesaber]

WARNING: The following has traces of extreme anger, extreme opinions, and extremely disgusting toy injustice. Read at your own risk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, summer is edging closer, and the summer means a lot of things to bionicle fans: higher prices, more serials and books, and, of course, giant vehicle sets. Sadly, though, the summer means one more thing as well – the arrival of the Toa Mistika, who also happen to be three of the Nuva trashed beyond comprehension.

I mean seriously, they have taken our favorite Toa of fire, water, and earth, and turned them into three of the worst canister sets to date. Okay, so 2005 and above have all had failures as well. 2005 had the visorak AND the hordika. 2006 had the awful rubber Inika masks. And 2007 had Pridak, Hewkii, Matoro, or whatever canister sets out of the 12 you didn’t like as much. But not in ages have we had the original toa back in set form, and that should raise the bar in quality. SHOULD, but unfortunately, has not.

Firstly, summer 2008 has brought a slowly appearing trend out into full force: the lack of melee weapons for Toa sets. This all started in 2007, when we got Kongu Mahri, who had double Cordaks instead of one Cordak and a different weapon. This was met with mixed responses, but since Kongu was established to be a distance fighter in 2006 (laser crossbow, anyone?) and even in 2001 was known for less melee fighting and more projectile fighting, this was not so bad. Then we got into 2008, and Kopaka suffered a huge downgrade. Toa Lewa got an air saber and a midak. Pohatu got two giant propellers AND a midak. But what did Kopaka get? A midak and an ice pick. That’s quite a downgrade from his usual shield and sword, if you ask me. Still, he had a melee weapon, and the other Toa faired much better.

All this, however, will change this summer. The Toa Mistika happen to be the most unarmed Toa set to date. Lacking conventional melee weapons, they have instead gone for a much more “shoot-em-up” style. Instead of a giant flame sword, something that he is known for and Jaller got as well, Toa Tahu has to make do with a spinning tri shield thing. Instead of a pair of massive digging tools of sorts, Onua has to make do with a piece of silver Takanuva armor for a shield. And instead of some sort of swimming tool or water based weapon, which Hahli got in the last two years, Gali has to make do with a tiny crosshair for her stupid launcher.

Come on TLC, is this the right way to treat characters who were once the staple of your theme and now are again? You gave Jaller flameswords, Hahli harpoons and giant swimming claws, and Nuparu GIANT shields and blaster drills, so why can’t you at least be as fair to the Toa Nuva as you were to them? More importantly, is this a trend you are going to continue – making Toa rely on giant shooters and tons of Halo style violence? Please, don’t do this!

But the madness doesn’t stop there. Look at the Toa Mistika, just look, and what comes to mind first? Their awful masks! Okay, so I know a lot of people here hate the old nuva masks just as much, but at least you can agree that they still looked like the original mata masks at least somewhat. Tahu still had the giant mouthhole and bulky shape, Onua stil had the small eyes, mouthhole and inner ridges, and Gali still had the diving mask look and nostril-thing. Now flash forward to 2008. Tahu now has a Knights Kingdom helmet with no mouthhole at all, Onua has a giant evil mask of shadows, and Gali has the face of a dark hunter. What has TLC done to our favorite toa? Look, if you made the Phantoka masks look at least somewhat like the originals, why couldn’t you have done this with the Mistika? And guys, I respect your opinions, but I still can’t see how Onua’s mask of shadows is better than his 2002 Nuva mask.

But above all, the Toa Mistika show one thing – TLC is running out of originality in Toa designs. All three of the Mistika have almost identical designs, minus specific part shapes and colors. Piraka body, legs and arms, armor – and there you go, a generic bionicle humanoid. Even the new aspects – the flying propulsion devices - are much more tacked on in the Mistika than in the Phantoka. Lewa had two giant jetpacks on his shoulders, Kopaka had a giant wingpack, and Pohatu had two giant propellers, but the Mistika all have little jet engines attached to various parts of their body. They don’t even look like they can hold their ugly bodies up!

Okay, so I may have very strong opinions, and I certainly am not mirroring everybody elses, but I still think a lot of people here understand where I’m coming from. TLC is getting lazy on toa designs – end of story. And in the process, they have mutilated three of the original toa and turned them into the most boring, ugly, underarmed “heroes” we’ve ever gotten in bionicle. And that just isn’t right.

EDIT: Merged this post in from the "Mistika = Mistaka" topic... because Hades knows we've been here already.

-JINZO

AMEN! I was shocked by the Phantoka, which I'd had very high hopes for. I thought it couldn't get worse...until we saw that Tahu Mistika pic in the catalog. Then it got worse. Onua's mask looks almost nothing like the Pakari, but looks almost identical to the Kraahkan. Tahu has a ninja face that looks completely different from the Hau save the cheek slashes. And Gali has Vezok's face with two elf ears and some disgusting eye growth.

Tahu would be awesome (save for the backwards Piraka body and the mecha-thrusters) as some ninja warrior, but NOT Tahu. Gali would be awesome (except for the body) as a Dark Hunter, and Onua would be awesome as an agent of darkness.

With the $3 increase, I can't afford to get them, since I want the awesome SW sets and the larger Bionicle sets as well. The only Toa Mistika I'm possibly going to get at full price is Onua, and that's for his chest armor and mask (I want it for my Miserix MOC), which doesn't justify his $13. I want the other Toa, but I want them as villians, and the max price I'd pay for them is $5.