From reimagined Classic Space sets to a prize machine full of retro tributes, LEGO offers no shortage of nostalgic tributes and easter eggs to minifig-scale themes from the past. Bionicle, despite being the line that saved LEGO from bankruptcy, only received an odd GWP. Among AFOLs, however, Bionicle inspires a growing wave of creativity as the generation that collected those capsules, mastered the flash web games, and pored over the lore of Spherus Magna and beyond come into their own. One of the builders at the forefront of the Bionicle MOC renaissance is Dan V, whose latest project is a reimagining of 2009’s Glatorian line of characters. Dan blends System bricks, modern Constraction elements, classic Bionicle parts to update the figures with an adult fan’s eye for detail.

The Skrall are a warrior species who battled the Glatorians and later sets would give names to some of the faction, but this guy was just “Skrall.” He introduced the maze-patterned shield that is easily one of my favorite elements in any Bionicle set. Dan expends on the shield’s saw-blades and adds an extra pair of Skrull sword arms, evoking an evil spin on Marvel’s Iron-Spider suit.

Strakk is a Prime Glatorian of the Ice Tribe. Dan gives his axe an upgrade and replaces the Thornax launcher with a freezing cannon.

Gresh, of the Jungle Tribe, is the youngest Glatorian. Dan’s upgrade gives him dragon jaw pauldrons and a mean morning star that evokes the Thornax projectiles of the line.

Hot-tempered Malum represents the Fire Tribe. As Malum flights with fiery claws, Dan’s upgrade focuses on flame-spewing shoulders that read as unbridled power. Can we also take a moment to appreciate each brick-built base, carefully themed to the tribe’s aesthetic?

Like Skrall, Vorox is a species rather than an individual. LEGO lore descibes them as bestial, feral, and cunning. This particular Vorox of the Sand Tribe, as reimagined by Dan, leans into the insectoid elements, like mask with mandibles, while adding wings and giving the fighter a sense of grace.

Tarix is the Prime Glatorian of the Water Tribe. Dan gives the warrior an amazing double blade and leans into the asymmetry of the shoulders. Dark blue and gold are more muted than the original shades giving the update a sophisticated air.

Each character is an impressive take on the 16-year-old designs. Dan shared with us what passion inspired his reimaginings:

Every Bionicle fan dreams of finding themselves in the early 2000s, surrounded by shelves full of brand-new sets. It has happened to me several times, too, and at the heart of that dream were always the Glatorians. I wasn’t able to get them back then, but I still vividly remember seeing their canisters in stores 16 years ago. Finally, last year, I managed to complete the series, and there was no better way to do them justice than with a series of revamps. I wanted to give these warriors an elegant look, breathe new life into them with small settings reminiscent of their tribes, and keep their original weapons, but with a touch of innovation in their designs. I’m very happy with the combinations I’ve achieved between G1, System, and CCBS pieces, and after a year of work, I’m thrilled to be able to share them with the LEGO community!