Author: Fembrogon

An aspiring artist, Fembrogon (who goes by Eric in real life) has been drawing dinosaurs and strange creatures since he was capable of walking and talking, and probably will be for a long time to come. Although energetic and admittedly absent-minded at times, prehistoric life is one of a few subjects which has never failed to engross him wholly. Dinosaurs – theropods in particular – are unsurprising favorites (special shout-outs to the remarkable Dilophosaurus, the massive Giganotosaurus, and the bizarre Deinocheirus); but he admires a wide range of prehistoric life from Cambrian invertebrates to pterosaurs. Fembrogon first discovered the Toy Blog (and Forum) around the year 2012, and found it an indispensable reference for the expanding world of dino collectibles. Since joining the review team, he’s enjoyed covering a varied assortment of figures, from classic to modern and mainstream to obscure. When he isn’t absorbed in prehistory, Fembrogon also enjoys modern wildlife (birds & reptiles are favorites), nature walks, special effects films, and traditional animation.

All reviews by this author

Review: Styracosaurus “Gnawhorn” (Plasma Dinosaurs by MegaBloks)

1.6 (10 votes)

Between 2006 and 2008, Mega Bloks produced a line of small toys called “Plasma Dinosaurs” (and Dragons), which could be assembled and re-assembled with each other. Mega Bloks doesn’t appear to have had scientific accuracy in mind for these little monster figure, but as a child’s toy their in-hand playability is decent enough.

Review: Pachycephalosaurus (Soft Model Series 1 by Kinto Favorite)

4 (8 votes)

Despite the figure’s small size, there are plenty of fine details to appreciate on this release from Kinto/Favorite’s earlier days.
Favorite Co. Ltd is among the better dinosaur toy producers currently in the market, even though many of their figures are either out of production or exclusive to Japan.

Review: Dusty the Diplocaulus (Paleo Pals)

4.9 (8 votes)

“I dig these things.”
Dr. Robert Bakker was speaking more literally than figuratively when making the above statement regarding the genus in question (he has excavated numerous fossils of this particular animal), but there is also a genuine seal of approval in there from the esteemed paleontologist.

Review: Allosaurus (Soft Model Series 1 by Favorite Co. Ltd.)

3.8 (9 votes)

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.

Review: Allosaurus “Raptillion” (Plasma Dinosaurs by Mega Bloks)

2.2 (11 votes)

This little oddball of a dinosaur toy might not win any beauty or accuracy contests, but is it a decently entertaining piece in its own right?
Between 2006 and 2008, Mega Bloks released a line of small toys under the “Plasma Universe” title which included dragons and dinosaurs.

Review: Archaeopteryx (Soft Model by Favorite Co. Ltd.)

4.9 (11 votes)

In 2017, Favorite Co. Ltd. surprised collectors with two new figures for their soft model collection. I reviewed the first figure, a new quadrupedal Spinosaurus, previously on this blog. Today let’s look at the second model, Archaeopteryx. Despite its legendary status as the “first bird,” (its true cladistic position has been debated several times in the past), there are surprisingly few Archaeopteryx toys on the market today, much less many that strive for good scientific accuracy.

Review: Discover Dinosaurs: Dino Jurassic Vol. 3 (Colorata)

4.2 (5 votes)

With Colorata’s new Paleozoic collection out in 2018, I think I’m overdue on this look at one of their earlier prehistoric sets: Volume 3 of their dinosaur series. Although this set has its share of flaws, Colorata’s 3rd dinosaur volume – and first focused on Jurassic fauna – still offers plenty for dino fans to appreciate.

Review: Spinosaurus (swimming version, 2017 Soft Model by Favorite Co. Ltd)

4.3 (8 votes)

Japanese company Favorite Co. Ltd surprised collectors in 2017 by announcing two new figures for their ‘soft model’ dinosaur line: Archaeopteryx and Spinosaurus. Although this is the third Spinosaurus released in Favorite’s soft model series, this latest version is their first to reflect the 2014 studies on the animal’s anatomy and posture.

Review: Discover Dinosaurs: Dino Cretaceous Vol. 1 by Colorata

3.4 (13 votes)

Colorata’s first dinosaur set doesn’t hold up perfectly to modern science, but overall these are nicely made figures good for both play and display.
There seem to be regrettably few quality dinosaur playsets on the market these days, be it for adult collectors or kids. However, the number is not zero.

Review: Shantungosaurus (Age of the Dinosaurs by PNSO)

4.4 (22 votes)

Hello, all, this is Fembrogon with my first review for the DinoToyBlog. My featured creature for this review is a big hadrosaur from an equally big up-and-coming toy brand: the gargantuan hadrosaur Shantungosaurus from PNSO’s Age of Dinosaurs series. Shantungosaurus is a genus which I believe could achieve minor stardom in the mainstream with the right push.

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