Review by Nicholas Anning (“Brontozaurus”), pictures by Zachary Perry (ZoPteryx)
With the notable exception of Carnotaurus, abelisaurids have not often been made as toys. Lately, though, there has been a move towards renditions of less well-known species, perhaps because toys of the most famous dinosaurs are very common. An example of this is CollectA’s Majungasaurus.
Majungasaurus (formerly ‘Majungatholus‘, which this toy is labeled as) was an abelisaurid theropod which lived in Madagascar 70 million years ago. It was previously thought to be a pachycephalosaurid until more skull material was found. This dinosaur grew to a size of 6-7 metres, whereas this toy is 14 centimetres long. Despite its small size, there is a lot of sculpted detail, including scales, skin folds, and a row of scutes running the length of the back and tail. This last element is presumably an inference based on Carnotaurus, which had similar bumps on its skin. However, the toy overall is still accurate to what is known of Majungasaurus.
The stocky back legs and the tiny arms are present, each with the correct number of digits. It still suffers from the common error of pronating the hands-they point downwards instead of inwards. The head is largely accurate, though the horn is somewhat exaggerated and the head is more elongated than in the actual animal, but by and large this is an accurate reconstruction.
This Majungasaurus is coloured a dull red pink, with some black on the top and sides, a dusty grey underbelly, and some orange-yellow stripes along the body (though the pictures don’t show it very well). While it’s certainly an eye-catching colour scheme, you have to wonder how well it would have served the actual animal.
Like nearly all theropod dinosaur toys, this Majungasaurus is posed with its mouth open, showing its many teeth. It appears to be stalking something, looking down towards the ground. An element worth remarking on is that this toy can stand on its own two feet without having to resort to the ‘tripod’ that more than a few bipedal dinosaur toys use even now. It’s a minor element, but I like it.
I rather like this toy. It’s a well sculpted, largely accurate representation of Majungasaurus, despite the few anatomical errors mentioned above. It’s also small and not particularly expensive, so it’s suited for those who don’t have the space or money (or both) for larger figures.
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Another nifty CollectA abelisaurid released the same year (2010) is their Rugops, which, apart from the bunny hands is a real work of art. For some reason it always looks muy clunky in the ad photos, but in person it has real charm. About the same size as the Majungatholus/Majungasaurus, (just under 6″) so both models are about 1/40 scale as the known remains indicate 20 ft. long beasties. (I guess, apart from the Rajasaurus, most known abelisaurids were a small-to-medium sized lot.) Just got one and was pleasantly surprised. Can be had for around $5 (plus shipping.)
Exactly, need I say anything more.
@ johnnykaje: I believe Graham Rosewarne did that artwork. His stuff appeared a lot in that magazine.
@ fooman666: For me the early theropods leave a bit to be desired, but I do like their Cryolophosaurus.
im actually quite fond of this guy,infact, im pretty fond of most of CollectA’s Theropods (yes even the early ones :P)
I used to have that book in the bottom picture. Anyone know the name of the artist that painted that Majungatholus?
Yo en mi honesta y humilde opinión creo que es un dinosaurios a pesar de las críticas del autor bastante infantil e inexacto, (no como las nuevas versiones). Habría que matizar varios aspectos y detalles del animal:
En primer lugar es monocolor, un color bastante aburrido.
En segundo lugar el animal está hecho de un material de plástico de vinilo bastante rígido y por lo tanto como el Paraceratherium de la misma marca (y siendo de juguete), tendente a romperse (ya me paso con el barionócido de la misma marca. Por lo tanto el material es bastante deficitario.
Y en tercer lugar aparte de la prognación de las manos es bastante inexacto en cuanto a la forma de la cabeza, comparándolo con recostrucciones modernas de dinosaurios.
Algunos coleccionistas lo compramos porque no queda otra alternativa al no haber otro animal de esta especie en juguete o si fuese de resina (que eso yo no lo sé) a un precio asequible.
En definitiva y guardando mi simpatía hacia la fábrica, por el valor de hacer al año tantos modelos, es una figura un tanto chapucera y para salir del paso. No me convence.