Carnotaurus is hardly one of the largest theropods, or even the largest member of its family, the abelisaurs. But with its short snout, large brow horns, and teeny weeny arms, it has become one of the most instantly recognizable dinosaurs. It featured as a villain in the 2000 Disney film Dinosaur and in the animatronic adventure ride of the same name at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida. And, of course, it will be appearing in the upcoming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Papo released a splendid Carnotaurus figure back in 2013, then a miniature version in 2015. And here I’ll be looking at the 2017 repaint of said miniature. Like the Giganotosaurus, it is considerably more visually striking. The main colour is medium green with dark green running down the back, black claws, full orange spots and eyes, a pink mouth, and white teeth. Brown or very dark green spots probably would have gone better with the rest of the ensemble, but overall, not bad.
The Carnotaurus stands just 3.5 cm tall and measures 8.5 cm long. It is sculpted in a somewhat uncomfortable-looking pose with the head raised, mouth open, arms pressed against the body, left foot forward, right one far back, and tail dragging on the ground. Kind of looks like it’s participating in a prehistoric bodybuilding contest. The skin has a faint pebbled texture and there are multiple rows of osteoderms running down the back, which is in keeping with most restorations.
This toy has all the distinguishing Carnotaurus characteristics I mentioned in the intro. But as with the Giganotosaurus, the hind limbs are something of a disaster. They’re way too big and chunky, especially the feet. The tail is too massive as well.
Overall, I think the Papo Carnotaurus is a relatively nice miniature, although it pales in comparison to the ones from CollectA and PNSO.
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Their minis are oddly crude by comparison with their full-sized figures. They could be the French Kaiyodo if they wanted to be, but they seem not to want to be.
Papo also appears to have given up on miniatures after the two waves. Perhaps they weren’t selling well, perhaps Papo’s heart just wasn’t into them.