Lophostropheus (Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, Danger Pack by Mattel)

Lophostropheus is a coelophysoid theropod known from the boundary between the late Triassic and early Jurassic. It is known from a single tooth, a handful of vertebrae from the neck, back, and tail, some pelvic material, and an unidentified fragment. Such scant remains practically guaranteed a toy of Lophostropheus from Mattel, and here we are. Although Mattel makes some bizarre selections, I’m always excited to see a Triassic animal from them, and this time I’m doubly excited since it is a coelophysoid.

Lophostropheus was once classified as a species of Liliensternus but was reassigned to its own genus in 2007. Because of this it is typically reconstructed as being similar to Liliensternus but the most recent analyses put it closer to Sinosaurus and Cryolophosaurus. The genus name means “crest vertebrae” in reference to the crests on the top and bottom of its neck vertebrae. The species name, airelensis, is in reference to the Airel Quarry in France, where it was discovered.

Mattel’s figure leans heavily on the Liliensternus-like interpretation, giving it a single crest on the head that we’re still not sure Liliensternus even had. The body is overall rather slim and lithe like a coelophysoid should be but blended with Mattel’s typical cartoony approach. The torso is too compact, the head and feet are too large, and the legs and tail are too short. Although coelophysoids had four fingers the fourth would have been vestigial and possibly encased in skin which makes the three fingered hands of this toy acceptable. The head is appropriately long and narrow.

The figure measures 8” (20.32 cm) long and stands 3” (7.62 cm) tall at the hip. Lophostropheus is estimated to have measured 10’ (3 meters) in length which puts the toy at 1/15 in scale. The toy doesn’t have an action feature but the arms and legs can rotate, the mouth can open (albeit only slightly), and the head and neck can be raised and lowered.

The figure is rich in fine details, including a full body covering of pebbly scales and wrinkles, a row of bumps running down the back atop a thick ridge, large feature scales on the thighs, well defined musculature, and thick folds of skin running down the neck. I really like the addition of the neck folds. The crest has a jagged edge and is sunken in in places, as if there are openings in it that are covered by skin. It is further detailed with fine ridges. Bird-like scutes are sculpted on the toes and the ribs are slightly visible under the skin.

There are a few new details to be appreciated here too. Mattel seems to be embracing scars and battle wounds with this wave of figures and the Lophostropheus has several deep cuts and scratches molded into its skin. Also new is the approach to the toe claws which appear slightly more refined and deeply curved. The teeth are not separately molded inserts like on some of Mattel’s larger theropods, but they’re more finely sculpted than in past toys in this size range. They also stop at the maxilla, which is always a bonus. I would have preferred lips like on the Herrerasaurus but all well.

The paintjob is predictably lackluster with unpainted claws and no paint on the tail, legs, and arms. The body is brown with a cream-colored jaw and underbelly. The crest is a metallic pale green color while metallic dark green patterning runs across the face. The tongue is pink, and the teeth are white. The eyes are red with black elliptical pupils. The paintjob is a tad dull but naturalistic and serviceable enough.

Perhaps predictably, I like this figure a lot. It’s an obscure animal, from the Triassic, and a coelophysoid, so it checks off a few boxes for me. It’s the sort of figure that keeps me coming back to Mattel’s Jurassic World line. And if you don’t like it representing such a fragmentary animal as Lophostropheus you can use it as a Liliensternus instead. This figure is just now hitting the shelves and should be available for a while. It retails for about $9.00.