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, and red. 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, 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.

List of Sets

Small

Small Sets
8540 Vakama	8541 Matau	8542 Onewa	8543 Nokama	8544 Nuju	8545 Whenua

Medium

Medium Sets
8531 Pohatu	8532 Onua	8533 Gali	8534 Tahu	8535 Lewa	8536 Kopaka

Large

Large Sets
8537 Nui-Rama	8538 Muaka & Kane-ra	8539 Manas	8548 Nui-Jaga	8549 Tarakava

Collectibles

Collectible Sets
8525 BIONICLE Masks	8530 BIONICLE Masks

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

Collection Sets
65024 The Complete Toa Collection	65025 BIONICLE Mata Nui Collector Pack	K8525 Ultimate Bionicle Collectors Set	K8531 Ultimate Toa and Turaga Collectors Kit

Collection Sets
K8532 Ultimate Toa Collection Kit	K8533 Find the Power Kit	K8534 Toa Kaita Akamai	KC301 Bionicle Fire Kit	KC501 Turaga Collector's Kit

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. These are most likely collection sets. However, to date, no further information is known about these sets.

See also

• Gallery:Building Instructions § 2001