Slizer

Slizer, also known as ThrowBots in the US, was a line of Lego toys released in early 1999. The series was initially centered on eight characters, each with their own Lego set. Each of the sets released in 1999 were thematically designed according to their habitat. There were two loosely defined plots tying all the characters together, depending on localization. In both cases, the plot encouraged the eight characters to be combined into two big characters. Each set's instruction manual contained a quarter of the instructions for their corresponding combination model.

All the characters were built around a common Frisbee-throwing gimmick, and for each character there were six different disks available, each with unique designs printed on them. Two standard disks were included with each set - one for the character included, and one for another - while the rest of the disks were sold separately in randomized supplementary packs. This was the first time Lego attempted to make a product line on the hero-specific collector and trading mechanic, a mechanic that was later refined and reused in Lego RoboRiders in late 1999, and the much more popular and long-lived Bionicle line from 2001. The Bionicle sets are also notable for reusing and evolving the Lego-Technic ball-joints introduced with the Slizers.

Much like the later RoboRiders and Bionicle lines, the Slizer sets came in hard plastic containers as opposed to cardboard packaging. The Sizer/Throwbots packaging differed however in that it was a clamshell "pod" that could be threaded onto a belt, rather than the canisters used in Roboriders and Bionicle. This made it easier to transport the figure around for play away from home.

The product line was extended in early 2000, with four new "mutant" characters and one new disk-set, not long before the entire line was discontinued, proceeded by Lego RoboRiders. Three of these last four sets could be combined into a larger figure.

Localization

The American and European localization was significantly different. In North America, the line was released as ThrowBots, while in Europe and other countries it was dubbed Slizer. The name of the eight habitats and the plot surrounding them also differs between the two localizations.

North American Setting

In the American localization, the characters were spread across eight different planets. Seven of the planets had their own habitat and environment, while the eight planet served as a dome where fighters from all seven planets settled disputes or fought in duels.

European Setting

In the European localization, all the characters were present on one single planet. The planet was divided into seven equally sized segments, one for each habitat and with the dome on the center pole. This setting opens for more interaction between the characters.

2000 continuation

Compared to its successor BIONICLE, Slizer/Throwbots had very little story material. Some plot was hinted at with the promotional material and illustrations on the disks and manuals. Most disk-illustrations show each character fighting or traversing within their respective habitat, or displaying their specific powers. A one-page comic included in some of the sets showed the characters combining to form the larger combination models, which can be interpreted as there being to "factions" of robots.

The storyline progressed in 2000 with the release of the penultimate four sets, again vaguely portrayed in the illustrations on the new disks and packaging. This series' events specifically take place in the European planet setting, and involve an asteroid colliding with the planet, destroying half of it. It is implied that the new characters are either mutated forms of previous characters, or otherworldly characters that latched onto the asteroid. Past this, the storyline for Slizer/Throwbots was never concluded.

Characters

Each of the characters reside in their own habitat and have their own set of issues to deal with. Their color and appearance take cues from the theme of their habitat.

Fire/Torch

The Fire Slizer lives in a dangerous volcanic landscape, and has to deal with lava-monsters, volcanic activity, lava-streams and flame-storms. He is black and red, has a peculiar topsy-turvy body design with a flamethrower and uses red disks. He survived the asteroid impact.

Sub/Scuba

The Sub Slizer lives underwater in a great ocean, and has to deal with sea monsters within the darkness of the ocean depths. He has propellers on the back, an implied underwater breathing system, and uses yellow disks. He survived the asteroid impact.

Ice/Ski

The Ice Slizer lives in a frozen landscapes and have to deal with ice-monsters. He is white and blue, wears a pair of ski, a staff, and has white disks. He survived the asteroid impact.

City/Turbo

The City Slizer lives in a huge city spanning the entire urban-sector of the planet. Some of its obstacles are tall skyscrapers, toxic waste, and vehicle-like monsters. In great contrast to most of the other Slizers, City/Turbo has wheels instead of feet and uses teal disks. He survived the asteroid impact.

Jet/Judge

The Jet Slizer is the judge at the battle-dome located in the middle of the planet's pole. His purpose is to oversee the other Slizers in fights and duels, and make sure rules are not broken. He is yellow and black, with two disk-flingers. To move around quickly, He has a pair of wings and propellers on the back. He uses black disks. It is implied by the visor design of Blaster that Jet/Judge was fused with Jungle/Amazon during the asteroid impact.

Jungle/Amazon

The Jungle Slizer lives in the dense jungle of the Jungle-sector. He has to deal with evil trees, vines and swamps. He has a sword and uses green disks. It is implied by the visor design of Blaster that Jet/Judge was fused with Jungle/Amazon during the asteroid impact.

Rock/Granite

The Rock Slizer lives in the rock sector, dealing with the rocky landscape and earthquakes. He is equipped with pickaxes, and it walks on four legs. He is beige and grey, and uses beige disks. He survived the asteroid impact.

Energy/Electro

The Energy Slizer lives in a cloudy and stormy environment, riddled with thunderstorms and lightning. Its main threat is gaseous monsters, and the continuous extreme storms. He has four legs, wings and the illustrations on his disks suggest he has some kind of electrical attack. The disks are purple, and the Slizer is purple and black. It is implied that he was mutated into Spark during the asteroid impact.

Millennium/Millennia

This Slizer has two forms - A tall, brawny character with large feet, and a standard Slizer on a red motorcycle. Millennia/Millennium is black and gray with a special golden coated head, while his motorcycle is red and black. Millennia/Millennium has two disks, one with the same golden coating as his head and one in black. It is unclear as to whether or not Millennium/Millennia arrived as a result of the asteroid's impact or if he was present beforehand.

Blaster

This Slizer has a much larger stature than most, save Millenium in his larger form. He wields a shield/blaster in his left hand and his right hand splits off into two disk-throwing arms. He has a black and yellow colourscheme. It is implied by the visor design of Blaster that Jet/Judge was fused with Jungle/Amazon during the asteroid impact.

Flare

Flare Slizer has skis and wings, resembling a Dragon, or a Phoenix. His throwing arm balances by acting as a tail. Flare is orange and black in colour. The origins of Flare are unknown, but are implied to be related to the asteroid impact.

Spark

The Spark Slizer is another lightning themed Slizer, with shield/blaster akin to that of Blaster. He is purple and black. It is implied that he was mutated from Energy/Electro during the asteroid impact.

References

• Brickipedia's Article