What age is the Gelu recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 7-16.

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🏛 Bionicle

Set #8988

Gelu

Gelu (8988-1) is a standout entry from the beloved 2009 Bionicle Glatorian line.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 7+ · Beginner build Perfect for Bionicle fans, action figure enthusiasts, and kids aged 7-16 looking for fast-paced build and battle play.
Build: 52 pieces · about 0.3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $12.99 list price · 25.0¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.2 community rating from 61 ratings

Fans fondly remember Gelu for his striking ice-themed color scheme and iconic marbled mask, though critics note the limited articulation typical of late-era Bionicle sets.

$12.99

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$11.69

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📝 Our Take

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

Gelu (8988-1) is a standout entry from the beloved 2009 Bionicle Glatorian line. Capturing the gritty survivalist vibe of the Dunes of Treason, this set brings fantastic character design, unique ice-themed weaponry, and great play features to the classic constraction formula.

This set is perfect for Bionicle completionists and nostalgic fans of the late-2000s era. The 52-piece build offers a quick, satisfying assembly that yields a highly poseable action figure with a fun projectile-firing gimmick via the spiked Thornax launcher.

Skip this if you are looking for modern systemic LEGO building experiences or traditional brick sets. Because it relies entirely on specialized Ball-and-Socket constraction pieces, it offers very little utility for standard MOC builders.

✨ New

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What makes Gelu different from other Bionicle Glatorian sets released in 2009? Is the included Thornax launcher compatible with other Bionicle projectile weapons? How does the current aftermarket price of Gelu compare to other sets from the same wave? What are the rarest specialized pieces included in the Gelu parts inventory?

🧱 Building Experience

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

🧩

Pieces

⏱

0.25h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

👤

7-16

Ages

Build Highlights:

Quick and intuitive core assembly utilizing standard Bionicle skeleton limbs
Features the iconic spiked Thornax launcher with a functional play gimmick
Distinctive ice-themed aesthetic with transparent light-blue weapon blade accents
Includes a collectible Life Counter game piece for the Bionicle battle system

📈 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

As a retired 2009 Bionicle set, Gelu has experienced a significant appreciation in market value, currently commanding over $100 compared to its original $12.99 MSRP. The nostalgic demand for the Glatorian sub-theme combined with the scarcity of complete sets in good condition makes this a strong performer for niche collectors. While the high current price suggests much of the growth has already been realized, sealed or complete-in-box (complete with the original Life Counter and unblemished marbled masks) samples continue to attract dedicated Bionicle enthusiasts. Investors should exercise caution regarding missing parts, as specialized elements like the marbled ice mask and unique weapon blades are essential for maintaining secondary market value.

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

📖 About This Set

Once a Glatorian of the ice tribe, Gelu now acts as an armed guard escorting Agori traders through the Dunes of Treason. Carrying an ice slicer and spiked Thornax launcher, he needs all his wits and skill to survive the dangers of the desert. Gelu is equipped with an ice slicer and a spiked thornax launcher! Includes 1 Life Counter for the LEGO® BIONICLE® battle game! Measures 7" (18cm ) tall

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Compared to standard Toa or Agori sets of the era, Glatorians like Gelu bridged the gap with more dynamic armor pieces, dual weapons, and the integrated Glatorian game system. Similar to sets like 8989 Mata Nui or 8991 Tuma, Gelu offers distinct tribal aesthetics, though at a smaller, more accessible scale and price point than the titan-class fighters.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 52
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 22 unique parts, 52 pieces

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 11× Black

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 2× Red

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 43093 6× Blue

Large Figure Skel...

Part #: 47297 2× White

Large Figure Skel...

Part #: 47306 1× Dark Blue

Large Figure Skel...

Part #: 47328 2× Dark Blue

Large Figure Ches...

Part #: 49423 1× Pearl Light Gray

Large Figure Foot...

Part #: 53542 2× White

Large Figure Limb...

Part #: 53543 4× White

Large Figure Skel...

Part #: 53545 1× Dark Blue

Large Figure Tors...

Part #: 53547 1× White

Technic Tread Spr...

Part #: 57520pr0001 1× Pearl Light Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 60176 2× Dark Blue

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 61054 4× Dark Blue

Large Figure Hand...

Part #: 64251 2× White

Large Figure Head...

Part #: 64262 1× Trans-Medium Blue

Large Figure Weap...

Part #: 64266pat0001 2× Pearl Light Gray

Launcher, Large F...

Part #: 64275 2× Pearl Light Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 64276 1× Black

Large Figure Weap...

Part #: 64277c01 1× Pearl Gold

Large Figure Mask...

Part #: 64303pat0001 1× White

Large Figure Weap...

Part #: 64309pat0001 2× Pearl Light Gray

The inventory is entirely comprised of specialized Bionicle constraction elements, making it an excellent resource for replacing lost parts from the 2009 Glatorian wave rather than general system brick building.