Tag Archives: Bionicle

Bionicle was a line of sets that grew out of the LEGO Technic line that LEGO produced between 2001 and 2010, succeeded by Hero Factory. Bionicle had an incredibly complex storyline that accompanied the sets, and most of the elements didn’t integrate well with traditional SYSTEM bricks. As a result, long-time adult fans like the contributors here on The Brothers Brick never quite appreciated what Bionicle had to offer, so most of the LEGO models we feature here on The Brothers Brick are built from traditional SYSTEM bricks. Nevertheless, we do appreciate a great Bionicle creation from time to time.

Zeus, God of thunder and the sky

Perennial TBB favorite Moko has given us a great blessing: Greek god Zeus in BIONICLE. Somehow I suspect the real Zeus would be jealous as this model is more fabulous than he is. There are a lot of things to comment on here, so let’s dive in.

The shields are perfectly sized and shaped to give Zeus the buff body that everyone, human or otherwise, seems to favor. The use of the gold mask as the shoulder gives great shaping – and check out those biceps! Appropriately, he is haloed by blades, adding to his intimidating stance. I particularly love his hair. That’s not a color you see often, if at all, and it makes this model stand out.

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

Toa Hahli, Angel of the Oceans

The angelic Toa Hahli was always a popular LEGO Bionicle character. This fantastic revamp from Anthony Wilson is sure to give fans a nostalgic glow. I particularly like the use of sword and panel pieces in the creation of the wings, and the transformation of the original set’s six-shooter into an elegant bow.

There are many forms of thirst

Generally, LEGO builders strive to avoid blocky, repetitive designs. And, of course, many of us cringe at the mere thought of large patches of exposed studs. But Loysnuva fully embraced these little-favoured styles in his latest creation, and the result is simply mesmerizing! These sand dunes have an almost pixilated quality to them that works wonderfully.

My initial thoughts about this LEGO scene had nothing to do with Bionicle (which is the actual source material). Instead, I imagined a sci-fi world where robots roamed computer-generated deserts. And let me tell you, I immediately wanted to know more about that world.

Beware the noble beast, but enjoy its grace

Serbian LEGO builder Djorkson is an adept Bionicle character builder, but this majestic black gryphon seems to be mostly made of exotic system parts, whilst retaining a Bionicle core. There are many interesting techniques used throughout the build, especially the shaping of the head. I must say I have a soft spot for mythical animals and the Gryphon is one of my secret favourites.

The builder has more photos in his Brickshelf folder, for anyone who is interested in alternate viewing angles.

Nightmares that invade our dreams are made of Bionicle parts

I’m both afraid and amazed at this winged, evil humanoid incarnation. Alieraah utilises a vast array of bionicle parts to create a monster that has various points of articulation and a well shaped organic form. This creates a pose-able creature with personality. The dynamic poses and expression keep me looking at it, and seeing new details every time I do. That tail looks absolutely deadly. Also, did you notice the Galidor piece that he uses?

Your heart will sink before the Heart Eater

Previously Anthony Wilson built an interesting kinetic LEGO sculpture of a beating heart. It was great to begin with, but now he has incorporated it an unsettling sculpture — The Heart Eater. Don’t miss the realistic skull and the pentagram in the base.

Check out this moody video of the heart beating in the monster’s hand. The builder says the lighting was not ideal, but I like to think it was deliberate to create a more eerie effect.

Interview with the LEGO Bionicle design team in Billund by New Elementary [Guest Post]

Here at The Brothers Brick, we tend to specialize in certain kinds of news, LEGO creations, and reviews, but thanks to our partnerships with other LEGO websites, we’re able to bring you more kinds of content. Please enjoy this excellent interview that originally appeared on New Elementary.

To conclude our farewell to LEGO® BIONICLE® “Generation 2”, we have an interview with three members of the team. This was actually recorded prior to the announcement that the theme would be ending, but of course these guys continue to make Constraction figures with The LEGO Group, so whilst BIONICLE is dead (or perhaps merely dormant), the elements live on!

Continue reading →

A Baltic blizzard blasts from this Bionicle build

A cold front has clearly influenced this build entitled Valtias, The Blizzard Tyrant by Dave Foreman. Although dominated by Bionicle parts, Dave has also used cold, icy parts from Chima and Hero factory to complete his build. The character started as a head using the Frost Beast mask from set 44011 Frost Beast and then borrows some armour and weapons from 8982 Strakk. A lot of frosty imagination has been used to complete this chilling tyrant. I particularly like the explosive blast of jagged shards extruding from his central chest and those sharp trans-blue claws on his hands and feet, that resemble built-in crampons.

Just don’t expect this tyrant to wash his hair – Dave admits that his huge chest has resulted in a rather limited shoulder movement. Despite the limited shoulder movement, Blizzard is still able to deftly hold those axes and is certainly not limited in charisma, as you can see from this ‘Joker-like’ pose.

You think it’s ugly now? Wait until the sun goes down

The Gamma Dragon by Mitch is, on the surface, just an absolutely huge blue dragon with a ridiculous amount of older Bionicle pieces used throughout.

But, when the lights go down, the abundance of pieces from 8935: Nocturn light up thanks to their glow in the dark properties.

The head, though, is from one of my personal favourite sets, 8922: Gadunka. I’d been meaning to turn that set into a mech since I got it back in 2007, but I can’t bear to take it apart.

A Hellish Warrior Never Fears His Enemies While He Still Holds His Axe

Yautis of Agimel, builder Djordje dubs this fierce fighter. I don’t know what the name means, but it sounds fitting for a warrior such as this. The whole character is well sculpted, but the helmet is amazing. The way the claws weave together to form a silver helmet is splendid, with two points of yellow revealing the beady eyes beneath.

TBB cover photo: November 2016

Our monthly cover photo is this rather menacing Bionicle villain, built by Gamma Raay for Rebrick’s recent Makuta challenge. The creation is not only beautifully detailed, but also incorporates many elements from the original Makuta story and Bionicle series. So no wonder it was one of the winning entries!

Want to see your own LEGO creation featured across TBB social media for a month? Then read the submission guidelines and send us your photo today.

Keep up with the Brothers Brick by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter or Pinterest. And for occasional extra goodies, follow us on Flickr or subscribe to us on YouTube.

This paunchy black dragon has a spare tire

This intriguing looking black dragon by Al Fi has clearly been enjoying a few too many dragon snacks, as that oversized paunch reveals. The builder has mainly used Bionicle parts for this unusual creation, but some LEGO System and Technic elements are present too. I say ‘unusual’ as it’s not often you see a couple of tires used to form the central stomach area of a creature in this manner!

It’s worth having a look at the rear side of this dragon to see some more lovely shaping and spiky details. The purple and pearl grey highlights are just enough to break up the black without making this dragon look too much like a LEGO Friends creation!