The Outsider

From what I see, I'm liking these sets more and more! Even Tahu, despite his color scheme (after all, if I don't complain about Lewa's silver, why should I complain about his gold?).

I only have her first two books, and they're not in the original language, but from what I can tell it was pretty subdued as well; the only thing that seemed to have the "buy this!!" subtext were collectibles (Kanohi and Krana) and the Bohrok swarms. Frankly, if the books are all going to be like this, I think I'll pass them; even the self-contradicting Transformers Aligned novels sound better. Hopefully indeed. On a sidenote, it's nearly Christmas and in my country only one shop has the summer sets (or at least their site says they have them; I haven't been able to go there myself). Should I be worried?

Wow, I love everything about this set! Can't wait to have it in stores I wonder if the Shadow Trap gimmick has some story significance... Maybe they're the Kraata to his Makuta? (the G1 species, not the G2 villain)

Finally, some time to talk about the official set images...and they look amazing!! Much better than before, especially the Titans and Creatures. And knowing Melum and Terak have (probably) different functions is a bit reassuring (even if I still have no clue what animal they're supposed to be). Nevertheless, I still think Tahu has too much gold. They might do that so the masks will be compatible with this year's horned characters, or the ones from future years. Or any the customer might want to create. Ater all, CCBS is still LEGO: the purpose is to stimulate creativity and original designs. And I really, really hope they don't go the "steal Toa's masks" route again. This reboot is still too fresh to start repeating ideas. That's a neat idea; particularly the black with main color. But to be honest, I'm starting to feel a bit sick of half-trans masks (especially gold-trans masks). I wonder why. Especially since they show the same "Unity mode" pose twice, only mirrored; couldn't one of those be a picture of the connection?

Seconded. It felt weird and nonsensical in Savage Planet, and it will feel weird and nonsensical now. On the other hand, I hope Umarak (and maybe Makuta, since we'll see the MoCo this year) speaks more than this years' villains.

I doubt it; this year's Golden and Protector Masks had no runes. A better theory would be for the runes to give non-elemental power; after all, the only masks that have them have some sort of non-elemental function: Creation, Control or Unity (not sure if that applies to the Creatures, though). yesyesyesyesyespleaseyes Also, the new Unity masks are surrounded by those crystals in the boxart, so it seems plausible. Now on an unrelated theory: maybe Umarak the Destroyer is this generation's version of the Kardas dragon? As in, he loses to the Toa at first, so Makuta (or the MoCo, to increase the similarities) gives him a power boost to fight again?

...Why am I always late when you guys post some interesting news? I need to improve on my web assiduity. Regarding the "official images", I think they look a lot better than the prelims; but I can't quite put my finger on what exactly changed. Maybe the darker colors seem more balanced. But I still think Tahu has too much gold. As for the MoCo: yes, it's not like the animated version, and honestly the horns could be angled better. Other than that, though, it looks fine to me; if you take the side horns it kinda reminds me of a gasmask, which in turn reminds me of the Dreamhelm from Sandman. EDIT: The one thing that really annoys me are the new Golden Masks. Normally, I'd find them cool, but it's the third type of trans-blend masks in a row (Protector and Corrupted Golden), and the second type of trans-blend Golden masks in a row (Corrupted). And with the trans always on the same spot: the back of the mask. Honestly, it's getting a bit repetitive. I can only speak for myself, but I never saw any interest in any of these collectibles; at least not until I discovered they had a purpose in-story and by then it was too late to buy any of them (at a reasonable price). If you do such a thing, please do show it to us.

Wow, these are pretty cool! (although the two "Skull Warrior" from the third panel seem too sci-fi for this year; might be just the grey background, though) Also, I can see many awesome characters that never passed the concept (Skull Bat! Two-in-one! Winged demon lord with face-hammer! Face shields! Elemental warriors with individual weapons!). I wonder if there's a reason they were scrapped (other than cost, that is). Also, SKULLPion, LOL!

Maybe they clip onto the silver "hair" on the back of their masks? Or to the sides, like the masks do to the faces?

Now that you mention it, Transformers is probably the best example of a well-handed multiverse: most of the crossovers and intercontinuity connections are fanclub-exclusive stories (the only exceptions I can think of are Universe, the Cybertron comis and Regeneration One), which are mostly accessible only to the older fans who are more interested in this stuff and don't interfere with the main series, while the new fans can enjoy their shows and toys without fussing over this. That being said, I hope BIONICLE never connects G1 and G2; the two are far too different, both in terms of style and how each world works. As for returning to Mata Nui (or, more precisely, a G2 version of Mata Nui), as much as I'd like that, it may be a bad idea. First because Okoto feels too underexplored, and I'd like to see more of it, but mostly because Okoto already takes many cues from Mata Nui, so it would feel like redoing the same idea over and over even though Mata Nui came first (or even worse, some G2 fans who don't know a thing about G1 might accuse Mata Nui of being a bad Okoto copy). I'd like that too, though the story-obsessed fanboy in me would probably like a bit more characterization (like where they came from and why they serve Makuta). Neat! Do you think this will be only 2016-related or will it have a bit of Revenge of the Skull Spiders?

I really like that design; feels much more powerful and menacing. I prefer the current Bull Skull Mask, though, since it looks more like an actual bull's skull. The one on the concept art looks like a Skull Spider with a pig's snout to me. Actually, he said precisely that immediately after his takeover. And a little later. It's amazing how these villains forget their greatest strength the minute they get in power. But then again, if it didn't happen the heroes could never defeat them. "Properly" being the key word. Having him chase all these masks just to smash them, without any greater goal behind it, sounds way too much like a toddler's temper tantrum. But then again, that's just my opinion.

So, we have the Nuva symbols, the crystal armor, and Tahu (who else?) and Ikir united. I wonder what the symbols on the right are...

Actually, Tahu noticed; we just didn't talk about it: I wonder what the symbols on the right are, though. The Creature's heads, perhaps?

I would prefer 2D animation, since it's cheaper to produce and therefore allows for a greater variety and detail of characters and backgrounds (or at least that's the impression I got from every Transformers series I've seen so far. Which, luckily for my sanity, doesn't include Energon). If they manage to pull it off like Ninjago did, however, I'm all for 3D. Frankly, if the artstyle is good, I couldn't care less how it's made.

I thought that was just the MoUP's power flowing out of control because it was too powerful for Makuta. Didn't they say so in the animations? Also, on the Trolling/Redeemed Makuta: I wouldn't like exactly that, but it reminded of the feel I had when watching Mask of Light where Makuta seemed to believe that, in some twisted way, he was helping Mata Nui. I never played MNOG, but from what I can see on the last level's walkthrough he also had that vibe (which, considering in early production Makuta was suposed to be Mata Nui's virus or cancer, kinda makes sense for the character). And that's a Makuta I'd like to see.

Seconded. And while I still don't like it, Ekimu's voice is starting to grow on me. Kinda wish they had reduced the time for flashbacks and used it for a better fight with Skull Basher, though. It just felt rushed.

I know, I was just emphasising. And maybe soft-rubber "organic" add-ons to give it a more alien look Scratch that, it looks too much like Tren Krom.

Seconded. Also, they already did the "stolen power" plotline (kind of) with the Skeleton Army this year. Speaking of, maybe the symbols are the source of their elemental powers now? Or at least what allows them to combine with the Creatures?

I didn't like him before, but then someone noted at TvTropes that with a few mods you could get this. Look familiar? Now, to complete my look through the prelim pictures, Kopaka & Melum and Umarak. General: maybe I had too high expectations, but these sets are a bit disappointing. There are a few good ideas, but I can't help but feel they could have done more with these characters. Umarak: I expected something a bit more muscled (maybe they're saving it for the Destroyer?), but this look is rather menacing as well. The weapons are cool (though they'd probably be a bit more impressive if they weren't so similar to Skull Warrior's), and the chestprint is awesome! Whether that's a fanged necklace or an actual mouth, it feels spooky! I have problems with this figure, but unlike other people, it's not the legs or the masks (they're weird-looking, but I think they fit the character): it's the antlers. It might just be nipticking, but the fact that they use three different colors on something that's meant to be a single structure just feels wrong to me. Couldn't they try to make it all bone-colored, or all brown, or all black? The MoCo could have the nose/chin flatter (strangely, the one in the logo looks closer to the animation model IMO), but it looks OK to me. Kopaka & Melum: okay, this one was a big disappointment. First of all, Melum isn't original at all: it's just a recolor of another Creature, with less claws and spikes; even worse, it's a recolor of Terak, my least favorite creature (and once again, I have no idea what it is). Kopaka, on the other hand, is very nice, and his weapons are cool (is that a spear I see between the blades?). However, the real reason I dislike this set is this: why a two-in-one? What does this offer that the other Toa and Creature sets don't? Kopaka doesn't seem so different from the larger Toa (maybe the weapons use more pieces and needed a higher pricepoint?), and the Creature, like I said, isn't anything special, so there's really no reason not to sell this as two separate sets; at least MMvsSG had the MoCr. In fact, it offers less than the others, because there's no beartrap. I really hope there's an in-story justification for this, or something I'm missing due to a lack of knowledge in the area, otherwise it just feels forced. So, generally speaking: each set has its own qualities and flaws (what doesn't?), the Creatures are the strongest selling point, and the larger sets are a bit of a letdown. However, since I am a completionist (for BIONICLE, anyway) and I still like this line as a whole, I can't wait to get them. Besides, these are prelims; the actual sets will probably look better. Not much, since these look pretty final, but better nonetheless. Also, people have been asking what we'll get in the Summer, since the MoCo has already shown up in the Winter sets, and the MoUP s probably being saved for 2017. While a corrupted MoCo is very likely, we're forgetting another legendary mask we've yet to see: the Mask of Time.

I liked Onua the best because, as you said, he has less gold than Tahu, his build is more burly and different from the other Toa (and better proportioned than his 2015 self) and his weapon is cool. Tahu just has a cool weapon, but his build is an average, if large, humanoid structure; combine that with too much gold, and I like him the least. Do note, however, that this is just my opinion, and it's mostly based on personal appeal and first impressions. In fact, I was considering marking Lewa as my favorite until I took a better look at Onua. You're free to disagree with me, and it's possible that my own opinion might change once I have the finished sets in my hand. Also, I just said I liked Tahu the least; I still like these sets as a whole. I'm going to talk about Kopaka and Umarak tomorrow. I was going to talk now since you asked, but I have to leave now and I doubt I'll get time to sign in later. Sorry. ...Wow. Just, wow.

And a Lovecraftian-horror look, too.

Now to take my look at the individual Toa: General: they're a bit all over the place. Some things I like, such as the new elemental add-on and the return of the Vorox armor; some things I don't like, such as the half-silver masks and the reused blade piece. The weapons functions seem neat, and I love the Nuva symbols in their chests (I wonder if it has story relevance...). However, having them looking for Golden Masks again feels repetitive. I'm hoping that the rear gear (bad placement, but I've seen worse) rotates the torso too. I also see a lot of similarity between their masks and the Metru masks. Onua: my favorite of the bunch. The build feels burly and muscled, but not as disproportionately top-heavy as the 2015 one. The mask is neat (hi, Whenua!), and the drill-gun is freaking awesome! Though it makes me question: is the drill rotation linked to the minigun shooting? That's a bit impractical... Lewa: second best. An interesting build (especially the lower legs), and very cool bladed tonfa/rotors. However, the arms' add-ons seem too clunky; it just seems like his neck problems passed on to his elbows. Could be just the image, though. The mask looks a lot more like the Miru mask (especially the smile), but also seems a bit animalistic. Pohatu: close, but not quite. The build and mask are nice, but nothing remarkable. The weapon, however, just feels underwhelming to me. I notice the G1 reference, but I never really liked the rock-weapon anyway, so it may be lost to me. Gali: this one's weird. The asymmetrical shoulders feel strange, but not too bad. Again, the mask is neat (hi, Nokama!). Once again, it's the weapon that makes it worse; or more accurately, the propeller. Just, why? What's the point? Tahu: for me this one's the weakest. Not because of the build or the mask; those are average. Not because of the double-bladed swords; those are cool. It's because of the color scheme: just too much gold. I know people complained about it this year, and it may just be my impression, but in this set he seems to use gold as a primary color and red as a secondary. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Mandate, I think what he means is to present the Bohrok and ET as examples of inhuman-looking characters which were well-liked despite, or because, of said appearance. Though even then, there's different reasons for that: ET used other visual cues besides anthropomorphism to look cute (if we only liked humanoid figures, there would be no pets, teddy bears or My Little Pony, among other things), and the Bohrok were villains meant to be freaky and inhuman anyway. That being said, Ikaatril, please calm down! Even if he attacked you (which he didn't, by the way) that's no excuse to be so rude! I though Ackar's cobbled-up appearance made sense in the setting: Bara Magna was a post-apocalyptic desert, and the armor of everyone was probably put together with every piece of scrap they could find. Maybe the same is going on with the Toa?

I'd like the MoUP as a titan set in and on itself, like Makuta's vortex form in MNOG, or the Majora's Mask final bosses (though the latter is less likely, since it would imply a life-sized MoUP, like the Vladmask or the "gates" of the 2005 playsets).

I'd like to see Toa with transformable companions/weapons, like the Targetmasters of Transformers or the mini-robots of Exo-Force in the Jungle Mission arc. Something else I'd like to see would be minifigure Toa with CCBS vehicles and/or mounts. But not mechas; we've had enough of that in Ninjago and IFB, and they seem too futuristic in this setting anyway. EDIT: Or Toa that actually seem to be made from their elements, like the Element Lords of G1.

I'm more interested on those shadowy hands in the corner; they're too demonic to be the Toa's. Makuta's spirit, maybe? I'm starting to think Umarak may be a third, independent party, wanting to take advantage of the devastated Okoto. Perhaps he'll start as an ally and guide to the Toa through that complex and betray them at the end of the Winter arc. I actually thougth that was Tahu, till I saw the solitary Ikir on the side. You can blame the Star Wars prequels for that.