The Lost World Series 1: Pachycephalosaurus (large)

Year of release: 1997

Accessories:

-Four pieces of capture gear

-Dino damage wound piece

Description: this large Pachycephalosaurus model sports a different, darker, paint job than its smaller counterpart from the same toy line. Most noticeable is the dark blue colouring which is found on most of the body, running in one large spot from the neck to the base of the tail, from which it continues over the tail in a series of ten stripes. On the flanks the blue flows out in an asymmetrical pattern from the blue on the back, as is also the case on the upper legs. On its lower left leg a JP: Site B logo with the number .23 is located, in the same colour. Additionally, the creature also has blue spots around its bright orange eyes, and its small beak is dark blue as well. The lower parts of the animal, its belly, inner part of the limbs, throat and lower part of the tail are entirely white, as is the large dome on its head including some of the small spikes directly behind it. The rest of the body of this creature, most of the face and limbs, side of the neck, most of the flanks and parts of the tail, are coloured dark brown. The Pachy’s claws (notice he has five fingers on each hand) are not painted.

This robust and muscular dinosaur stands in a totally neutral position, though its tail is bent upwards at the end to keep it in balance. On its left flank there’s a dino damage skin patch: removing it reveals pink intestines and red muscle tissue. At the upper base of the tail a button is located, which activates the attack action this dinosaur is equipped with. (Note: there is a variation of this sculpt that doesn’t actually have a visible button on its back because its located under its skin. This version is unfortunately rarer.) Pressing the animal’s head inwards and then pushing the button causes the head to move forward with great force, as if giving a violent head butt.

The head ramming action also facilitates the dinosaur-breaks-free-of-restraints action. This figure comes with four pieces of capture gear, all painted in the same dark metallic colour. When the head is pressed inwards, this gear can be attached around the animal, forming a sort of harness. Pressing the button makes it appear the dinosaur forces its way out of these restraints, though the large piece strapped around its waist doesn’t come off.

Analysis: since the smaller Pachycephalosaurus of this toy line was a repaint of the JPS2 Pachy, it’s only fair Kenner provided us with a new Pachycephalosaurus as well, to celebrate this dinosaur’s small but spectacular role in the TLW movie. The designers did not disappoint, since this large Pachy is a wonderful and given its large size even surprising addition to the toy line. The paint job is adequate but nothing too special, so it’s the head ramming action which is the main attraction of this figure.

Granted, it looks a bit odd to see the neck of the animal stick out of a big hole like that, and when the head is pushed inwards it looks rather silly, but the ferocity and power of the attack option make every little point of criticism fade. To keep it short: this attack action works really well. The head is released with great force, smashing down anything in its path, which does mean it only works on a point blank range. Unlike with most attack actions this one doesn’t just affect smaller dinosaurs or human figures, but vehicles and large creatures as well. A precise hit will easily knock a Net Trapper or a Carnotaurus over. It’s really a fun action feature, which of course is also used for the compulsory dinosaur-breaks-free-of-capture-gear action most TLW dinosaur figures come with. In the Pachy’s case, this too works almost flawlessly. Pressing the button basically launches the front part of the restraints, sometimes up to about 60 centimetres. This can even be used as a weapon, not unlike missile or net launchers, except now it’s the dinosaur’s turn to fire at others.

Despite the great attack feature, the typical dino damage wound is less of a success. It looks very artificial, like someone cut an almost symmetrical piece out of the creature’s left side. But the worst part is that it’s very hard to remove, since it fits in very tightly. It’s also a bitch to put back. A shame, because it’s the only real problem this otherwise fantastic figure suffers from.

Playability: quite high. The head ramming action alone makes for loads of playability options. Besides that, this sculpt stands in a good neutral posture and has both poseable arms and legs. Also, its head can be twisted around, even in a 360 decree circle (though that may be a bit gruesome). In this case the capture gear also adds some nice options, since it’s not only usable on the dinosaur, but also by the dinosaur. Sadly, the feeble damage wound takes away something, but the overall playability doesn’t suffer to much from it. However, a note of caution: the attack action really is quite powerful, so you should be careful with it. It has the ability to damage figures when it smashes into them, and causes paint wear, even on this figure’s head itself. So have mercy on your toys.

Realism: the bizarre shape of the head with its large dome and array of small spikes make this creature stand out as a real Pachycephalosaurus. Interestingly enough, compared to the human figures of this toy line, the creature’s size is about accurate. The Pachy seen in the TLW movie was smaller though, and most likely a juvenile. Its colours somewhat match this figure’s paint job, or at least the blue/brown combination does. However, they are very different from the colours of the other Pachys from this toy line, like they’re different species.

Repaint: no. This figure would not be repainted for any later toy line either.

Overall rating: 8/10. This is a very neat dinosaur with a great attack action and a decent paint job. Even though it has some minor downsides, like the dino damage piece that’s hard to remove and the potential damage the head butting action may cause on other figures, it is most definitely worth being added to any JP toy fans’ collection. It’s not hard to find since it enjoyed a wide release, so you shouldn’t have much problems getting hold of one.