Mesonak

They mentioned Sahmad's Tale, not the 10th anniversary.

Where?

That's my only concern, BZP; I wouldn't expect Eurobricks or similar sites to make a big deal over it, since BIONICLE isn't the primary focus. I wonder what the reasoning is behind the lack of mention. Regarding the chapter and deaths being cheapened; Not to say that when a character dies it has no effect, but usually in the BIONICLE storyline, to feel something other than annoyance when a character dies you have to be heavily invested in them and their story. In TPTB, so far none of the deaths have struck a chord with me in any way expect regret (that Tren Krom never got to become a set). Few deaths besides Matoro (not even Lhikan) have made an impact with me, actually. The last time I can remember feeling sad for a character's passing was Krika's when he and the other Makuta were obliterated in Karda Nui, considering I enjoyed his character and thought of him as a refreshing break from the entirely-evil Makuta archetype. Most of the story serial deaths, on the other hand, have done nothing but frustrate me.

Coincidentally, today's the 10th anniversary of BIONICLE's release (at least in the USA); and the fan community at large has done absolutely nothing to commemorate it (except for this chapter, but it doesn't count). Good chapter, though I don't like how they killed Telluris off. Sure, he may not have been a major character, but you can tell his death was only to get rid of one more useless character, that shouldn't have been introduced in the first place; one of the major things I disliked about 2009 was that they introduced all these random throw-away characters that wound up serving little-to-no purpose.

With Raw-Jaw's namesake, the technic connecters that attach his tusks to the Hordika neck are one-axle hole too low. Move them up one, as dictated in the instructions, and you'll see that the Hordika neck itself acts as Raw-Jaw's lower jaw, and he can open and close his mouth at will. Excellent review as usual, and many thanks for the good quality pictures. Looks like a very good set.

While it's not going to win any awards for originality, I quite like the Hero Factory story of all three waves so far, particularily Ordeal of Fire. And you are right in that each wave's story does have differences; for me, I think that my personal feelings towards Witch Doctor's backstory really stem from preconceived notions about what I thought the character should be like, and as such, really can't be looked at as a flaw.

Haha, if only. I share the same sentiments as you do (for the most part). While I'm not entirely disappointed in Witch Doctor's backstory, I can't help but feel there was a lot of untapped potential there, mainly due to his name, appearance, and theme. Regardless, there's always the possibility that Savage Planet will change my opinion of WItch Doctor, and even if it doesn't, I don't follow Hero Factory for its storyline. The sets are what matter to me, and I dont find Witch Doctor's technic intensive build that bothersome.

Witch Doctor truly looks like a goldmine of parts! 28 of the new style sockets is what piques my interest the most, personally.

I wouldn't expect more sets for 2011, though, which is all that book is for. I'm guessing he doesn't have the 2012 book. Regardless, if this comes to be pass I'll be sad. There's absolutely no reason for them to cancel Hero Factory, being at the height of its popularity and having such room for growth. -Mesonak

Nice! Would you mind taking some pictures or doing a review? I'm sure we'd all appreciate it.

What?

Waspix review! Set looks very nice, though I'll definitely replace his grey neck extension with a black one. It looks very odd.

Lightning Dragon Battle, in New Zealand Currency, is 129.99. If someone could tell me how that converts to USD or Euros, it would be much appreciated. -Mesonak

Found larger box art of the summer villains on Amazon, including Witch Doctor. Instead of linking to them all here, I've compiled the transparent CGI images here and the finalized box art here. Now all that's left is the heroes' canisters. -Mesonak

Found some pics of all the sets here. -Mesonak

Found finalized (or almost finalized) box art of Fangz, Raw-Jaw, Waspix, Scorpio, and Rocka XL here. -Mesonak

An old friend of mine has uploaded Ordeal of Fire in HD here and here. -Mesonak

As was stated in the talkback of the topic, since it was posted on April Fools day, it's most likely a joke. That does seem like what the ideal lineup would be, however. -Mesonak

Found finalized pictures of the heroes here. They look cool and such. -Mesonak

At least two of them (the one used to connect his head piece and the one directly behind that) have white printing on them, and I see a white outline around the other two on his spine, leading me to believe they share the same printing. Shame, really, since you can't really do much with the one that Jetbug gave you. The one underneath the main torso looks to be clear, however.

Thornax launchers are only in three sets this wave, all $25 plus titans. I think I can forgive that. Better than a new, clunky projectile launcher being introduced. I eagerly anticipate the day when projectiles are no longer included. -Mesonak

Bulk's piece count is 30 pieces I do believe. -Mesonak

You're right! Looks like Witch Doctor's box; can't wait to see the actual thing. -Mesonak

Based on his wording, I think he only saw the heroes.

As am I, sadly. I'd like final confirmation before I lose hope, however.