Despite being the most popular of all dinosaurs, with multiple figures to its name released per year, everyone is still on the hunt for what they consider the “definitive” T. rex. Companies have tried to deliver it with mixed success. At various points over the last several years the title has been held by Safari, PNSO, Rebor, Beasts of the Mesozoic, PNSO again, and this year we have the long awaited Eofauna Tyrannosaurus hitting the scene.
Classification: Theropod
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Boley/Gosnell)
2.1 (36 votes)
This derivative dinosaur toy draws its inspiration from a surprisingly modern and good-quality source; but like all knockoffs, the nature of that “inspiration” might leave a bad taste in one’s mouth.
Knockoffs are an ever-present element of the toy industry, and a persistent quandary for collectors. A knockoff is a product which imitates another, original product, usually without copying it precisely in order to slyly evade copyright infringement.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Conquering the Earth by Schleich)
3.8 (37 votes)
While Barnum Brown is the name associated with the discory of the fossils that should be crowned Tyrannosaurus rex, it was in fact Edward Drinker Cope that dug up the first remains of our all beloved theropod. He described Manospondylus gigas from two fragmentary vertebrae eight years before Brown eventually dug up a partial skeleton.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Definitely Dinosaurs by Playskool)
1.6 (8 votes)
If you were a dino-fan in the eighties, you might remember the TV spots for Playskool’s highly successful “Definitely Dinosaurs” line. While Tyco was raking in the cash with “Dino-Riders” and their eerily realistic figures, Playskool cleaned up nicely with the toddler and young child market. Although both lines featured articulated dinosaurs, the Playskool line favored sturdier constructions with “safer” points of articulation that were far less likely to pinch the skin of a wee tot.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Desktop model by Favorite Co. Ltd, sculpted by Michael Trcic)
4.4 (9 votes)
Favorite (formerly Kinto) of Japan is known for their many “museum quality” pieces, which consist of both flesh-on reconstructions and skeletal models. Probably their most impressive line includes the finished models sculpted by Michael Trcic, the esteemed artist responsible for the Jurassic Park Tyrannosaurus. While these mass produced statues might be a far cry from Trcic’s original sculptures, the incredible skill of the artist still manages to shine through.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Desktop model by Favorite Co. Ltd.)
4.8 (18 votes)
Back in 2010, Favorite released a re-sculpt of the Tyrannosaurus from their resin ‘Desktop’ range, alongside Triceratops and Allosaurus. Once again, it is a huge improvement over its predecessor anatomically but is likely to strongly divide tastes.
Just as with the Allosaurus, a large, overhanging ‘lip’ covers all of the teeth in the upper jaw, with only the very tips visible on close inspection.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Dino Dana Feathered T. rex by Safari Ltd.)
4.7 (83 votes)
In late 2020 Safari Ltd. teased their upcoming dinosaurs with silhouettes of the figures, with two particularly interesting ones, the “fantasy” T. rex and Triceratops. Since Safari Ltd. had just acquired the rights to produce merchandise for the television show Dino Dana, it was assumed by many that those dinosaurs were part of that line.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Dino-Riders by Tyco)
3.1 (8 votes)
Any child of the eighties can recall the baritone jingle of “Dino-Riders!” in their incessant TV spots. Their adventures could be found in comics and television, but what really mattered were the dinosaurs. The story pitted two factions against one another in high-tech, futuristic battles with armored archosaurs donning heavy armor and weapons.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Dinotales Series 1 by Kaiyodo)
4.1 (9 votes)
While Kaiyodo is probably most beloved for their production of more obscure prehistoric critters they made sure not to neglect the classic fan favorites too. In their 7 series run the Dinotales line produced no less than three distinct models of Tyrannosaurus, not counting the Tyrannosaurus skeleton and the slew of repaints produced for each one.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Dinotales Series 5 by Kaiyodo)
4 (7 votes)
With its head tilted back and puny arms stretched out the Kaiyodo Dinotales series 5 Tyrannosaurus presents the genus in a unique posture not often depicted in the mass market. This animal clearly has something to say; perhaps he’s attempting to impress a mate or reaffirming his dominance.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Dor Mei)
3.4 (9 votes)
Here’s a toy that many of you will no doubt recognize. It probably doesn’t stand on too many collectors’ shelves today but certainly helped fill a lot of toy boxes in the 80’s and 90’s. Yes, you could call this a Chinasaur but you could also call it retro, vintage, and nostalgic.
Review: Tyrannosaurus (Electronic Real Feel, Jurassic Park ’93 Classic by Mattel)
3.4 (127 votes)
Last year, when I wrote my review for the Hammond Collection T. rex I stated that, “I can finally say with some degree of confidence that I will never buy another Mattel T. rex, certainly not from the main line.” Well, I guess I’ll have to eat those words, because here we are.