The LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP or gift-with-purchase set was revealed last week. And in case you missed it, it will be our next promotional set from January 27 to February 9 with a single-receipt qualifying purchase of LEGO products worth $100 and more.
Frankly, the reveal was welcomed with mixed reactions from LEGO adult fans of the classic theme. You just need to read some of the comments on our Facebook page to get a sense of the response.
To help long-time fans of the LEGO Bionicle theme understand the inspiration behind this latest promotional offering, LEGO designers and fellow Bionicle aficionados Nick Vás and George Gilliatt shared on Twitter their thoughts about their creation. They showcased the intricate details and visuals of the new designs, giving fans a better understanding of their work.
Somehow, #BIONICLE has returned. I don't quite understand how it happened but I had the privilege of designing this sneaky GWP (Gift With Purchase), coming soon to https://t.co/pso6DtnJnG with purchases exceeding £90, $100 or €100 from January 27th. pic.twitter.com/AlDNpSvFzx
— Nick Vás (@PrinceGalidor) January 19, 2023
BIONICLE is back! @PrinceGalidor designed the epic Tahu and Takua GWP, launching Jan 27 🔥 I helped Nico with some of the early concept work for this product, which you can learn a bit more about in the following tweets… 👀 [1/5]#LEGO #BIONICLE pic.twitter.com/PpRDqoyfta
— George Gilliatt (@GeorgeGilliatt) January 19, 2023
Considering both Nick and George saw the start of the theme as kids, no wonder, their creativity and shared passion for the original sets made it all possible. It looks like the team never stopped building Bionicle characters; each of the prototypes shared reveals different building techniques and elements introduced by LEGO in recent years.
And it seems their days of creating Bionicle figures are far from over. The sample models recently revealed by LEGO show the various building techniques and pieces other designers implemented to give this latest Bionicle a modern look. Here are some of the MOCs or prototypes other designers created over the years.
I have to say that this collection of masks will be an instant hit among LEGO Bionicle fans if they were made to become actual LEGO sets. It’s not a long shot to consider since LEGO already came up with a similar series in the likes of the LEGO Brick Sketches.
In creating the final model for the LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581), six initial designs were considered that highlight the original members of the Toa Mata. Eventually, the legendary Toa of Fire was considered to represent the theme to a whole new generation of LEGO fans.
Another point to consider is their iconic masks. The masks of the Bionicle sets in 2001 were considered the most captivating aspect of the sets. And since production for these collectible parts is no longer available, Nick and George need to work their way around with available pieces. Nick also consulted the LEGO fan community on how people would like to see the theme again after more than 20 years. Here are some of the designs that they drew inspiration from.
We spent a lot of time exploring how the masks could look – in this new system the mechanical shapes are now blocky and smooth. We took inspiration from #BIONICLE web animations, comics and community art. pic.twitter.com/nSIcYr1xMZ
— Nick Vás (@PrinceGalidor) January 19, 2023
You may love it or hate it, but certainly, the LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP set is a culmination of what fans and designers would like to somewhat see in the theme’s modern iteration. It may not be as close to the original sets we grew up with, considering that Nick and George are limited to certain parts since they need to develop a promotional set. But who knows? Maybe LEGO has something similar or a full-size Bionicle set in the works? I will not be surprised if LEGO decides to go this route considering the recent revival of classic sets targeted at adult fans of LEGO.
If we saw the comeback of the Castles, and Space themes in the form of the LEGO Icons Lion Knights’ Castle (10305), and Galaxy Explorer (10497), then it’s not impossible to consider that another LEGO Bionicle set might be on the horizon.
So what do you think of this latest LEGO Bionicle promotional set? Do you think it truly captures the theme as we knew them decades ago? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
