Favorite - New for 2015

[stargatedalek]

The sad part for me is that there is plenty of room to differentiate megalodon from modern sharks, and yet no-one ever does. Megalodon despite the stereotype wasn't out eating humpback sized animals, it was living in coastal waters eating pinnipeds and smaller (largest 23 ft) cetaceans. This sort of niche, such a large predatory animal in relatively coastal areas hunting prey much smaller than itself, allows for a great deal of speculation. Would it need the same open ocean camouflage as the great white? perhaps not. If it was maneuvering right up close to the show it might have had enlarged pectoral fins for making decisive turns. Perhaps it was more ambush dedicated than a great white and a mottled colouration would have helped it? All of these and other questions will most likely never be answered, but most people won't even think to ask them because they think its just a scaled up great white from the get-go.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Has anyone ever tried a replica that made Meg look like a Sand Shark? I recall hearing that theory awhile back but seems to have been ignored.

Speaking of Meg, I'm everyone's heard of Steve Alten's book by now..seems it may be getting movie interest again. We could see more Meg replicas soon.

[Gwangi]

Has anyone ever tried a replica that made Meg look like a Sand Shark? I recall hearing that theory awhile back but seems to have been ignored.

Speaking of Meg, I'm everyone's heard of Steve Alten's book by now..seems it may be getting movie interest again. We could see more Meg replicas soon.

With the success of JW I wouldn't be surprised if we had a sudden surge of prehistoric monster movies. Ideally it would lead to a movie adaptation of "Raptor Red" but that's doubtful, and they would probably screw it up.

I recall hearing the sandtiger hypothesis for megalodon as well though it doesn't seem to have gained much attention over the years. I believe its mostly speculative with no real evidence to back it up. Still would be nice to have a model depicting it as such, if only for some variety.


http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/evolution/megalodon_as_sandtiger.htm

[SBell]

Has anyone ever tried a replica that made Meg look like a Sand Shark? I recall hearing that theory awhile back but seems to have been ignored.

Speaking of Meg, I'm everyone's heard of Steve Alten's book by now..seems it may be getting movie interest again. We could see more Meg replicas soon.

With the success of JW I wouldn't be surprised if we had a sudden surge of prehistoric monster movies. Ideally it would lead to a movie adaptation of "Raptor Red" but that's doubtful, and they would probably screw it up.

I recall hearing the sandtiger hypothesis for megalodon as well though it doesn't seem to have gained much attention over the years. I believe its mostly speculative with no real evidence to back it up. Still would be nice to have a model depicting it as such, if only for some variety.


http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/evolution/megalodon_as_sandtiger.htm

Honestly, every depiction of C. megalodon, other than the teeth, is speculation of some kind. I am thinking that it doesn't help that the linked article tries to make the unhelpful connection between C. megalodon-as-sandtiger with T.rex-as-scavenger (major point of refutation--what, then, is the large or even medium-sized predator in the ecosystem?).

I don't really follow this closely, but if it is the case that the body shape of a sand tiger or crocodile shark is plesiomorphic, then it would be parsimonius to use that as a starting point. I remember reading an article several years ago that tooth shape in sharks was not a necessarily reliable indicator of relationships or dietary habit; if that is the case, then those teeth could belong to a shark of any reasonable morphology (angel shark or wobbegong just don't make sense...yet) with any reasonable lifestyle (probably not a filter feeder).

Or, of course, until real evidence appears somehow. I recall waaaaayyyy back in the early days, on DTF1, we had a member that claimed to know about some mind-blowing, world-changing C. megalodon finds that...we never heard anything further about. It's too bad, because maybe they were real and useful? Or maybe it was a Discovery Channel exec laying groundwork for a dumb TV show.

[Gwangi]

Honestly, every depiction of C. megalodon, other than the teeth, is speculation of some kind.

Well yeah, that's a given. I suppose based on tooth morphology there is stronger support for a relationship with other Lamnidae but as you said, the tooth morphology could indicate nothing.

I am thinking that it doesn't help that the linked article tries to make the unhelpful connection between C. megalodon-as-sandtiger with T.rex-as-scavenger (major point of refutation--what, then, is the large or even medium-sized predator in the ecosystem?).

I noticed that as well. In the defense of the article, it was written by an ichthyologist who specializes in sharks, not a paleontologist. It's also quite an old article, I recall reading it in 2000 or 2001 originally, unfortunately the site creator and author of most of its content passed several years ago.  The site itself is one of the best on sharks on the web and worth browsing.

[SBell]

Honestly, every depiction of C. megalodon, other than the teeth, is speculation of some kind.

Well yeah, that's a given. I suppose based on tooth morphology there is stronger support for a relationship with other Lamnidae but as you said, the tooth morphology could indicate nothing.

I am thinking that it doesn't help that the linked article tries to make the unhelpful connection between C. megalodon-as-sandtiger with T.rex-as-scavenger (major point of refutation--what, then, is the large or even medium-sized predator in the ecosystem?).

I noticed that as well. In the defense of the article, it was written by an ichthyologist who specializes in sharks, not a paleontologist. It's also quite an old article, I recall reading it in 2000 or 2001 originally, unfortunately the site creator and author of most of its content passed several years ago.  The site itself is one of the best on sharks on the web and worth browsing.

I am aware of the site, but did not know that the site author has passed, it's a great site, but the date might indicate why some things are not up to date.

Still, it would be nice if that particular topic were picked up--CollectA is pretty good with out-of-the-box designs.

[Gwangi]

I am aware of the site, but did not know that the site author has passed, it's a great site, but the date might indicate why some things are not up to date.

Still, it would be nice if that particular topic were picked up--CollectA is pretty good with out-of-the-box designs.

He passed in 2007, R. Aidan Martin. He helped me identify a bunch of fossil shark teeth when I was younger and I ate up just about that entire site back in 00-01. So yeah, the content is a bit dated now. I'm just happy the site is still up and running. I loved reading his recommended reading list and am happy to report that I do own most of the titles for which he gave the best reviews.

Really there is no reason NOT to do some more speculative takes on megalodon, CollectA would indeed be a good option. I don't own any meg. figures simply because they all look like white sharks.

[stargatedalek]

I'd love to see CollectA's take on a megalodon, this might be something to write up and recommend to them someday.

The Favorite Kinto megalodon is incredibly well sculpted, even with its cliche paint app. Who knows, I might end up getting this one as a white shark.

[Gwangi]

The Favorite Kinto megalodon is incredibly well sculpted, even with its cliche paint app. Who knows, I might end up getting this one as a white shark.

I would probably make an exception for the Favorite model. I am a casual shark toy collector as well so it would be only appropriate. By casual I mean very casual, I have 5 sharks figures.

[stargatedalek]

I'm a generalist (AKA non mammals + cetaceans ), so I already have a lot of sharks, but the "classic" top predators are not ones I would normally get unless they were exceptional pieces.

[Takama]

Newest Exclusive Figure. 

Turiasaurus Desktop Model



What Favorite has to say(Translated on Facebook)

Mega dinosaur exhibition 2015 - clue to the mystery of the giant - 7/18/2015 (Saturday) will be held at Makuhari Messe. Attractions around the various but mega dinosaur exhibition is exhibition highlighting the dinosaurs known as "sauropod". Sauropods are characterized by long neck and tail, has been the largest land animals. Is Europe's largest dinosaur "turiasaurus"! This is the first time kind of sauropod found in Spain, restored skeleton (half body) released in Japan. Turiasaurus is estimated about 30 meters in length and she assembled skeleton (half) Grand, dazzled by the viewers. Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils and fossils of the euhlops (the Chinese) and ricernux (the North), published for the first time in Japan. Even non-dinosaurs, such as whales, mammoth, collection the giant creatures.
And they're also highlights! The venues limited original figure "turiasaurus", "miniature skull" appeared. Turiasaurus is will be available in limited quantities in made of polyresin plump figure sculpted by Araki kazunari said. Is the real figures feel colours of turiasaurus is reproduced in the elaborate molding and the world since time immemorial at the venue felt excitement in your home. Palm-sized miniature skull is turiasaurus, ricernux, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops 4 type 2 colors each. Appeared in the Gacha feel free to enjoy. At the venue you are visiting look at please check.

Mega dinosaur exhibition - clue to the mystery of the giant - 2015
Date: 7/18/2015 (Saturday)-8/30/2015 (Sunday)
Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall Hall 11 (2-1, nakase, Mihama-Ku, Chiba)
TEL: 03-5777-8600 (Hello dial

[postsaurischian]

  Awesome! A must-have!!
    Thanks for the info, Takama.

[CityRaptor]

I'm kinda unsure about this one. On one hand it is a great-looking model, bjt I'm worried that it might break during shipping.

[Invicta Hunter]

That's the thing with these models, their so delicate.
Even when their packed securely in a box with polystyrene they can still break in transit.
Still it's very nice.

[Daspletodave]

Is there any indication of the size of this model?

[Gwangi]

Favorite would probably be my favorite company if they would just make their more obscure dinosaurs more widely available. I hate getting teased by all these awesome exclusives! And what few dinosaurs they've made that are widely available we only get the same selection of common species, and then we get re-sulpts of those same species, and then repaints. Come on favorite! I want to love you!

[Halichoeres]

Favorite would probably be my favorite company if they would just make their more obscure dinosaurs more widely available. I hate getting teased by all these awesome exclusives! And what few dinosaurs they've made that are widely available we only get the same selection of common species, and then we get re-sulpts of those same species, and then repaints. Come on favorite! I want to love you!

Seconded. I would rather have the Tarbosaurus and Saurolophus than all those repaints of Tyrannosaurus and Spinosaurus. Even the expanded prehistoric life series doesn't show a great deal more daring, just reworking the standard fare (although, I must admit, beautifully).

[tanystropheus]

I'm kinda unsure about this one. On one hand it is a great-looking model, bjt I'm worried that it might break during shipping.

I'm worried it will never come out in the west (and will be released in scant quantities), because Favorite doesn't really have much faith in the strength of their products (the obscure species, I mean). Favorite made some of the best representations of Ankylosaurus, Styracosaurus and Plesiosaurus in the market....but to be honest, we have a ton of these anyways...Why is Favorite depriving the world of Turiasaurus, Concavenator, Saurolophus and Tarbosaurus? Why not take a risk? I don't want v4. v5. T rex.

[tanystropheus]

Favorite would probably be my favorite company if they would just make their more obscure dinosaurs more widely available. I hate getting teased by all these awesome exclusives! And what few dinosaurs they've made that are widely available we only get the same selection of common species, and then we get re-sulpts of those same species, and then repaints. Come on favorite! I want to love you!

I totally agree. I recently picked up Ankylosaurus and Styraco. Amazing sculpts. The Ankylo surpasses the Carnegie version, and the Styraco is easily on par with the Papo. Favorite has the potential to be one of my...err...favorite dinosaur companies (despite, their sometimes questionable color schemes)...sigh...but it will never happen due to logistic reasons  and annoying museum exclusive nonsense.

[sauroid]

Favorite would probably be my favorite company if they would just make their more obscure dinosaurs more widely available. I hate getting teased by all these awesome exclusives! And what few dinosaurs they've made that are widely available we only get the same selection of common species, and then we get re-sulpts of those same species, and then repaints. Come on favorite! I want to love you!

I totally agree. I recently picked up Ankylosaurus and Styraco. Amazing sculpts. The Ankylo surpasses the Carnegie version, and the Styraco is easily on par with the Papo. Favorite has the potential to be one of my...err...favorite dinosaur companies (despite, their sometimes questionable color schemes)...sigh...but it will never happen due to logistic reasons  and annoying museum exclusive nonsense.

they'd be even better if they make their figures in 1:40 scale, and make more obscure species.