BIONICLE is a series created by LEGO, mainly sold as sets containing buildable action figures. But when introduced back in 2001, it was also the first LEGO series to boast an original storyline, replete with a line of comic books. The series' lore has since expanded to encompass web-based games, serials, and podcasts, multiple video games, and even three direct-to-DVD movies. All this has been fostered by an active community which has created the large yet well-maintained BionicleSector01 Wiki.
My own interest in BIONICLE was, perhaps, triggered at the end of 2002, as the Bohrok Saga was tied up in issue #7 (or was it 8?) of the comics' initial series- I having received said comic with the LEGO Club magazine. I received my first set in Summer 2003, and things snowballed for a time after that.
The BIONICLE comics have moved through five main artists over the years, from Carlos D'Anda's detailed set-accuracy from the first comic in '01 (shown right), to Randy Elliott in mid-'03, who made heavier use of black in '04 as the series delved into its timeline's past. Come '06, Stuart Sayger drew far more stylized designs, complementing the Darker And Edgier* storyline as it shifted back to the present; Leigh Gallagher brought back the more set-accurate style in '08, perhaps using sleeker detailing than those prior.
*Look it up on the TVTropes Wiki, if you don't mind losing half your day in there.
In 2009, Pop Mhan took over, another freelancer who's worked with DC Comics- the publisher of the BIONICLE comics. Mhan's art style is reminiscent of Gallagher's... still set-accurate, helped over earlier artists by the sets' increased articulation over the originals of 2001. I can't really think how else to describe it.
I especially like the image of his to the right, of former god Mata Nui's newly human-sized body, scaling down from a giant robot but up from that mask he's wearing. See, his body is technically composed out of sand, explaining the dissolved foot; don't worry about how he gets golden-black armor and glowing blue eyes (not shown) from that.
Er, anyways, the angle is looking upwards, giving a greater impression of size, and just a nice look to things. Solid black regions prevent an overload of detail, diverting your eye until you realize, 'Where's his torso?' Behind the whipped-up sand, a pleasant blue sky provides a nice change of color, and perhaps also an appropriate heroic note. The silver pointies at the base are from an unfortunately cropped-off beetle. But overall- a striking and heroic image, of a single character.
In fact, being able to create this type of illustration, showing the viewer a character otherwise described through words (even if this one has an action figure, too), is my practical goal in taking Drawing I.
Recent events in the BIONICLE storyline have given us two giant robots fighting, one of which hosted the entire setting prior to 2009. Fortunately, this makes for some very awesome pieces of artwork, as the folks over at the BionicleSector01 Wiki have decided lately, and I think can be seen here.
Unfortunately, the battle of these robots- well, at least the collecting-armor-pieces antics of their allies and enemies, -mark a climax to the BIONICLE line of sets. I've personally stopped purchasing the things, that not coincidentally coinciding with the release of Spore. But I do still follow the story, those web serials and podcasts (as transcribed by some nice Wiki folks), and those'll be continuing a year, more, longer.
The comics- available free with the Lego Club Magazine via subscription or in LEGO stores, as well as a sampling on BIONICLE's official site, -however, will go with the sets, making Pop Mhan the last main artist for the series. I figure he and the rest of the team are saying goodbye in great fashion.
