Review by Galen “Shadowknight1” Hesson and photography by tyrantqueen
When most people think of large predatory dinosaurs from North America in the Cretaceous period, they usually think of Tyrannosaurus rex. Fair enough. He’s big, he’s mean, and he’s been well known for a long time, allowing many different models to be made of him. But lately, another North American carnivore has been making his presence known among the figure collecting world: Acrocanthosaurus atokensis. Today’s review will be taking a look at one of the latest figures of this beast, REBOR’s 1:35 scale Hercules.
This figure was a long time in waiting for me as I love Acrocanthosaurus and have since I was first introduced to it by Warpath: Jurassic Park. While not a completionist collector of REBOR models, I knew this was going to be one to get, and in my opinion, it’s well worth it. But let’s talk accuracy(briefly). I’m not an expert on dinosaur anatomy, but I do know enough about this one to say it’s a very accurate model, if not 100% spot on. The feet are too big, though that is admitted by REBOR to be for stability.
The crests above and before the eye are flared out and rather subtle along the midline of the skull, but it manages to still look like an Acrocanthosaurus skull. And, in a completely unsurprising note, the first digit on each hand does not possess an enlarged claw similar to Allosaurus and other members of that family. But, most companies forget this feature even on Allosaurus, so let’s move on to the base before hitting the figure proper.
The base represents a dried up lake bed, likely drawing inspiration from the tracks attributed to Acrocanthosaurus along the Paluxy River in Texas. There are also a few small rocks scattered along the base. Overall, it’s a good looking base, with nice detail showing the sedimentary layers, though somewhat disappointing after the amazing base that REBOR put out with Ceratosaurus. On the bottom of the base is an illustration of Hercules along with the name. A small effort, but appreciated. Now back to the figure at hand.
Simply put, this is a great looking dinosaur. The colors are vibrant and have a nice pattern, especially along the acro’s trademark sail along the tall neural spines. Mine has a few tiny paint flaws that are really only noticed when really looking for them. Some customers have reported standing issues, but I have had no issues with Hercules standing, either on or off the base. The only time I have trouble is if I try posing him with his included snack, a piece of a Tenontosaurus that REBOR has dubbed Ceryneian Hind.
This took a bit of doing to keep him balanced with the prey in his mouth. I’ll briefly say that, for what is essentially an accessory, the Ceryneian Hind is also very well detailed. Especially the bite marks on the neck and the ripped out section past the shoulder which exposes a very wet looking inside.
Just this little bit gives me hope that all of those who are tired of all the meat eating brutes will get their gentle herbivores soon. Now, how well does this guy scale against other dinosaurs? Well, at least among my collection, fairly well. He seems to be in scale, or at least close to it, with Papo’s Running T. rex, and actually looks quite nice beside it.
Honestly, I think REBOR’s is my favorite Acrocanthosaurus and definitely the better of the two models offered in 2015 with CollectA having the other. It’s just my opinion, but I think that Hercules is probably the best Acrocanthosaurus figure on the market. He’s accurate, well built, and has a lovely paint job that will make him stand out on any shelf, especially if you can pose him with his snack(which can be put into the jaws of other dinos, such as Papo’s Allosaurus).
All in all, I’d give this guy a 9.8/10, docking a few minor points or some paint flaws. I hope you all enjoyed my first review!
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Great toy! Can’t wait to buy this for my TA! Merry dino christmas!
Well, I need this now.
You forgot to mention the reported stability issues on and off the base.
No, I didn’t because I own TWO of this model and neither have stability issues that can’t be explained by the fact that even the base isn’t on stable ground as most of my dinosaur figures are sitting on a large doily(don’t ask). The only time they have trouble is if they try to hold the corpse in their teeth.
Nicely detailed figure but clearly missing ears and poop chute.
Yes, For a company that’s says they make museum quality models, you think they add a pooper on there Dinosaurs
It is true I had noticed that it lacks ear. On the other hand lacks if people of cloacal organ has not been set.
I fully agree with the members of the Forum. Price of the figure must be coupled with scientific accuracy and quality.
Suspys has expressed to the thousand wonders’s all said. Although in my case with respect to dam the acrocanthosaurus (tenontosaurus corpse) does not hold with ease between the jaws of the figure. But since then Rebor has taken a big step.