Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2:…: is this $5 stack worth it for Comics & Graphic Novels?

If you grew up building sets and reading the storybooks, there is a specific kind of nostalgia that hits when you see a high-quality, hand-drawn comic that respects the lore rather than just slapping a logo on a stock image. Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us by Morgan Ryan is exactly that: a 40-page PDF that feels like a premium indie zine you’d find at a comic convention, not a generic digital download. It’s the second entry in the “Throwbot Saga” and the fourth in Ryan’s broader Bionicle Illustrated Fanzine series, and it’s packed with enough content to justify the price for anyone who loves the universe. For $5, you aren’t just getting a story; you’re getting a 30-page full-color comic, a community MOC highlight section, and actual build instructions for a custom Rahi. If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your Bionicle fandom alive with fresh, high-effort creative work, this latest installment is a sharp, no-nonsense pick.

Quick answer

What you’re actually buying

At first glance, a $5 PDF might sound like a quick read, but Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us is a substantial package. The core of the experience is a 30-page hand-drawn comic in full color, which is a significant amount of art for a single indie release. The story picks up where the first issue left off, introducing “Amazon the Jungle Slizer,” a new alien threat that forces Kongu the Le-Matoran into a high-stakes confrontation. It’s not just filler; it’s a narrative arc that builds tension with the Toa, specifically focusing on Lewa: Toa of Air. If you enjoy the darker, more action-oriented tone of the classic Bionicle comics, the narrative pacing in this issue is designed to hook you immediately.

But the comic is only half the value proposition. Ryan has packed the remaining pages with community-driven content that makes this feel like a shared project rather than a solo output. You get a “Throwbot Throwback” section featuring MOC (My Own Creation) entries from various members of the Bionicle community, showcasing how fans are interpreting the new lore. This is a great way to see how the broader fanbase is engaging with the “Throwbots” concept. Additionally, the zine includes a set of instructions to build the Mount Ihu Falcon Rahi, designed by @SkyBirdMakes. This is a rare feature for a digital comic; you’re getting a tangible build project alongside the story, which adds a layer of interactive value that most graphic novels simply don’t offer.

The production quality is also worth noting. The art is rendered by Digital Media Glaucon, and the cover features a corner box illustration by Ian Letarte. The collaboration between these artists and Ryan ensures that the visual style is consistent and high-quality, avoiding the “amateur” look that can plague smaller fan projects. The file is 11.4 MB, which is a reasonable size for a 40-page document with full-color images, meaning it will load quickly on most devices. Whether you’re on a tablet, laptop, or e-reader, the digital format is optimized for viewing without being unwieldy.

Why it’s on our radar

This product stands out because it solves a specific problem for the Bionicle community: the gap between official media and high-effort fan works. While there are many fan-made comics, few of them combine a complete narrative arc with practical build instructions and community showcases in a single, polished package. The specificity of the “Throwbot Saga” is also a draw; it’s a clear, ongoing storyline that gives readers a reason to return for the next issue, rather than a one-off short story.

The price point is another major factor. At $5, you are getting a 40-page product that includes three distinct types of content: a comic, a MOC gallery, and build instructions. That’s a high value-to-cost ratio, especially when you consider that a single comic book issue in a physical store often costs more. For a digital product that supports independent artists and community creators, the pricing is accessible enough to encourage widespread sharing among fans without putting a significant financial barrier in the way.

What actually matters

Before you buy, it’s worth checking a few specifics to ensure this fits your collection. First, confirm that you are comfortable with a PDF format. While the images are high-quality, you won’t be able to “flip” physical pages, so if you prefer the tactile feel of a printed book, this might not be for you. However, for digital reading, the 11.4 MB size is a sweet spot—large enough for detail, small enough for easy storage. (Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us)

Second, look at the “Inside War” preview by @AnotherBionicle included in the zine. This gives you a teaser for future content, which is a nice bonus if you’re planning to follow the series. It’s a small detail, but it shows that the creator is thinking about the long-term engagement of their audience. Finally, note that this is a fan-made product under Fair Use Law. The LEGO Group does not sponsor this, so if you are looking for official merchandise, this is not it. But if you are looking for a passionate, high-quality fan work that respects the source material, the community support behind this project is a strong indicator of its quality.

Mid-check

If you’re on the fence, the best way to decide is to look at the visual style and the scope of the content. The combination of a 30-page comic and build instructions is rare, and the $5 price tag makes it a low-risk purchase for a true fan. (Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us)

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FAQ

Is this a physical book or a digital file? This is a digital PDF file. It is 11.4 MB in size and contains 40 pages of content, including the comic, MOCs, and instructions. You can read it on any device that supports PDFs. (Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us)

Does this include 3D printable files for the Mount Ihu Falcon Rahi? No, the zine includes 2D instructions for building the Mount Ihu Falcon Rahi using LEGO pieces. It does not include 3D printable files. You will need physical LEGO bricks to build the model. (Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us)

Is this the first issue of the series? No, this is the second installment of the “Throwbot Saga” and the fourth Bionicle Illustrated Fanzine by Morgan Ryan. If you haven’t read the first issue, you may want to start there to get the full context of the story.

Bottom line

Bionicle: Invasion of the Throwbots #2: Join Us is a no-brainer for anyone who loves the Bionicle universe and wants to support independent creators. For $5, you get a 40-page, full-color comic with a compelling story, a community MOC section, and build instructions for a custom Rahi. It’s a high-effort product that respects the lore and offers a lot of value for the price. If you’re a fan of the series, grab this issue and enjoy the ride.