By R.J Melby

Writer/Reporter

Lego brings back positive memories for many, as people of all ages can appreciate the buildable plastic blocks. They help inspire creativity and innovation, from building cars to functional Lego robots. The company has been doing well for itself, especially as it has expanded its focus to adult buyers through larger and larger Lego sets based on properties like “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings.” Today, Lego openly invites adult play, showing that it is more than a children’s toy brand.

However, when scrolling through Lego’s social media accounts, one may see a comment that stands out above the rest.

“Bring back Bionicle.”

Bionicle originally ran from 2001 to 2010 and was briefly revived from 2015 to 2016. The line featured buildable action figures that relied on specialized Lego Technic pieces and joints instead of the Lego System bricks most people may be familiar with.

Bionicle was gritty. It was innovative. It had a cohesive story and deep worldbuilding. Christian Faber was one of Bionicle’s co-creators, and the story featured six heroes who arrive on an island plagued by a great evil known as Makuta. The lore was rich and expansive, with a backstory spanning far and wide. However, many of the names drew from Māori language and culture, prompting objections from Māori representatives and leading Lego to change some names.

Today, older Bionicle sets can go for hundreds of dollars, and collectors seek them out. For some, they represent a time when Lego was not afraid to take risks and try something different with its brand, relying on an original story instead of established properties. It was a time during the internet’s youth when exploring the Lego website felt like charting new territory.

It is something some may feel modern Lego is missing. With some sets rising in price and more products oriented toward adults, it is hard to picture how a new Bionicle line would click with customers today.

Lego gave fans a nod this year with a blind-box “Bionicle Cosplayer” minifigure dressed as Tahu, the original leader of the Toa. While not quite the same, it is nice to see Lego still acknowledging Bionicle.

Whether fans will ever see Bionicle revived may matter less than the community that has kept the line alive. Sites dedicated to the line help beginners catch up on the lore. And while original Bionicle sets are no longer available on store shelves, fans can find used sets at a range of prices if they know where to look. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, keeping Bionicle alive for so long.