We could begin with Makuta (Teridax), one of the best written, most detailed, and arguably most powerful villains in LEGO's history. One who schemed quite intricately and was a prime example of the Xanatos gambit. That is, a plan in which as many foreseeable outcomes as possible benefit the creator. e.g. I put Mata Nui to sleep and you can't wake him up = I win. You wake him up > I take over his body = I win.
Aside from Mata Nui he is also the only character to have a presence for the entire lifespan of Bionicle. The mystery and terror his character inspired as to just exactly what all he could do to harm the Matoran is memorable whether you played Mata Nui Online in the early 2000s, or you were reading one of the comics further down the line and kept hearing mention of this mysterious 'Makuta'. His influence was such that even minor villains would be greatly empowered by and accidentally serve his goals without meaning to. He was able to trick his entire race of monsters who were just as powerful as he was into serving only him, and ultimately orchestrated the doom of all of them except himself (and one other who was the only to escape.)
Vakama, in my opinion, was Bionicle's best character. Of all the Toa Metru/Hordika, he got the most attention, and I loved watching him grow over the course of the Bionicle series; from Matoran, to Toa, to Turaga. He had a fair chunk of character development over the course of the franchise, more in depth than the majority of Bionicle's expansive cast.
For me, I always loved the Piraka, they were fleshed out so well in the first 5 Bionicle Legends books. HOWEVER, my favorite for each period are as follows:
2001-2003: Kopaka 2004-2005: Nokama and Nidhiki 2006-2008: All the Piraka + Takanuva 2009-2010: Mata Nui
For me, I always loved the Piraka, they were fleshed out so well in the first 5 Bionicle Legends books. HOWEVER, my favorite for each period are as follows:
2001-2003: Kopaka 2004-2005: Nokama and Nidhiki 2006-2008: All the Piraka + Takanuva 2009-2010: Mata Nui
For me, I always loved the Piraka, they were fleshed out so well in the first 5 Bionicle Legends books. HOWEVER, my favorite for each period are as follows:
2001-2003: Kopaka 2004-2005: Nokama and Nidhiki 2006-2008: All the Piraka + Takanuva 2009-2010: Mata Nui
...(And the Av-Matoran)...
Tanma specifically stuck out as neat. It's rare to see a Matoran in the light of a competent, brave leader.
You know, all these responses are quite amazing, but those with true artistic taste know that the character that triumphs them all is...Voriki...
Ah yes. How could I forget. The most famous, totally not made up Toa. The most integral part of the story as a whole.
So powerful that Greg Farshtey dared not write about him, for he knew a vengeful Voriki would appear to correct every small lore inconsistency with regards to his portrayal.
You know, all these responses are quite amazing, but those with true artistic taste know that the character that triumphs them all is...Voriki...
Ah yes. How could I forget. The most famous, totally not made up Toa. The most integral part of the story as a whole.
So powerful that Greg Farshtey dared not write about him, for he knew a vengeful Voriki would appear to correct every small lore inconsistency with regards to his portrayal.
I guess now we can move on to favorable designs. The Toa Mata & Mahari are my favorite of the series, and I must give props to the first wave of G2 along with the Protectors. Anything after that hurt my eyes with the overdesign and clashing colors.
Ah yes. How could I forget. The most famous, totally not made up Toa. The most integral part of the story as a whole.
So powerful that Greg Farshtey dared not write about him, for he knew a vengeful Voriki would appear to correct every small lore inconsistency with regards to his portrayal.
I guess now we can move on to favorable designs. The Toa Mata & Mahari are my favorite of the series, and I must give props to the first wave of G2 along with the Protectors. Anything after that hurt my eyes with the overdesign and clashing colors.
Ehh... first wave G2 was a bit rife with clashing colors as well. Notably the golds on Kopaka and Onua, in my opinion.
G1 thankfully has no shortage of unique designs. Although they might've gotten a bit iffy for some past 2008. Models would use less armor, especially the Makuta of that era.
Pointing out multiple characters or teams is probably beyond the scope of this topic. I would propose trying to home in on specific characters.
Sadly I think most Toa and Matoran are automatically ruled out since the titans of any year are automatically larger or more complex.
Selecting one I like above all the others though is kind of next to impossible... I could point out Brutakka's menacing, tall frame. The creative way they gave his feet an extra toe. I could talk about Axonn's imaginative hands and satisfying axe. I could make mention of Nidhikki's unique spider body, or Krekka's mech-like design. Titan complexity is something that: while not consistent, remains quite nice throughout Bionicle's history.
For me, I always loved the Piraka, they were fleshed out so well in the first 5 Bionicle Legends books. HOWEVER, my favorite for each period are as follows:
2001-2003: Kopaka 2004-2005: Nokama and Nidhiki 2006-2008: All the Piraka + Takanuva 2009-2010: Mata Nui
These are mine:
2001-2003: Kopaka and Takua/Takanuva 2004-2005: Nuju and Vakama 2006-2008: Matoro, Dekar/Hydraxon, and pretty much all the villains 2009-2010: All the Ice Glatorian/Agori
I guess now we can move on to favorable designs. The Toa Mata & Mahari are my favorite of the series, and I must give props to the first wave of G2 along with the Protectors. Anything after that hurt my eyes with the overdesign and clashing colors.
Ehh... first wave G2 was a bit rife with clashing colors as well. Notably the golds on Kopaka and Onua, in my opinion.
G1 thankfully has no shortage of unique designs. Although they might've gotten a bit iffy for some past 2008. Models would use less armor, especially the Makuta of that era.
Pointing out multiple characters or teams is probably beyond the scope of this topic. I would propose trying to home in on specific characters.
Sadly I think most Toa and Matoran are automatically ruled out since the titans of any year are automatically larger or more complex.
Selecting one I like above all the others though is kind of next to impossible... I could point out Brutakka's menacing, tall frame. The creative way they gave his feet an extra toe. I could talk about Axonn's imaginative hands and satisfying axe. I could make mention of Nidhikki's unique spider body, or Krekka's mech-like design. Titan complexity is something that: while not consistent, remains quite nice throughout Bionicle's history.
I loved the gold on Kopaka, but on Onua it was a bit weird.