- “The time is drawing near. Almost all of my threads have been spun, and I wait only for the prey to rush headlong into the trap. Always remember this, little hordeling...though I am not a Visorak, I too can weave a web.”
- — Roodaka
| Issue Information | |
| Alternate title | Reign of Darkness |
| Writer | Greg Farshtey |
| Illustrator | Randy Elliott |
| Colorer | Pete Pantazis |
| Letterer | Ken Lopez |
| Pages | |
| Series | BIONICLE: Metru Nui |
| Released | May 2005 |
| Number in series | 24 |
| Previous comic | Comic 23: Vengeance of the Visorak |
| Next Comic | Comic 25: Birth of the Rahaga |
Shadow Play was the twenty-fourth issue in the original BIONICLE comic series and the ninth issue in the BIONICLE: Metru Nui sub-series. It was mailed with the May/June 2005 edition of the LEGO Club Magazine.
Opening
Deep within the abandoned Archives, Toa Hordika Whenua, Toa Hordika Nuju, Rahaga Bomonga, and Rahaga Kualus have come seeking items to aid the escape of the Matoran from Metru Nui. But one particular Rahi has pursued them there, with multi-faceted eyes on sending them in the darkness forever.
Even if they survive, they troubles have just begun. The evil Roodaka waits in the Coliseum, weaving a web that will eventually draw Toa Hordika, Sidorak, and the Visorak hordes into a tangled skein of fear.
Exile into the shadows might be a more merciful end...
Plot
Roodaka gives the details of her Rite of passage and the unfolding plan of treachery to a Boggarak. Meanwhile, when searching the archives, Whenua, Bomonga, Nuju, and Kualus come across a Kahgarak and several Vohtarak. Whenua momentarily gives in to his territorial nature, and Nuju reflects a spinner back to Kahgarak, who becomes trapped in the Shadow Dimension. Kualus gives details on when he first saw Roodaka and Sidorak.
Credits
- Greg Farshtey - Writer
- Randy Elliott - Artist
- Pete Pantazis - Colorist
- Ken Lopez - Letterer
- Jaye Gardner - Editor
- Toby Dutkiewicz - Art Director/Design
Appearances
Characters
- Boggarak
- Bomonga
- Kahgarak
- Kualus
- Nuju
- Roodaka - In present and flashback
- Sidorak - In flashback
- Vohtarak
- A Vortixx - In flashback
- Whenua
Locations
- Metru Nui
- Xia - In flashback
- The Mountain - In flashback
Objects
- Catcher Claw - In present and flashback
- Lightstone
- Rhotuka
- Kanohi
- Toa Tools
Organizations
Miscellanea
Quotes
- “They first appeared years ago...savage by nature, obedient by training. Nothing that lived could stand before them. At first, I thought the Visorak the only danger...until I saw them. Roodaka and Sidorak.”
- — Bomonga
- “No! No, no, no...This is my territory! Mine! You can't be here! GET OUT!!!”
- — Whenua
- “With a roar like a floodtide, stone and mortar rain down on the Toa Hordika, Visorak, and Rahaga. It falls for a very long time. And then all is silent and still.”
- — Narration
Extra Features
- Comic middle: Double-page advertisement for the summer 2005 Visorak sets.
- Comic end: Advertisement for BIONICLE.com; ad for the upcoming Toa Hordika and the Mask of Light animated series; ad for the upcoming web comic about Turaga Dume; ad for the "Dark Hunter Building Challenge," BIONICLE: Rahi Beasts and BIONICLE merchandise.
- Rear cover: Titans of Fear advertisement for the upcoming 2005 titan sets.
Trivia
- This comic was re-released as an animated comic bonus feature with BIONICLE 3: Web of Shadows.