, I thought it would be a good idea to just put some FAQ answers here to save me some typing. Here we go:1) What does Phantoka mean?
A: Phantoka is our winter 2008 sub-brand for the Toa Nuva and Makuta sets. It is a Matoran term meaning "spirits of the air." It will not be applied to the summer '08 sets.
2) Are all six small sets in January Av-Matoran?
A: Yes.
3) Are more Matoran sets coming out in summer '08?
A: Not as individual sets. However, there will be two more Matoran out in summer, packed with other models.
4) Do the Matoran masks have names/powers?
A: Not at this point. Since the masks will not be used as powered masks, I have not bothered to assign what powers they would have in Great or Noble form or give them names at this point.
5) Do the Makuta wear masks?
A: Yes, and they have different mask powers which will be revealed in 2008.
6) Do the Toa Nuva still have the same mask powers?
A: Yes.
7) Are Tahu, Gali, and Onua coming out as sets?
A: Yes, in summer '08.
8) Will Icarax be a set?
A. Yes, in first half of the year
9) Are there any first half sets we have not seen pics of yet?
A: Yes.
I will not, at this time, be answering questions about 2008 story, setting, or characters -- it's too early. If I answer them now, it leaves us with nothing to talk about in January. The fact that the set images are out does not mean we are suddenly in the midst of the 2008 story -- we still have 2007 to finish, and much of '08 won't make sense until you know how '07 ends.
Greg
And isn't this the first time we've seen canister villians with mask powers?
Are the nuva getting new mask powers? Or are they just improved versions of the original Mata/Nuva masks.
Oh and can't wait for the new villains-I'm definately getting the black one (Chirox?)
Greg
And so happy that the villians have mask powers. (Like MoMN had his Kraahkan)
I was wondering about that swamp thing....
(And one pic I've seen looks like there is something on the ground....
Which would also explain you saying that there is a ton of ground to cover so they couldn't stick together.
Thanks!
-CF
WOW! didn't know they would ever be canister sets, but good decision I s'pose.
-Z
TMD
MB has spoken
And the other small sets are matoran too? =O
As far a female, I think in OGD it's stated that they are all male.
(Disappointing. What's wrong with a villainess? (Hasn't happened since Roodaka, save Lariska. Set-wise, though....))
-CF
I really had to get that question out because aren't the sets based on the characters? It can't be Visa versa anymore for some...
So do they know exactly who they are designing?
Ranna
As for the designers knowing who they are designing -- yes, because it was decided in late '06 that we would need to bring the Nuva back in 2008. At the same time, they were not told to prioritize making them recognizable to their 2002 forms, because the vast majority of the 2002 fanbase is long gone. Most of the current six million or so fans started in 2004 or 2005, and have no idea what the Nuva used to look like or any sentimental attachment to those forms.
Greg