Kanohi: the BIONICLE series’ first, most iconic, and most enduring collectibles. From the beginning these masks have had a vital place in both the merchandise and storytelling aspects of the franchise. However, on the storyline side of things, there is one unfortunate fact: a number of masks were introduced as concepts, but never appeared as actual Lego pieces. I have compiled a list of several of these, based on my desire to have seen each in a physical form.
DISCLAIMER: the following listing and order is based purely on my own opinion.
10. Mask of Healing
- The concept behind this mask was a cool one, as was the fact that it was worn by a Toa Mangai and a Toa of Plantlife to boot. However, the mask was never used in story, hence why it is placed so low on this list.
- Nikila’s mask would have been another fun addition, particularly if it had meant getting a set version of her. Sadly, Nikila’s story role was short-lived, and in that time we got no occasion in which she put her mask power to use.
- The mask worn by Toa Helryx possessed an interesting power, lacking in combat or transport applications but providing an interesting advantage nonetheless. However, given its limited use in story and my own personal distaste for Helryx’s methods, it only rates #8 on my list.
- Toa Tuyet’s mask power is a cool one, though we never saw it out to use in a story. Still, between its potential and the opportunity to add another Toa Mangai-if a treacherous one-to our list of sets, it edges out the Mask of Psychometry.
- Makuta Miserix’s Kanohi has s a truly sad case: it would have been a physical release, had the set designers not slapped a Shelek on Mutran. Sadly, it was not to be, and Miserix’s status as a fan-submitted model meant we never got the Real McCoy. Had we ever gotten Miserix in his true form as a set, the Mask of Mutation would have been a delightful piece.
- Toa Pouks’ Kanohi, like those of all Teridax’s Toa Hagah not released as sets, would have been an excellent addition. Pouks’ mask is lowest in my priority because, sadly, it’s one in story usage was interrupted.
- Toa Kualus had another interesting mask, and one that was actually used a few times in story. However, it only ranks at #4 on my list since it’s basically just an improved version of the Kanohi Zatth.
- Gaaki’s mask, and its accompanying Toa, would have made for great set pieces. However, as the Mask of Clairvoyance was not the first nonphysical Hagah mask introduced, it is also not the highest ranked on my list.
- Toa Bomonga’s Kanohi mask possessed one of the most impressive powers. Add that to the fact that it was the first nonphysical Hagah mask to have its power revealed, and you’ve got my pick for #2.
Honorable Mentions
- There are a couple of masks that could be seen as having gotten a physical form, or not. The Pehkui, Toa Norik’s mask, was of course identical in form to the Kiril pieces released with Dume and Dekar. Given that the Kiril was never used in story, whereas Norik’s mask was, it seems to me that it might have been simpler to just say that the Kiril’s shape is actually the Pehkui’s and be done with it. Of course, that’s not mine to say, so we’re left with a mask that was never released physically in its true shape.
- The second honorable mention goes to Artakha’s Mask of Creation. An Artakha set with a unique mask would have been a delightful addition to the original line. However, in lieu of having such a mask, I for one am happy to accept Ekimu’s Generation 2 mask as a stand-in.
And now, the top-ranked nonphysical Kanohi mask on my list:
1. Olisi
- I’m a big fan of Karzahni, and thrilled that he was given representation as an actual set. However, there are two things about the set that are somewhat unfortunate. First, the Karzahni set’s green color scheme, though delightful, doesn’t match his original, awe-inspiring description in BIONICLE Legends 2: Dark Destiny. Secondly, because it is built entirely from preexisting parts molded in new colors, the Karzahni set we did get didn’t come with a unique piece to represent the Olisi.
- As with the Generation 2 Mask of Creation serving well as a stand-in for its Generation 1 counterpart, I think there is a G2 model that fits as an good physical representation of Karzahni prior to his mutation in the Pit. That model, sadly, is the rather difficult to produce Dark Lord Makuta. Sadly, like the Olisi, the Mask of Ultimate Power was never produced physically; however, even if it had been, I don’t know whether I’d consider it an apt stand-in for the Olisi.