PNSO New for 2025

[Concavenator]

S @SidB

What do you think, @Concavenator , would the exoparia, etc. be a readily do-able modification for a good paleoartist (e.g., Bravo Models) on an existing PNSO sculpt?

To me it looks like not that great of a touch-up. But of course, it'd be better to tell Bravo Models about this in case you were interested in having such a modification done.

And the word "obsolete" may ring some alarm bells, but it's true the depiction is now obsolete. That said, the change is pretty minor.

On top of the exoparia thing, the too-big tongue would be the other inaccuracy, this time, one that PNSO could have avoided (and which in fact they did on other theropod figures of theirs).

All things considered, I suppose the figure as a whole will still be able to categorically be considered an "accurate" Tyrannosaurus figure, generally speaking. And it will still probably be one of the best Tyrannosaurus figures ever made (but not the absolute best), despite not being 100 % perfectly accurate.

Of course, these are commments made upon that specific render. Not sure whether they'll modify that render model or not, but hopefully they will. Not a great deal in either case.

SidB, as for visual references, take a look at this paleoart by sauriazoicillus:

The exoparia doesn't actually change much appearance wise. It's just a muscle, and no, it doesn't give Tyrannosaurus bear like cheeks.

I wasn't saying Eofauna Tyrannosaurus already has the exoparia because of its cheeks, but because the buccal flap is mostly covered by the same skin as the rest of the animal, which, as I understand it, is one possibility of how the exoparia may have looked like:



Scren cap from Jetoar's Eofauna Tyrannosaurus review.

Even if these two details (one of which is just the figure becoming obsolete, which is out of PNSO's control) can be considered minor, technically, they're still inaccuracies. Worth bringing up, because some people suggest that PNSO's lipped Tyrannosaurus will be utter perfection and the "definitive" Tyrannosaurus, and as far as accuracy goes, that might not be the case.

Doesn't the varanid-esque visage already eliminate the new PNSO from "definitive" status, due to being an "artistic" choice?

No.

I think J @Joel1905 is right there.

[Joel1905]

S @SidB

What do you think, @Concavenator , would the exoparia, etc. be a readily do-able modification for a good paleoartist (e.g., Bravo Models) on an existing PNSO sculpt?

To me it looks like not that great of a touch-up. But of course, it'd be better to tell Bravo Models about this in case you were interested in having such a modification done.

And the word "obsolete" may ring some alarm bells, but it's true the depiction is now obsolete. That said, the change is pretty minor.

On top of the exoparia thing, the too-big tongue would be the other inaccuracy, this time, one that PNSO could have avoided (and which in fact they did on other theropod figures of theirs).

All things considered, I suppose the figure as a whole will still be able to categorically be considered an "accurate" Tyrannosaurus figure, generally speaking. And it will still probably be one of the best Tyrannosaurus figures ever made (but not the absolute best), despite not being 100 % perfectly accurate.

Of course, these are commments made upon that specific render. Not sure whether they'll modify that render model or not, but hopefully they will. Not a great deal in either case.

SidB, as for visual references, take a look at this paleoart by sauriazoicillus:

The exoparia doesn't actually change much appearance wise. It's just a muscle, and no, it doesn't give Tyrannosaurus bear like cheeks.

I wasn't saying Eofauna Tyrannosaurus already has the exoparia because of its cheeks, but because the buccal flap is mostly covered by the same skin as the rest of the animal, which, as I understand it, is one possibility of how the exoparia may have looked like:



Scren cap from Jetoar's Eofauna Tyrannosaurus review.

Even if these two details (one of which is just the figure becoming obsolete, which is out of PNSO's control) can be considered minor, technically, they're still inaccuracies. Worth bringing up, because some people suggest that PNSO's lipped Tyrannosaurus will be utter perfection and the "definitive" Tyrannosaurus, and as far as accuracy goes, that might not be the case.

Doesn't the varanid-esque visage already eliminate the new PNSO from "definitive" status, due to being an "artistic" choice?

No.

I think J @Joel1905 is right there.

https://x.com/ren_wenyu/status/1906345616420266147?s=46&t=Pus0wh-zA89du_YxI6kt_A

I will gladly refer you to this wonderful animation of a Rex with the newly suggested exoparia. See what I mean when I say it doesn't really change the appearance?

[Over9K]

Does any dinosaur species have what anyone here would consider a "definitive" figure?

IMO, "definitive" doesn't apply. Accuracy to current science, sure. But "definitive" has the sound of finality to it. "Buy this one, and you'll never need buy another, this is The Definitive Figure."

At one point in time, one could argue the Invicta was the "definitive T. rex figure", but that time was brief, as it seems to be for them all.

[Faelrin]

For me I consider the PNSO Deinocheirus, Lambeosaurus, and Parasaurolophus these (despite the neck, and cheek/jaw musculature being outdated, maybe the Edmontosaurus hooves?). The color schemes just sit so well with me, this many years later I have absolutely no desire for any new ones. Maybe the PNSO and upcoming Papo Suchomimus as well. Both have gorgeous colorations and great sculpts.

I mean sure I'd like to see articulated BotM versions of these dinosaurs, but as far as static offerings go, that's how I feel with these.

It's true that what someone considers definitive is subjective though.

[Concavenator]

I will gladly refer you to this wonderful animation of a Rex with the newly suggested exoparia. See what I mean when I say it doesn't really change the appearance?

I would say it's unnoticeable when the mouth is closed, but it can be seen when the mouth is open.

That's why I said that a depiction like PNSO's is technically outdated now. Would the depiction be obsolete? Yes. Would it be obvious? No.

If we were to consider a lipped PNSO Tyrannosaurus inaccurate just because it lacks the exoparia, then we should also consider basically every other theropod figure released yet inaccurate for the same reason. Which is neither practical nor logical.

That said, considering PNSO's lipped T. rex hasn't been released yet, there's the possibility of PNSO being able to modify their model to show the exoparia, and if they do, it'll be appreciated. And it's still something that companies should take into consideration for their theropod figures going forward.

Does any dinosaur species have what anyone here would consider a "definitive" figure?

Depends on what is considered as "definitive". I think what most of us think when the term is brought up, is a figure that lacks known inaccuracies. There are indeed figures that lack known inaccuracies. Very rare cases, but they exist (and it's what companies interested in making scientifically accurate figures should strive for).

However, even figures without known inaccuracies will still have unknown inaccuracies. And as these are discovered, even the figures that at a time were considered "perfect" start becoming obsolete.

That explains why Invicta's Tyrannosaurus might have been super accurate back then, but is now quite outdated.

So the answer to your question would be: "No".

Worth noting, however, that the better remains an extinct species is known for, the closer we will get to being able to make "definitive" figures of them. In exceptional cases like Borealopelta, Anchiornis, Beipiaosaurus, Sinosauropteryx, Microraptor, etc, extremely accurate figures of them can be created. But even in those cases, there are minor questions about what they looked like (like what color were the scales on those theropods, etc). So not even truly definitive figures of them can be created.

[Over9K]

For me I consider the PNSO Deinocheirus, Lambeosaurus, and Parasaurolophus these (despite the neck, and cheek/jaw musculature being outdated, maybe the Edmontosaurus hooves?). The color schemes just sit so well with me, this many years later I have absolutely no desire for any new ones. Maybe the PNSO and upcoming Papo Suchomimus as well. Both have gorgeous colorations and great sculpts.

I mean sure I'd like to see articulated BotM versions of these dinosaurs, but as far as static offerings go, that's how I feel with these.

It's true that what someone considers definitive is subjective though.

Aside: That Lambeosaurus has what I consider to be the most intriguing and beautiful paint scheme on a mass market dinosaur figure. It was risky for PNSO to go that route, and I really wonder how the sales compared to expectations. Imagine that Lambeosaurus, moving along a tree line, feeding on the brush just inside the shadow line, at the edge of a clearing, with the dappled midday sunlight bouncing off those patterns. She would be almost invisible! So amazing.

I wish these companies would take more risks like that with color and camouflage.

[Over9K]

Does any dinosaur species have what anyone here would consider a "definitive" figure?

Depends on what is considered as "definitive". I think what most of us think when the term is brought up, is a figure that lacks known inaccuracies. There are indeed figures that lack known inaccuracies. Very rare cases, but they exist (and it's what companies interested in making scientifically accurate figures should strive for).

However, even figures without known inaccuracies will still have unknown inaccuracies. And as these are discovered, even the figures that at a time were considered "perfect" start becoming obsolete.

That explains why Invicta's Tyrannosaurus might have been super accurate back then, but is now quite outdated.

So the answer to your question would be: "No".

Worth noting, however, that the better remains an extinct species is known for, the closer we will get to being able to make "definitive" figures of them. In exceptional cases like Borealopelta, Anchiornis, Beipiaosaurus, Sinosauropteryx, Microraptor, etc, extremely accurate figures of them can be created. But even in those cases, there are minor questions about what they looked like (like what color were the scales on those theropods, etc). So not even truly definitive figures of them can be created.

That makes sense. While you were taking the time to reply (which I appreciate), I also had a moment to dig down on the word "definitive" for my own edification, and one definition is "cannot be improved, or questioned", which IMO is unachievable in a dinosaur figure, given the nature of science being an evolution of knowledge, as you mention.

But another definition is "the best of it's type", which is pretty much what you have posted, generally speaking. So one definition is objective, but the other is subjective.

The English language is just so frustrating sometimes, when words can have multiple definitions that would seem, on the outside, to contradict each other.

[Protopatch]

Does any dinosaur species have what anyone here would consider a "definitive" figure?

Depends on what is considered as "definitive". I think what most of us think when the term is brought up, is a figure that lacks known inaccuracies. There are indeed figures that lack known inaccuracies. Very rare cases, but they exist (and it's what companies interested in making scientifically accurate figures should strive for).

However, even figures without known inaccuracies will still have unknown inaccuracies. And as these are discovered, even the figures that at a time were considered "perfect" start becoming obsolete.

That explains why Invicta's Tyrannosaurus might have been super accurate back then, but is now quite outdated.

So the answer to your question would be: "No".

Nothing is immutable in life, especially when it comes to paleontology.
But, to desire is a human instant natural reaction and it's logical that we all wish, as far as possible, the most accurate figures right away.
In parallel however, we all know that figures are conceived on the basis of the current (admittedly incomplete) knowledge on dinosaurs, supplemented with the artistic touch of the sculptors.

After all, if we had to wait for the perfect figure for each species, we would probably have to wait until the end of the world and it's not even certain it would reach perfection 

[Joel1905]

I will gladly refer you to this wonderful animation of a Rex with the newly suggested exoparia. See what I mean when I say it doesn't really change the appearance?

I would say it's unnoticeable when the mouth is closed, but it can be seen when the mouth is open.

That's why I said that a depiction like PNSO's is technically outdated now. Would the depiction be obsolete? Yes. Would it be obvious? No.

If we were to consider a lipped PNSO Tyrannosaurus inaccurate just because it lacks the exoparia, then we should also consider basically every other theropod figure released yet inaccurate for the same reason. Which is neither practical nor logical.

That said, considering PNSO's lipped T. rex hasn't been released yet, there's the possibility of PNSO being able to modify their model to show the exoparia, and if they do, it'll be appreciated. And it's still something that companies should take into consideration for their theropod figures going forward.

Does any dinosaur species have what anyone here would consider a "definitive" figure?

Depends on what is considered as "definitive". I think what most of us think when the term is brought up, is a figure that lacks known inaccuracies. There are indeed figures that lack known inaccuracies. Very rare cases, but they exist (and it's what companies interested in making scientifically accurate figures should strive for).

However, even figures without known inaccuracies will still have unknown inaccuracies. And as these are discovered, even the figures that at a time were considered "perfect" start becoming obsolete.

That explains why Invicta's Tyrannosaurus might have been super accurate back then, but is now quite outdated.

So the answer to your question would be: "No".

Worth noting, however, that the better remains an extinct species is known for, the closer we will get to being able to make "definitive" figures of them. In exceptional cases like Borealopelta, Anchiornis, Beipiaosaurus, Sinosauropteryx, Microraptor, etc, extremely accurate figures of them can be created. But even in those cases, there are minor questions about what they looked like (like what color were the scales on those theropods, etc). So not even truly definitive figures of them can be created.

That's only because on that model, the exoparia isn't flesh coloured. It could still just look like a rictus.

We're also forgetting that there's still a reasonable possibility that it's a ligament rather than an actual muscle. We just don't know.

Either way, it's not really worth discarding current theropod figures as 'obsolete'.

[Joel1905]

To quote RJ Palmer in response to the Eofauna-esque cheeks after the exoparia paper...

"That isn't quite what the paper is saying. It's more about a new muscle or tendon than specifically a fleshy rictus. You can still have the exposed jaw muscles, you just need to add exoparia which isn't really present in your bird cheek updated one here either."

[SidB]

I like the phrase "accurate to current science". And that's good enough, within the moving bounds of possibility. It still leaves enough wiggle room for artistic interpretation and flair. Plenty there to satisfy all but the inveterate pedantic.

Thanks, J @Joel1905 and @Concavenator for your technical input into the issue of the exoparia.

[Turkeysaurus]

It's impossible to catch on ever changing dinosaur image especially for companies do mass production. We must accept toy models will never catch on with science.

Edmontosaurus is suggested to have binocular vision recently.


"Acurate ENOUGH to current science"  is my approach. I also care about sculpt work , paintjob , scale as much as accuracy if not more.

I wouldn't be suprise if PNSO would do exoparia eventually because the owner is the famous paleo artist himself.

[Sim]

I think binocular vision in dinosaurs has been underestimated.  I recently read that Psittacosaurus and Protoceratops had binocular vision.  Dromaeosaurids and troodontids have it too.

[Rayeknor]

In general I understand science has to take the slow accurate approach dictated by available solid evidence, more dinosaurs with binocular vision is no surpise, remember these animals evolved for far longer then most of todays animal kingdom. From the previous mass extinction before the Yucatan meteor, it is only natural they were in most areas far more advanced then today's animals, ie sauropods reaching near baleen whale sizes from airsacs, pneumatic skeletons, bird level breathing effectiveness, theropods like T. Rex's vision abilities, and the tons of stuff we still have no idea about that these animals had going for them.

[thomasw100]

Paleofiguras shared a nice picture of a museum gift shop in China filled with PNSO figures.

[Over9K]

Man, I want that Rhino! Haven't seen it in stock anywhere tho...

[oscars_dinos]

Paleofiguras shared a nice picture of a museum gift shop in China filled with PNSO figures.

I always wish for something like this in museums but its always papos and cheaper figures

[Turkeysaurus]

I'm always tempted to buy that lambeosaurus

[Berno]

Official PNSO video describing the reconstruction of Stellasaurus:

I just noticed how cool that Hypacrosaurus looks, I hope PNSO has plans to release a Hypacrosaurus in the future with those exact colors.
PNSO should use more grey paint schemes.

[Gwangi]

I never thought I would wish for a gray dinosaur but it would be a breath of fresh air from PNSO.