Vakama

This build is an homage to set 8601, Vakama, the most important toy from my childhood. Toa Vakama was the first Bionicle set I ever received, and to me, he has always been the most iconic Bionicle character. Although built digitally, it was important to me that I only use pieces in pre-existing colors, and that I use building techniques that would hold up if the model were built physically. I wanted to keep the same basic colors of the original model, but tweak designs and proportions so that this build stands out from 8601. The most drastic change, in my opinion, is his disk launcher. Rather than a silver, flaming, u-shaped weapon, I went for a more mechanical look. The launcher is loaded with three disks: one in the holder ready to fire, and two more ready to fall into the holder and expand to full size. When all's said and done, this build is really my love letter to Bionicle, a testament of admiration and appreciation for the single greatest theme LEGO has ever produced.