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The Man Behind the Mask: Creating Bionicle

The Man Behind the Mask: Creating Bionicle

Update: 2025-12-01
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Bionicle has a life of its own: defensive fans, deep lore, and a unique building system. But before all that, 25 years ago, Bionicle was a three-page concept in the hands of Alastair Swinnerton. And that’s when he helped to create something magical.

Two guests on today’s episode. First, Alastair Swinnerton: screenwriter, novelist, and co-creator of Bionicle. Alastair takes us back in time to his screenwriting “gang” that ran across the original Bionicle pitch: BoneHeads of Voodoo Island.

The second guest is Garrett O’Donnell of Atlanta Brick Co, one of the largest second-hand LEGO stores in the world. Garrett is an expert on all-things Bionicle, and in the Patreon bonus we explore the wild world of Bionicle mask collecting - from the most common masks to the rarest and most valuable.

This episode took a ton of work and collaboration and I’m so proud of it. It’s both goofy and heartfelt, just like Bionicle. This themes was such a huge part of my childhood and it was so much fun traveling back and time and reminiscing about days past.

Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.

All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):

  • Alter Ego
  • Building Nest in the Ruins
  • Defective
  • Hearts and Minds
  • Behind the Mask
  • Creative Destruction
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The Man Behind the Mask: Creating Bionicle

The Man Behind the Mask: Creating Bionicle

Eric Crittenden