Sets/2001

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Sets
Part of a series on: BIONICLE Sets

Set Year 2001
Set Year 2002
Set Year 2003
Set Year 2004
Set Year 2005
Set Year 2006
Set Year 2007
Set Year 2008
Set Year 2009
Set Year 2010
Set Year 2015
Set Year 2016
Set Year 2023
Combiners and Alternate Models
Collectibles

2001 was the first year of BIONICLE sets.

History

When released, the 2001 sets established a pattern that would later be adhered to by most future waves. Six small sets, generally marketed as "impulse buys", featuring the Turaga were released. They accompanied the six medium sized sets representing the Toa, which were released in canisters. In the United States, the inaugural wave was released in July of 2001, though European territories saw an earlier release in January.

Alongside the Toa and Turaga, large boxed sets called Rahi were released. These Rahi had intensive Technic builds, and action features based on levers.

Later on in the year, in September, fast-food restaurant chain McDonald's released six "Tohunga" character sets in their Happy Meals. Each Tohunga came with a Kanohi and a Disk, which could be thrown by pulling back on the arm (a similar action feature to BIONICLE's predecessor, the Throwbots).

Four of the Turaga sets were also released as promotional sets by Japanese candy maker Kabaya.

Tahu's gear function

Three different colors of a brick-built Kanohi Hau were released through Legoland California. These were green, blue,[1] and red.[2] These are not known to have official set numbers.

Featured Elements

See also: Collectibles § 2001

The canisters sets were built around geared action features, for heavy play purposes, and came with unique Kanohi masks that affixed to the face pieces via a loose connection representing a single LEGO stud. These Kanohi masks were the focal point of the year; knocking the masks off would "win" the game, and different colored masks were available in supplemental packs.

Reception

BIONICLE's launch year was well received, both critically and commercially. The sales generated by BIONICLE would later be considered a turning point for LEGO,[3] while the sets were lauded for their innovative features.

The toyline was named as the U.S. Toy Association's "Toy of the Year" in their Boy Toy of the Year category.[4]

List of Sets

Small


Medium


Large


Collectibles


Promotional

McDonald's Promotional Sets
1388
Huki
1389
Onepu
1390
Maku
1391
Jala
1392
Kongu
1393
Matoro


Kabaya Promotional Sets
1417
Vakama
1418
Matau
1419
Nokama
1420
Nuju


Voira Promotional Set
40551
Huki


Special Edition

Special Edition Set
8546
PowerPack


Collections



LEGO's set database also lists 65010, 65014, 65021, 65022, 65023, 62026, 65138, 65139, 65074, 65075, 65076, 65077, 65078, 65026, 895395, and 895663 as 2001 BIONICLE sets.[5] These are most likely collection sets. However, to date, no further information is known about these sets.

References

See also