Giganotosaurus (Carnage Collection by ReSaurus)

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The late 1990s saw the release of a particularly unique line of figures known as the Carnage Collection by ReSaurus. Eight (that I’m aware of) boldly patterned and articulated dinosaur models were produced before the line ended. The models seem very much aimed at kids, all representing flamboyant and mostly carnivorous dinosaurs. Oh, except for Protoceratops, they made one of those too for some reason, maybe to compliment their Velociraptor. Anyway, none are terribly accurate but they’re all fun looking and interesting models. Only one other figure from the line has been reviewed here, the Styracosaurus. Now that I’ve run out of new Battat models to review I’ll tackle the only model from this line I currently own, the Giganotosaurus.

If you’re looking for an accurate model you’ll have to look elsewhere. Though not terrible and probably better than it ought to be, this model does have a couple issues. Most obvious would be the pronated hands but the entire head of the creature is a bit off. Far from the long shallow skull that we’re used to on Giganotosaurus this one has a shorter boxier head. It reminds me a lot of the skull illustrated in James H. Madsen’s 1976 monograph on Allosaurus. You know the one, it’s a classic. In fact, I’ll admit that is a feature that drew me to this particular model. It gives the model a nostalgic quality. Aside from those flaws, there really is not much to complain about, not bad for an action figure from the 1990s!

The details are particularly good here; lots of wrinkles, bumps and appropriate musculature adorn the body. Some of the skeletal elements are visible through the skin; ribs and the scapula in particular. The head is detailed with bumps and hornlets. It’s almost overkill as the combination of details on the head almost makes it look like a piece of burnt meat. It’s a bit shrink wrapped too which is a little off putting, and all the fenestra are visible.

While the color choices may not have been the best, the paint application is pretty good with little bleeding of the paint. The model is mostly a strange combination of purples along the back that runs down the sides in a series of stripes overlapping a green body. The head is black with a green lower jaw. The feet, hands and tip of the tail are black as well. All the teeth are individually sculpted and painted. A series of black spots can be seen on the neck. The tongue and roof of the mouth are pink and the claws and teeth are crisp white. The eyes are a bit unnerving and have an undead look to them; they’re pink with white pupils, probably meant to look more menacing than undead. The model itself is a hard plastic while the tail is a softer rubbery material. Unfortunately it seems the paint chips easily away from the rubber portion, especially where it meets the rest of the body. Care should be taken when acquiring this model if you desire this toy in mint condition.

At 14” the model is a hefty one which puts it almost in the 1:40 scale range but that was no doubt unintentional as all the figures in this line are about the same size. There are several points of articulation here; the upper legs, knees, ankles, arms, and jaw can all be moved and posed as desired. The joints in the knees and ankles mean this biped has a very difficult time standing. Though the model comes with a base and support rod it is hard to make it stand right and impossible to do so without some kind of support. The base itself is pretty cool though; a theropod track covered in dirt, rocks and bone with a name plate on the front.

If you’re into action figures, retro dinosaurs, or novelty type figures this would be a model worth seeking out. It’s large, detailed, well made and just fun to have around. That said, it’s inaccurate, has difficulty standing, and the paint is easily cracked. All of the Carnage dinosaurs are now out of production so you’ll have to do some dino-hunting on eBay for this guy.