the last chronicler
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I think there is some conformation bias in assuming the names are prelim. While it's certainly possible, the names are consistent fit for the style LEGO is looking for in this relaunch: simple titles. Maybe we might get names online, but the use of skull shows a very consistent thematic choice of description. The names sound as basic and as strange as 'protector' (which is worse then Guardian: one of the early translations) and 'master,' so I feel that at most they could be mistranslated. Just because we want kooky Bionicle names doesn't mean LEGO does.
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I'm betting when we see a Makuta set he'll be called the Mask Hoarder, as hinted by the product page description. It creates a clear foil for "The Mask Maker," and considering skull grinder is most likely a vilian, Ekimu should be in the "vs" set. Lego doesn't want to add any more complications to the mythology by having another hero Mask Maker, and Makuta's mask making is a lesser aspect of his character.
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Sure, but it makes more sense to assume they will keep the current design rather then assume they will change it, especially if the only reason to change it is story reasons. If they spent money and made the mold, I'm sure they intend to use it for the 3 years planned. Gen 1 Bionicle only decided to give up on the mask gimmick in the second half of year 3 due to kids thinking it was defective. I want to note that the mask of Ultimate Power plays the same role the Vahi played in 2001, as on all the mask posters back then it was used as the 'mystery mask' of power. This adds significance to it's choice of appearance in Gen 2. Keep in mind that the Vahi was the first mask designed for the original theme so it is clearly meant to create a significant connection between the two generations, I can imagine LEGO's train of thought was to use the original "half-mask" design to their advantage to further connect the two themes. Yes, but one could imagine the Toa Mata where launched through space and time by re-merging the mask of time, and the summoning simply guided them to their landing spot on Okoto. Like how the original canisters where launched out to the chaotic sea then had to be signaled to Mata Nui.
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^ Sure, but they won't bring back the half-mask if it doesn't work with the function. (Oh, with the toys is the function meant to work with the spiders jumping the back of the head, pushing the mask off, then crawling to the front?) My personal theory for the Vahi is the other half provides the power to travel backwards in time or the ability to create alternate timelines, or as others have stated the whole mask controls spacetime. In Gen 2 the Toa enter another reality, place, or past where the mask is merged. For example Gen 2 could be set in the past. In the climactic battle of Gen 2 the mask (could it be the MoUP?) is broken in two, the lower half melted into the great disks (old fans will figure this out from context so it won't need to be shown), the upper half lost. In the future on Spherus Magna the original Toa Mata find the upper half and remerge the two peices, which releases its refound reverse-time-travel ability, launching them back in time to Okoto and where they break the mask. Therefore we get a plot-twisty paradox of fun.
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The only major disagreement i have with LEGO is the assumption that varies terminology is something kids can't deal with. At that age, kids are constantly learning new terms, and by learning them those ideas, objects, or whatever become associated and stick in their mind. I think Bionicle becomes more memorable if it has it's own terminology. For some kids, the word Protector might even be new to some degree. Although I don't remember every name of the individual sets per line, names like Rahkshi and Bohrok where great to have for each group. The Rahkshi is a great buzz name for the difficult to describe walking spiked humanoid snake with raptor connotations that they were. Similarily, Bohrok can be associated with beetles, but their function and story element make them stand out on their own. Anyways this is the first year and I suspect Lego is just trying to hook kids at an even younger age, but we will ultimately end up with something that is compelling for all age groups within the 8-16 range, whcih could help keep the series from ballooning in complexity after the first 3 years. I truly beleive the genius of this line is the set design, and while not fully revolutionary, the play functions will make this stand out for kids and something they haven't seen before. The story has some compelling elements, and it shifts towards a more Indiana Jones vibe with the detailed cultural elements and Makuta 'getting what he wished for' when he made the MoUP, but I think the world building and matoran really made Mata-Nui a rich place. That was the heart of the original series that this series may miss. I also personally would have loved--if the Toa did crash onto Okoto--that the instructions opened with the classic scattered pieces. Nothing was more compelling story-wise than being told that by building your set you were entering the story. LEGO sucked you into the world before you even had something to play with, and I think seeing a crater full of CCBS would have been really enticing.
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I'm a more recent fan, but I've really thought about the whole SE vs. originals argument and if Disney gains the original trilogy rights they should do the Star Wars re-release as a two disk edition with an "Classic Cut" and "Original Theatrical Edition." "The Original Theatrical Edition" is self explanatory as including the original films, as first released, restored. BUT The "Classic Cut" would edge out the SE, matching the Original films' cut and therefore NOT adding anything new and only cleaning up obvious flaws in visual effects and any other goofs. Star Wars 1977 will have the subtitle A New Hope added and Empire will have the monkey-Emperor replaced with the final version. This way, over time, the "Classic Cut" can become the official version of Star Wars, having internal continuity as well as name and numerical continuity. Note: Return of the Jedi's ending was altered in many ways in the SE. Not only does it make sense to remove the celebrating cities and return to the original song for the sake of matching the original ending, but it also makes sense for the continuing conflict in Episode VII. Unfortunately the big issue comes to Haden Christianson, as the argument for matching the original films and the bias of hating the prequels come in conflict with keeping up continuity. Since I'm considering added scenes like Jabba in ANH 'fake' continuity, Haden may fall under that category.
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Here's my story conspiracy theory: It is sequel set far in the future (Which could include Vahi involvement) Think about it, you have two brothers, Makuta who puts on the mask of ultimate power and grows into a giant. In order to destroy that ultimate power, Ekimu smashes Makuta in the face; causing them both to collapse into sleep, which sends a shockwave across the land as if two giant robots fell onto the land. Maybe Lego used Ekimo to help hide the story, it could be the name of the prototype robot or something. Maybe the mask of creation got mixed in because it is the only thing that can restore Mata Nui/Ekimo. The mask of ultimate power is really the MU. To add to that, the mask of control could be the source of Makuta's power over the virus. An even crazier but more exciting plot, since the Vahi can only send you through time but not into alternate universes, is that the story is set in the past of the current story. What if Makuta is called Makuta over Teridax because he isn't Teridax at all. In the legend we have two creator beings, dabbling with pure elemental magical energies which keep the world in balance, to create the most powerful objects seen in the Matoran universe. Ekimo provided masks, elements, to the people. Jealous of the power Ekimo gave to the people, Makuta extracts the elemental powers to create the ultimate mask, but it stealing this pure magical substance the world looses balance and shatters, leaving the world broken. Makuta lost control to this evil mask, whose dark powers corrupted everything he ever created or controlled. As depicted in the video, all that remains of Makuta and Ekimo are giant craters, suspiciously like those created by the separation of two large moons. Here's my theory: Ekimo and Makuta, as well as the rest of the protectors, are Great Beings. While Ekimu used energized protodermis to create protodermis and elemental powers for the Agori, Makuta attempted to take control by using the substance in it's purest form to create an uber-mask. In the matoran universe, Makuta are known for slowly turning into a strange evil green substance, a virus, and for creating even more evil viruses from that wipe memory and take control of robots. What if the destruction of this Great Being known as Makuta created a pure evil substance-Antidermis-which infected everything he once created, including The Brotherhood of Makuta and the Skull Spiders. Are we witnessing the origin of evil as well as the wiping of the memory of Great Beings, which prevented them from completing their mission to save Spherus Magna? What if in the original story, the Toa attempted to remerge the mask of time in the city of the Great Beings on the restored Spherus Magna, releasing a burst of time energy sending them back in time to save the Great Beings?
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Maybe I'm wrong in saying this, but I always found the Bionicle to have a 'gritty' texture. Everythings mechanical, worn and aged. I mean it had more depth in that, but it always had rough edges. Look at the MNOG. The stuff with the infected masks is creepy. Anyways, for Bionicle to 'feel' like Bionicle it needs to feel like exploring a new land. To do that you need a new land.
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"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -Arthur C. Clarke. I think people relate magic to lazy explanations when in reality any fake explanation is a fake explanation. But what magic does is it draws from the same excitement that science gives us when we search for answers. Science gives us a 'how, 'but I think what were really looking for is a 'why'. The reason we explore science, the reason we look to the stars or the reason the Toa collect the Kanohi is far more important than the how, it's the kind of magic that plays to the soul, wheras explanation is exciting and cool, but without reason it's just empty facts. Early Bionicle works because despite the mystery the characters do believe in themselves, and that they will reach there goals if they follow their hearts (and the UDD).
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Okay, I'm just not a huge fan of taking something that can be explained at the real world level and trying explain it in-universe. It must be a side effect of disliking when people judge "film logic" because it's illogical. I don't hate crossovers I just think this discussion is irrelevant for Bionicle where there won't be any.
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Thats a made up myth. His code name is 007, ans the name on his parents grave in Skyfall is Mr. and Ms. Bond Also, just because transformers does something doesn't disprove the redicoulousness and piontlessness of alternate universes. If they don't cross over then it's pointless, and if they do a crossover you'll never hear movie Optimus say "hey remember when cartoon Optimus was here? That was cool" because in reality crossovers aren't canon and just the musings of the writers. Canon should be used to create general rules, not excuses.
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I hate the alternate universe theories as a way to canonize both universes, it's as ridiculous as Greg's choice to add them to the original series. It's pointless and takes away all stakes for the charactesr if they can just leave and join another universe that isn't destroyed. Why can't both Generation 1 and 2 of Bionicle exist, and simply not be canon to each other? Or alternatively, look at the James Bond series. Clearly there is continuation between the films, yet the age and look of Bond, era and implied chronology changes with every film. How do you explain them? The answer is, you don't. When you see the original film car in Skyfall do you wonder how Sean Connery grew up to become a nostalgic Daniel Craig? No.
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I was little bit disappointed with Tahu's mask change, but the original mask looked weird...like it was melting on the bottom. I can see why they wanted to change it, the original kept the style but lacked the cool factor, it simply lacked the systematic design choices the others had, yet was trying to look like the other master masks. I went and decided to Photoshop the mask bottom to look like the Hau without the excessive Lewa jaw: Less top heavy version 2: Tahu with the mask
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Strangely I have to say: Lewa is the most pleasant surprise. Like some of the other sets, I find vents in the mask a step down from the tribal look, but there is something about the way the "jaw" sections comes in on the sides of the structure that on the original mask was the "nose" that grabs my attention. He looks a lot wiser, and a lot cooler, and I think the color schemes might just work in spite of the illogical choice of yellow for jungle/wind. Kopaka's Kanohi is the least like how expected it. I thought that between the masks that seemed the closest to the original form (Tahu, Onua, Kopaka), his would be the most dynamic, angry and least accurate.It ended up being the most similar, but the changes LEGO did make made it more cartoonish. I expected him to be thinner too, despite that I like the color scheme and overall design and he will be one of the first I get. Tahu also tops the list, and I think the chest-piece lower legs on him and the thicker calves on Kopaka are both meant to replicate the bell-bottoms on the 2001 Mata. I'm way more fond of the Hau now, and I love his Golden armor and sword-lavaboard in combination, making this Tahu a great combo of his previous forms. He is Omega. Gali's mask was actually a bigger surprise, it's annoying that her mask is going to be more ominous then that of most of the other Toa. I'm also sad that her weapon is more axe than pickaxe, she may be too similar to Lewa because of it. I expect Onua to look better than people say he does, because black always looks more black in the art: enhancing contrast and clashing. Pohatu is extremely aesthetically pleasing, but his phantoka-y mask and crap-load of silver makes him look the most HF-like of them. Maybe Lego thinks brown is a huge risk and that's the reason for the low part count? I notice the LEGO teaser has the six colors on 1 by 1 tiles, but maybe something has changed for Pohatu because his tile is yellow? Overall I'm excited, but I do think the biggest flaw is that unlike 01 the style of the Kanohi seems to randomly fluctuate between simple and complex, and they lack the consistency they had before. I may try and use some of these new masks as noble masks for the classic series though, although with Gali's design I may use the protector mask as a noble Kaukau instead. I'm hoping the shells can shift to a more mechanical in style as well as the series goes on.
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Gali's weapon might be my favorite, and out of all the figures I actually think she might be an improvement over the original set. She is carrying a staff designed like a double-bladed scythe: essentially a giant pickaxe. I think this is a HUGE improvement over ther hooks, which were really just useless one-fingered Onua claws. Alll the new weapons that are staff-like: Kopaka's, Lewa's, and Gali's really make the sets look wise and powerful. As well, Gali's original mask is pretty bland if you ignore the transparency, whereas this new mask has more defined outline, and looks almost as if it has been redesigned to look a little more feminine. I'm hoping she does have some short of goggle design on her eyes, but I'm thinking she may have separate sockets which could be evidence for the sets using brain attack heads as they lack eyes that could be seen under a single-goggle mask. The mask is also reminiscist of Gali Nuva's movie mask, just as Tahu's as well as Kopaka's mask outlines look a bit like their Nuva Kanohi. Maybe they're trying to make the sets familiar to fans who started in 02-03? While I'm not sure I like the Hau losing its distinctive outline, I didn't know it was possible to make a cooler Akaku but they might have pulled it off.
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I think this "Master of _____" deal is a good sign. It means LEGO actually wants kids to know about the story. Making things clear isn't always about dumbing things down outright, it could also be about easing the audience in. You can't know why a Toa is cool unless you know what he can do, and knowing the characters powers is the first step of entering the story. By keeping the concept clear on the box kids can just buy without knowing anything, but it can also encourage them to jump into the stories complexities and be milked of allowance for 9 years. Really, things only became complicated in Bionicle because people treat this stuff like a science. The word Toa has a simple connotation, the same connotation that Jedi, hero, or superhero have. If you're a Jedi, you carry a colorful light-saber, use the force, and help people. If you're a Toa, you use masks powers, control elements, and help people. I know four-year-old's that can understand that. The word Toa is like the word hero, you say it and an image pops up, but that image is so straightforward and inherent--Toa: Red guy with firesword, etc; Hero: a firefighter, etc-- that one doesn't need the word to understand the idea. What is needed is a reason to care about this toy or hero, something which defines a Toa as different from all other heroes: a.k.a. what makes them cool. Indiana Jones has a whip, Batman beats the crap out of people and is super smart, and Toa are the masters of fire, water, earth, air, ice and stone. I'm certain they'll use the term Toa in-story because that is what they are and what they believe in, but in the end kids will know what Toa means because they are the tall ones that save the day: just like adults and just like heroes. It's the Toa's element that makes each toy different and increases sales, and 'defenders or guardians' give imagery of those who protect what's important even if they don't possess it, just as Matoran and Turaga defend their tribe without a Toa's power.
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Yeah, I know. I'm getting at that in pattern with HF , which added new Hero's to the team, and if you bring back Bionicle the 7th Toa is a major symbol whose appearance wouldn't be surprising. Pure speculation but so is everything in this topic.
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Did you read my post? I think we both share a similar idea. I think less overcharged, but more that a Toa receives destiny and forefils it, becoming a Turaga in a cycle. They carry the knowledge they gained as Toa but are weaker because they no longer have the strength of a Toa.
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characters to go with the new story, all But you're assuming a complete reboot, and I think if they wanted to do a complete reboot then they might as well come up with new characters. They must see the worth of the original characters and the original plot since they are bringing back the theme (how can you bring in the classic Takanuva without the Nuva?). They could have easily started from scratch, but instead they are retelling a familiar story which I think suggests Lego sees the worth and possible the multimedia potential of the original concept. If you believe that gender is important enough that we must include a social correct male to female ratio, then you must accept that gender is an important enough part of identity, including the identity of the Toa Mata. We shouldn't change the characters to female just to fit some socially appropriate numerical value, the characters should exist because they are genuine and an individual and inspirational. The female characters shouldn't have to share their identity with any previous characters, they should be unique. Besides, the general population of earth is split 50/50, doesn't mean every group of characters has to be this way as well. That's generalizing and almost unrealistic. For this reboot the biggest priority for me is bringing in new elements, a precedent set by HF which I hope continues.
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Nice design, I'm not sure if I like the claw having a thumb but it does make sense. Tahu and Gali are male Siamese twins?
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The argument that since it it is a reboot with a different Tahu (not the one someone loved as a kid) gender is irrelevant. The thing is, Tahu Nuva was a different Tahu, and Stars Tahu was also a different Tahu, yet I care for those sets more than any other in their series. These characters are legends, and our emotions towards them transcend logic, because the VERY MEANING of Tahu comes from the character and nostalgia of 2001. To say that the the name means nothing this time round is to say Tahu could be a Toa of poop, wielding a sword of farts, and it wouldn't matter because it is not the same Tahu. Although gender is less defined in Bionicle, there are many examples were changing the gender changes the character: you can't make Batman a woman without changing his name to Batwoman. I know if I follow this logic all the way that no characters can ever change gender, and tribes would stay the same, and I don't want that. I guess we all have our tolerances and I admit for me there is a difference between changing the main casts gender and changing the gender details within the story. I don't know if I can justify it, but I can say that changing the gender rules won't affect the story and that is fine, but changing the main six is different. Not much different, but different enough.
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I have to say, this is too controversial for a lot of people, and if I had a choice I would keep the Toa Mata the same. I think someone will always disagree on which Toa should be changed gender, or if they should be changed at all. We can only take these theoretical scenarios so far before we drive each other insane, because it's really unlikely that LEGO with change the genders anyhow, considering they followed the 2001 gender ratio exactly for the first HF range, and only added male characters after that. This is becoming less of a "should there be a gender balance" topic as it is becoming a "who is the least sexist Bionicle fan" topic. We all have are own views of the Bionicle characters, a lot of us came into Bionicle with innocent young eyes that have yet to perceive gender structures, others feel that in hindsight this is a reboot and "the greater good" is more important this time around, and others feel that Bionicle was set in 2001 and to stray too far from that would completely redefine the theme. Personally, if LEGO is taking the time to please older fans and use the classic characters, then chances are they are keeping the classic characters. Yes, the physical designs change because of the HF system, but there is clearly an effort to mirror what came before.
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On the Turaga: I personally believe that the process of completing one's Destiny is a revelation that redefines one's purpose, and therefore Toa become wise Turaga who contain this higher sense of being. While matoran are built unaware of the weight, complexity and challenges of the matoran universe, Toa are warriors meant to confront it head-on. Toa could be compared to a U.S. president: by the end of their job they have had to deal with harder challengers than anyone has before, and that process ages them significantly. What was 8 years may look and feel like 20. Toa become the Elder Turaga. If the defenders are matoran, I think LEGO intends them to have a more active role, which makes sense if they are constantly under threat by Rahi and need to 'defend' there villages.
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Although if it happened that Lego would change some of the Mata genders I probably wouldn't be bothered, but if I had to make I choice I'm simply too selfish and attached to the original six to want any of them changed. You see, when creating my own adventures as a kid I'd always have the story start within the canon realm and circle back such that it could fit within the real continuity (Maybe I should write for Tv?) Anyways I'm hoping I can think of this reboot more as "the untold stories" or "the untold details" of the Toa Mata then a complete rewrite. Almost as if it could be stuck right into the current Biosector01 database. For that reason I want the Mata to stay the same. If I had to choose a Mata to change gender, while some have suggested Pohatu because of his design, I think he is too brotherly "tough guy"-ish, I would either change Lewa (although he may end up too similar to Gali) or Kopaka (He has this certain loner/Clint Eastwood thing going that would be great if transferred over to a female character.) If Earth was closer to "Mother Earth" in theme Onua could have worked, but I think the contrast between his wise nature and tough exterior plays better with a male, and again that wise and diplomatic nature is already portrayed in a female through Gali. PS: the problem with Bionicle isn't female body stereotypes, but male ones. The Inika build has that big chest, wide-shoulder, bodybuilder/superhero unrealistic masculine look (which appears in Hero Factory as well) that made Gali Mistika and Hahli Inika unbelievable. In fact, Gali, Nokama Metru, and Kiina's designs seem pretty reasonably non-stereotypical in contrast, all of them can work as designs for both genders.
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I was just trying to get at that business theory states ( granted, I think I heard this on The Office ) that it is easier to keep old customers than it is to get new ones. Maybe that doesn't completely transfer to kids toys, but I started with Bionicle in 01 when I was seven and followed it to the very end. I didn't hook onto every detailed plot-point, I found the alternate universe stuff boring and didn't really pay attention to the online series until 2009 (maybe because less books were being made?), but I followed the story and own a majority of the sets. I still remember that pamphlet that came with the 2001 Mctoran with the "Legend of the Bionicle," and those mythical images of the sandy beach, the Toa stones, and the wise elders. I appreciate 2004 now more than I did when I experienced it, especially for the 1984-like society, and even though the plot details were imperfect the almost post-apocalyptic and wild-west vibe of Bara Magna gave Bionicle a fitting close for a series that started in a mysterious underdeveloped world. Plus stylistically 2009 was the most "Bionicle" that Bionicle sets had been since 2001. I do remember most kids leaving Bionicle in 2004, which lines up well with the beginning of the teens, but the story also had its first major complex plot-shift by changing the setting to a sci-fi city whilst also making the year a prequel. I think the series may have been more successful if it had skipped straight to 2006 plot-wise. Maybe the reboot (if it is one) will simply have the Toa travel into the MU to find the mask of life rather then have a overly complicated physically impossible floating island.