Built from constraction elements–better known as Bionicle and Hero Factory–these detailed figures make excellent use of the system’s posable joints to picture this duel with a true sense of movement. Mid-swing, the Predator appears to have the upper hand for the moment, but never discount the Alien with its menacing tail. The green background builder cid hsiao has posed them on lends an eerie sense of unease to the scene, making this truly seem like a battle between otherworldly creatures.
I don’t know exactly why, but a villain playing a violin just seems so much more intimidating! Whatever the reason, Leonid An seems to agree, giving a violin to a Bionicle bad guy that is classic in all meanings of the word. Although the builder photographed a number of poses for this villain, named Teridax, this particular photo is what makes it so unique.
The model relies heavily on constraction armor elements, but what they hide is a more complicated skeleton than one would expect, supporting the tuxedo and smaller bits that hide the gaps. The inverted tyres add a nice sense of flow to the figure, and there are just enough little details to break up the black monochromy, most notably the keys on Teridax’s belt and a ring on his finger. The infected Hau mask in the fireplace is an integral part of the photo, giving the Makuta an environment without the need of building a larger scene for it.
If you’re afraid of spiders, look away now, because Leonid An built a particularly nasty one! This evil-looking mech combines arachnid and humanoid motives as it combines system and Bionicle parts from a technical viewpoint.
Click to see the spider mech with more equipment
Makuta are the go-to villains in Bionicle lore and fan creations, most often portrayed by both as imposing warriors. Anthony Wilson takes a different approach with his vision of Makuta, the Handler, which appears to favor manipulation and shadow magic over physical strength and large weapons. I may just be desensitized to giant robots, but I think this actually looks more terrifying.
The Makuta is, of course, the focal point, with a creepy insectoid head and a robotic looking robe made out of wheels and tyres. What really makes it stand out though, are the little details around it, like the Matoran on puppet chains and the music box, which even has notes built on the lid!
There are some people out there that give Bionicle a bad rep. To be honest, I used to be one of them. But as soon as I started looking into some of the things that can be done with those parts, I was completely amazed. Bionicle is able to help accomplish things that System bricks simply can’t achieve on a small scale, such as lifelike body lines. One builder, Djokson, is an expert at these lines. His latest creation, the “Chulkaa Spinebeast” is a phenomenal example of bringing LEGO to life.
The body shape really gives the impression that this guy is about to pounce. But this build is not without regular System pieces! Two of my favorite parts, the eyes and the feet, demonstrate a great fusion of these elements. This is a truly beautiful use of parts that brings our imagination to life. The symbiotic relationship between them makes for an incredibly visually appealing creation.
In the city of Portland, Oregon there’s a giant neon sign of a stag jumping over an outline of the state. The historic landmark currently reads, “Portland Oregon” through the middle. It has had a few variations over the years, including, “Made in Oregon.” But one thing always remains the same: that white stag. The sign holds a special place in the hearts of many Oregonians, including mine, and Patrick Biggs’. He’s another builder we’ve featured several times, and the creator of this LEGO version of the iconic Portland stag. Usually Patrick builds posable figures and critters of fiction. This time he went for something a little different to display at the BricksCascade 2018 convention this weekend.
The body of this animal is beautifully shaped, and the white is clean and regal. Also, it can stand alone just as easily as with the full display stand. You don’t even need the backstory to appreciate it! Altogether, it’s one tribute to be proud of.
One of the best things about building with LEGO is the story. Every creation has a unique tale to tell, and some fall within an even bigger picture. One Australian builder, Jayfa, made these beautiful figures as part of an elaborate collection of “Plague Mechs.” Hector (pictured right) is an old inventor, and Artillerix (pictured left) is an arms master. They’re leaders fighting against each other in an epic battle!
Jayfa has made mech-building an art. The combination of Bionicle and System parts is truly fantastic, and these posable characters really seem to come to life! Take a look at the revolvers on Hector’s cane, as well as the minifigure backpacks used for his shoulder pads! But both personalities are great! So who’s side will you choose?
It’s not often that we see LEGO creations that incorporate the large Technic figures that LEGO included in sets back in the late 80’s through the 90’s. Similarly, most of the LEGO xenomorphs we’ve featured largely use standard System bricks to recreate the terrifying creatures from the Alien movies. Weilong Yao breaks with both of these traditions by building a work loader around a Technic figure and incorporating lots of Bionicle in the alien itself.
Builder Jayfa is a Bionicle- and constraction-system whiz, and one of his latest technological terrors is this bone beast from the beyond. The skeleton dragon employs rows upon rows of tiny teeth for the vertebrae, and a marvelously sculpted head using largely classic System bricks perfectly incorporated into the constraction elements in the body. The aggressive pose helps bring the beast to life (or should that be undeath?), and Jayfa notes that it took a few revisions to get the creature to stand without supports, strengthening the legs and adjusting the balance.
After a hard day breathing fire and scaring unsuspecting villagers, even dragons need a little down time. Anthony Wilson has built one of the most distinguished, chilled-out dragons I have ever seen. In his relaxed position, this dragon is able to effortlessly enjoy a cup of tea without disturbing those fine Magenta wings and the floral decorations in his ‘hair’. I particularly love the use of the lime Gresh helmet for the dragon’s flared nostrils and Corroder Claws to form the head shape.
A closer look at the relaxed dragon shows that he likes nothing better than a Jammie Dodger to dip into his cup of tea. Milk and no sugar please, he’s looking after that fine figure. I love the cute little teapot suspended from the tip of the dragon’s tail, while the cup and saucer really look the part.
The 2017 Bio-cup Bionicle contest is a great source of outstanding creations in the titular theme, with Tengu by the Belarussian builder Vlad Lisin as a prime example. Vlad’s theme for this round was feudal Japan and this samurai- and oni-inspired character has Japanese style to spare.
The menacing and muscular body gives a strong first impression, and details like the bead necklace and sandals reward closer inspection. In the end, all that is overshadowed by the masterfully sculpted face with a glorious white beard and the yellow eyes standing out in contrast with the dark red skin.
The master of Bionicle character builds Djokson is consistently churning out such great creations that one would feel like he can’t surprise any more, but somehow he does just that, with every new build he posts. So it is with this powerful-looking Viking warrior named Asmund the Banisher, who the builder says was chosen by Odin to wield magical steel to banish those corrupted by darkness. If I were in the All-Father’s place, my choice would probably be similar.
The figure has lots of character, with the Chima lion head as a beard and some simple yet effective limbs. There is a perfect balance of system and Bionicle characteristic for Djordje, who keeps making great characters with this subtle skill.