Review and photographs by Loon, edited by Suspsy.
Given their inability to articulate, most dinosaur figures are often posed neutrally. After all, there are only so many adventures a kid can take a sleeping dinosaur on. Luckily, the Paleo-Creatures line isn’t aimed at kids, so just like PNSO, they have released a resting Mei long. The Jeff from The Wiggles of dinosaurs, both specimens of this troodontid have been preserved resting in a way not too different from a roosting bird. This makes Mei a particularly special fossil, as such behavior is rarely preserved in dinosaurs.
Unlike many Paleo-Creatures figures, Mei is fused to its base. The base is small, about 2 ½ inches (6 cm) long. But despite this, it’s a good representation of Lower Cretaceous Liaoning, showing what looks to be a forest floor covered in mosses and small plants. While the green plants near the animal’s head are plastic, the moss covering the ground and wood seems to be real.
This Mei is also quite tiny. This makes sense, as all known Mei long fossils are juveniles, reaching about 21’ long in life. The underside of the base lists its scale as 1:4, but at about 3½ inches (9 cm) long from head to tail, it’s closer to being 1:6 scale.
The detailing for such a small dinosaur is pretty good. The bird-like pose that made Mei famous is executed well. With its snout tucked under its wing and some very believable feathering, this animal looks alive in a way few figures do. Accuracy is also on point, for the most part. The only quibble I have with the figure is the head: the length and shape of the snout, as well as the smaller eyes, resemble an older animal than this figure’s scale implies.
Paintwork is exceptional, not only on Mei but also on the base. The brown on the top of the tiny theropod is dry-brushed with gold, giving the animal iridescence. Also, despite barely being visible, the toes and fingers are painted in the same grey used for the snout. The base is given a very realistic paint job; the earthy tones used to make this one of the best bases I’ve ever seen.
Overall, not only is this Mei figure well made, but it’s very unique. The use of real plants, as well as the iconic pose, is sure to make this figure stand out in any collection.
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Very nice review. I have a great fondness for Mei long because it preserves a life behaviour. I’m quite proud to say that it was I who originally commissioned Paleo-Creatures to produce this model. It was very enjoyable to be involved as the figure took shape.
In that case, I really do have to thank you. This is one of my favorite figures, particularly because it shows that behavior.
You are most welcome Loon!