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.

Unmasking a clever build technique

As Febrovery 2022 comes to a close, we here at the Brothers Brick Bullpen thought we had seen every variation on space rovers there was to see. But builder Scott Wilhelm had a trick up his sleeve that we weren’t expecting: a half-track rover built from a giant Bionicle mask. That’s right, the giant curved mass of dark red that you see below is the main gate from Set 8759-1 Battle of Metru Nui. Scott has cleverly crafted a minifigure cockpit on the mask’s forehead, and cramped all manner of glorious greebles into the mask’s negative space. While the mask was only ever available in one set, this rover might have the LEGO Group looking to see if they still have the mold on file.

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This spindly snow mech is tougher than it looks

One of the trademarks of a great mech is the creative use of a certain part. In this case, it’s about a Bionicle-inspired build by Johann Dakitsch, and the part is the gently curving balloon segment, which puts this model head and shoulders above the competition. Get it? Yeah, I’m a dad. And speaking of Bionicle, this model was built as part of a challenge to build Bionicle without the use of the specific parts common with that theme. Johann did a fantastic job creating the signature look using more traditional parts.

If two saws are better than one, what about four

At first glance, it might be easy to miss the scale of this cutting edge bot by alex_ mocs, but take a closer look, and you’ll notice the large Technic panels used for shielding on the arms. While the saw-hands are certainly the most dangerous part of this bot, The ball-grabbing parts used for the upper legs are one of the coolest parts used, in my opinion. Heck, pretty much every part used on the legs of this beast contributes to a very practical structure, like the various small connectors used to create pistons along the back of each leg.

If Bionicle had looked this good, I probably would have bought more of it

Bionicle was a LEGO theme from the early 2000s that mostly escaped my attention. But, if the entire line had been done in the style of Redverse’s Kane-Ra re-imagining, I might have taken a little more notice. In Bionicle lore, the Kane-Ra were buffalo-like biomechanical creatures with two front legs and a single tank-tread in place of any back feet. The biomechanical aspect of the creature is still obvious in the details of Redverse’s update. But the more naturally shaped body and details like four legs with hooves (cleverly made from Technic figure helmet visors) immediately call to mind an organic member of the Bovidae family.

But Redverse hasn’t completely abandoned what made the Rahi unique. The rear legs of this new Kane-Ra can transform into a set of tank treads to speed it across the Mata Nui landscape, just like its predecessor. It’s a marriage of function and style that has me wishing for Bionicle to make an official return.

The Abyssal Daemon is here to brighten your day...or something

Can you believe this Abyssal Daemon is a belated Christmas present from one builder to another? I can, actually. The LEGO builders we feature here at The Brothers Brick are nothing if not fun and creative. Anthony Wilson has created this dastardly demon for Aiden Rexroad in honor of his style and now we’re all feeling warm and fuzzy. Or is that my head separating from my spine? It’s hard to tell the difference at times. I don’t think I’ve met these two gents in person but if I received such a gift I’d be pretty thrilled. Call me weird but I just love the skeletal batwings and the crescent moon-shaped head. But then again I’ve always been into odd things. How about you? What do you think?

Beware the blade of this Cyberpunk biker

MySnailEatsPizza has created this unique sword-wielding biker. The build is perfectly suited to a cyberpunk environment with the use of clear parts representing neon lighting. There is also a great selection of unusual parts used, such as the wheels which are containers from the X-Pod theme. The tube, forming part of the mohawk, appears to be a flexible cable that was present in various Exo-Force sets.

The odd-looking helmet is actually a classic mask of Takanuva from Bionicle, placed sideways. A subtle feature of the bike is the seat, where the torso of the buildable Jyn Erso figure is used.

I brought you a present. You like frogs under glass, right?

Nothing says “happy holidays” quite like Tainstvennyy glaz, a creature build by Kevin H. I mean, I think it’s saying “Happy Holidays”, but man, that’s one thick accent. Described by Kevin as the “Master of machinations, connoisseur of exotic tat, and a virtuoso of the virtual realm!”, T-Glaz is super glamourous with expertly arranged Bionicle masks, creepy black tentacles, and angelic wings. And then there’s the golden lollypop and frog under glass accessories. Bon Appetit!

This build was inspired by the creations of Ivan Martynov, and served as a very unique Secret Santa gift to Ivan from Kevin. Doesn’t that just get you into the gift-giving mood? I mean, maybe it’s a little late for that this year, but there’s plenty of time to get building for next time. And if you need inspiration, just check out our Bionicle tag for more stellar creations!

This winter fox is one very cool character

With the approach of winter in the Pacific Northwest, I could easily imagine something like this winter fox emerging from the trees, but then I do have a pretty active imagination. When Woomy World was looking for the perfect part to use for the vixen’s ears, I could not imagine a better, more unusual part to use than the bottom jaw of a dinosaur or dragon. But that’s not the only tasty part usage. Check out the eyebrows, made from white croissants.

Mech-a-lech-a-hi-do-ho there, neighborino!

I love mechs that combine sharp edges and organic curves. Vorpal, a creation from builder Iggs, integrates those two styles with…well….style. The dark blue armor plating extensively uses wedges and Bionicle elements to create an overlapping texture that reminds me of samurai armor. The other prominent color is sliver – filled out with more Bionicle elements and a wealth of macaroni brick to create the curving tubing in the torso. Add on a giant gun on one arm, and you’ve got a mech that’s ready to rock.

The Bionicle theme gave LEGO builders a great range of interesting parts to enhance almost any creation. Check out our Bionicle tag for more great examples!

Check out this movie-accurate version of a classic Bionicle villain

Back in 2004, LEGO released the second Bionicle movie, Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui. The character designs in the film were quite different to the LEGO sets, so it is great to see that ibukkey00 has created this movie-accurate interpretation of the villainous character, Krekka. In the official LEGO set, Krekka had spindly arms with a thick torso, however in this build the proportions of the character are more evenly distributed. The design is reminiscent of a powerful gorilla, conveyed by the broad wrists and wide shoulders. An armour piece perfectly portrays Krekka’s long, pointed face. This is a great model that bridges the gap between the LEGO set and movie version of the character.

MPU: mammoth parts usage...

We like builds with NPU. They showcase the limitless creativity of people when it comes to utilising a weird LEGO element in a unique way. Character builder Eero Okkonen is no stranger to odd but innovative parts in his wonderful builds. And he is no stranger to Bionicle either, from which his myriad of character builds originate. This time he takes this opportunity to include a part many had difficulty integrating into their creations: the Rahkshi back. And it works so well that I will now think of that part as “Mammoth forehead.” Thanks Eero!

And also thank you for planting the idea of Bionicle x Ice Age crossover in my head.
It was Scrat who awakened the Bohrok swarms…

We are Wanderers of the Void

In a LEGO world of massive spaceships and castles, sometimes it’s the simpler things that really draw your attention.Take these Wanderers of the Void, for instance. They were built by someone who goes by the name of VelociJACKtor. I’m equal parts flummoxed, intrigued, weirded out and awestruck, which is pretty good for such a simple LEGO creation. Who are they? What void do they wander? Are there any others like them? Did they do all that wandering in those shoes? This pair generates more questions than answers. But that pretty much makes them the most intriguing things I’ve seen all day. What do you all think?