Despite representing the same genus, Favorite co’s first take on the famous Jurassic theropod is remarkably different their their currently-produced version.
Although Allosaurus is less of a star in dinosaur pop culture than it used to be, the genus is still a mainstay in toy lines. However, few figures in production today seem to strive for – and achieve – a real degree of scientific accuracy. Safari Ltd.’s 2007 figure and Favorite’s 2013 figure are probably the two major exceptions. Another (retired) exception is the focus of this review: Favorite’s first release of an Allosaurus for their Soft Model series in 2004. This figure was voted #4 by our own collector group here on the Toy Blog for the Top 10 Allosaurus figures. Holding the figure in hand, however, I wonder if it should have scored even higher.
Favorite’s Allosaurus appears based on the well-known species A. fragilis. The figure measures 21 cm (8.25″) in length, and is labeled as 1:50 scale on its belly. By my calculations though, this would put the life-size animal at over 10 meters, well above average size for the genus. 1:40 scale seems more appropriate.
This figure appears to match the anatomical dimensions of A. fragilis almost precisely, with only minor issues including the (predictable) absence of the large thumb claw and a slightly short neck. The hands and feet are somewhat oversized, but with the toes splayed out, the figure is overall stable in spite of its dramatic pose: leaning forward, mouth open, aggressive in stance. Virtually no shrink-wrapping is to be found on the sculpt; this Allosaurus is fit, muscular, and in the prime of its life (but sadly, the skull fenestrae remain visible). Natural folds in the skin are present over the neck and next to the limbs, with subtle creases in the tail and contour lines along both the neck and tail. Fine circular scales are sculpted into the entire figure, giving it excellent textural detail and making the figure a delight to handle.
The Allosaurus is painted in a deep blue, transitioning to red and then yellow underneath. The haunches and thighs also have a greenish hue, likely due to the layering of blue and yellow coats. We can only speculate on what color most dinosaurs were; but in this case the color scheme is at least very striking, while being restrained enough to avoid becoming gaudy. I find it most attractive, for a toy. The only blemish is some sloppy application on the eyes and teeth.
It’s quite interesting comparing and contrasting the two Favorite figures – the first sculpted by Takashi Oda, the second by Kazunari Araki. Despite representing the same genus (and species?), the two figures are quite stylistically different. Araki’s Series 2 sculpt has the edge in anatomical accuracy: the arms and feet are better proportioned, and the skull’s shape reflects slightly more modern reconstructions. However, it also depicts a much leaner animal, and despite a more neutral pose, it is incapable of standing without its base. Collectors will have to judge for themselves which figure has more merit.
Out of the numerous figures of Allosaurus I have owned/handled, the Soft Model Series 1 version is shaping up to be my new favorite (ha). This particular figure accomplishes a blend of accuracy and aesthetic style with a grace few figures have before or since. It’s a most welcome addition to my collection, and I highly recommend it to fellow collectors – if they can find it. Since retirement, this figure seems increasingly hard to find on the market. As of this writing, DeJankins has some in stock, but it’s likely only a matter of time before they disappear from there too.
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I did combine the head of my Safari Dilophosaurus with the body of Araki’s Allosaurus, which gave me probably the most accurate 1:30 scale Dilophosaurus one can have. Now I’m thinking to match the Favorite Allosaurus no 1’s body with Safari Allosaurus’ head to get the best result.
I don’t think this figure’s hands are oversized for Allosaurus fragilis. The series 1 and series 2 Favorite soft model Allosaurus don’t appear to be the same kind of Allosaurus. The series 1 looks like the A. fragilis, while the series 2 looks like the smaller A. sp., seen in Scott Hartman’s Allosaurus comparison here: https://scotthartman.deviantart.com/art/Allosaur-comparison-173333349
Good to see that Oda DID do his homework.The hands on v. 1 really are formidable weapons, compensating in part, at least, for Big Al’s relatively moderate jaw strength. Allosaurus seems suited as an all-around general predator, with an array of killing/feeding tools. in comparison with the Tyrannosaurids.
With all these guest reviews, I am either expecting a page two or separate pages for some authors.
This is a fine review. I finally got one of these from Dejankins, after a year of searching in vain. It didn’t disappoint. Despite the caveats, I like it better than the V. 2 Allosaurus by Araki. I really appreciate it when reviewers, like yourself, take in hand the opportunity to assess the older models like this figure, before they fade from our collective consciousness.
Thanks! This is a figure I’ve been vaguely eyeballing for a long time now, but never got around to purchasing until I realized it was disappearing altogether. I was kind of surprised to discover it hadn’t been reviewed on the blog yet (most of the Soft Models have), so I was happy to contribute.
Honestly, it seems to me better figure the first version of Favorite that is being described than the second from the artistic point of view. It is true that the feet of the allosaurus are oversized for stability reasons but honestly I like it more than its second version because the second one only stabilizes on a base and presents those annoying holes to me (respect the decision of the company ) characteristic of the theropods in the general sense of Favorite, the second version is very impressive but the first is better for me in the sense that it is made up of a single piece.
I’m with you in preferring this Series 1 figure of the two, aesthetically it appeals to me much more, where I am in my (amateur) understanding of paleontology. I wonder what Takashi Oda works on these days; I’d be very interested in more figures from him.