Unleash the Fury!
Glatorian Malum is here!

Bring the heat with this fiery Bionicle warrior from 2009, complete with flame claws and a Thornax launcher!

🏛 Bionicle
Set #8979

Malum

Malum (8979-1) represents the rugged, aggressive peak of the 2009 Glatorian era.

Before you buy

Who it's for
Ages 7+ · Beginner build Perfect for younger fans and nostalgic Bionicle collectors looking for a quick, classic build
Build
59 pieces · about 0.3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price
$12.99 list price · 22.0¢ per piece
Availability
Retired at LEGO
★★★★☆ 4.4 community rating from 93 ratings

Fans appreciate the aggressive design and unique flame claws, though the simple build offers limited appeal outside of dedicated Bionicle collectors.

MSRP
$12.99
Best Price
$11.69
You Save
10% OFF
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📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Malum (8979-1) represents the rugged, aggressive peak of the 2009 Glatorian era. With its striking dark red and dark bluish gray color scheme, flame claws, and functional Thornax launcher, this set delivered incredible play value and a distinctively fierce aesthetic.

This set is perfect for Bionicle completionists and nostalgic fans of the late-2000s action figure era. The 59-piece build is quick and straightforward, leaning heavily into playability and dynamic posing rather than complex construction techniques.

Skip this if you are looking for modern LEGO building complexity or detailed display models. As a classic canister set, its primary appeal is strictly nostalgic and targeted toward dedicated Bionicle collectors.

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What makes Malum's color scheme stand out among 2009 Glatorian sets? How does the Thornax launcher mechanism work on this model? Is a complete 8979-1 set difficult to find with its original life counter? How does Malum compare to other Fire Tribe warriors from the Bionicle theme?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
🧩
59
Pieces
⏱
0.25h
Estimated Build Time
📊
Beginner
Difficulty
👤
7-16
Ages
Build Highlights:
  • Quick and satisfying assembly using the classic 2009 Glatorian skeletal frame
  • Features the iconic functional Thornax launcher mechanism
  • Includes distinctive marbled trans-orange flame claws
  • Fully articulated limbs allowing for dynamic action poses and display

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
↑ Trending up since release
B+
Investment Grade
⏳ Retired
Malum has shown impressive appreciation on the secondary market, climbing well past its original $12.99 MSRP to over $110 for complete sets. As part of the beloved Bionicle theme's 2009 Glatorian lineup, nostalgic demand from aging fans is the primary driver behind this steady upward price trend. While the piece count is modest at 59 parts, complete sets including the original life counter and un-snapped Thornax fruit command a premium among collectors. Sealed copies are increasingly scarce, making this a strong niche investment for those focused strictly on classic action themes, though condition and completeness are critical for realizing top market value.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📖 About This Set

Exiled from his fire tribe for crimes in the arena, Malum wanders the wastes, challenging other Glatorian for his own gain. Armed with flame claws and a spiked Thornax launcher, he is the last being a Glatorian wants to meet! Includes one Life Counter for the new BIONICLE battle game! Fully articulated limbs allow you to pose your Glatorian Bionicle for work, battle or display! Battle fiercely with his flame-claws, fire mask, shoulder armor and functional Thornax launcher! Member of the Fire Tribe allied with #8973 Raanu! Includes life counter for action figure game! Measures over 6" (15cm) tall!

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count
59
Parts cataloged in this inventory
24 unique parts, 59 pieces
The inventory is packed with specialized action figure skeletal elements, ball joints, and dark red armor pieces. The marbled trans-orange flame claws and printed Glatorian life counter wheel are standout collectible components.

🛒 Where to Buy

LEGO (UK)
✓ In Stock
Compare on eBay →
£8.79
eBay
✓ In Stock
$11.69 →
Walmart
✓ In Stock
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$12.34
Target
✓ In Stock
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$12.99
LEGO (US)
✓ In Stock
Compare on eBay →
$12.99

💎 Notable Parts

Dark Red Large Figure Weapon Claw, Fire, with Marbled Trans-Orange Pattern (2x) $8.00
Trans-Neon Orange Large Figure Head Connector Block (Glatorian) (1x) $3.50
Pearl Light Gray Launcher, Large Figure Weapon, Zamor Sphere Launcher, with Hole and Axle Hole (2x) $2.50
Pearl Light Gray Technic Tread Sprocket Wheel Small with Glatorian Game Print (1x) $4.00
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$18.00

💡 MOC Potential

🤖 Custom Glatorian and Agori gladiatorial arena fighters
🌳 Wasteland creature mutations using the distinctive dark red and skeletal parts

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📖 Building Instructions 2

Malum Instructions
BI 3007/32 - 8979 V 29
Download PDF
Malum Instructions
BI 3007/32 - 8979 V 39
Download PDF

Charts Inventory Statistics

24
Unique Parts
59
Official Piece Count
59
Cataloged Inventory Pieces
0
Minifigures
2
Spare Parts
Inventory Version: 1

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