Lophostropheus is a coelophysoid theropod identified from the boundary between the late Triassic and early Jurassic. It’s identified from a single tooth, a handful of vertebrae from the neck, again, and tail, some pelvic materials, and an unidentified fragment. Such scant stays virtually assured a toy of Lophostropheus from Mattel, and right here we’re. Though Mattel makes some weird alternatives, I’m at all times excited to see a Triassic animal from them, and this time I’m doubly excited since it’s a coelophysoid.
Lophostropheus was as soon as labeled as a species of Liliensternus however was reassigned to its personal genus in 2007. Due to this it’s usually reconstructed as being just like Liliensternus however the newest analyses put it nearer to Sinosaurus and Cryolophosaurus. The genus title means “crest vertebrae” in reference to the crests on the highest and backside of its neck vertebrae. The species title, airelensis, is in reference to the Airel Quarry in France, the place it was found.
Mattel’s determine leans closely on the Liliensternus-like interpretation, giving it a single crest on the top that we’re nonetheless undecided Liliensternus even had. The physique is total slightly slim and lithe like a coelophysoid needs to be however blended with Mattel’s typical cartoony method. The torso is just too compact, the top and ft are too giant, and the legs and tail are too quick. Though coelophysoids had 4 fingers the fourth would have been vestigial and presumably encased in pores and skin which makes the three fingered fingers of this toy acceptable. The pinnacle is appropriately lengthy and slender.
The determine measures 8” (20.32 cm) lengthy and stands 3” (7.62 cm) tall on the hip. Lophostropheus is estimated to have measured 10’ (3 meters) in size which places the toy at 1/15 in scale. The toy doesn’t have an motion characteristic however the legs and arms can rotate, the mouth can open (albeit solely barely), and the top and neck may be raised and lowered.
The determine is wealthy in nice particulars, together with a full physique protecting of pebbly scales and wrinkles, a row of bumps operating down the again atop a thick ridge, giant characteristic scales on the thighs, nicely outlined musculature, and thick folds of pores and skin operating down the neck. I actually just like the addition of the neck folds. The crest has a jagged edge and is sunken in in locations, as if there are openings in it which are lined by pores and skin. It’s additional detailed with nice ridges. Chook-like scutes are sculpted on the toes and the ribs are barely seen below the pores and skin.
There are a couple of new particulars to be appreciated right here too. Mattel appears to be embracing scars and battle wounds with this wave of figures and the Lophostropheus has a number of deep cuts and scratches molded into its pores and skin. Additionally new is the method to the toe claws which seem barely extra refined and deeply curved. The enamel are usually not individually molded inserts like on a few of Mattel’s bigger theropods, however they’re extra finely sculpted than in previous toys on this dimension vary. Additionally they cease on the maxilla, which is at all times a bonus. I’d have most well-liked lips like on the Herrerasaurus however all nicely.
The paintjob is predictably lackluster with unpainted claws and no paint on the tail, legs, and arms. The physique is brown with a cream-colored jaw and underbelly. The crest is a metallic pale inexperienced colour whereas metallic darkish inexperienced patterning runs throughout the face. The tongue is pink, and the enamel are white. The eyes are pink with black elliptical pupils. The paintjob is a tad boring however naturalistic and serviceable sufficient.
Maybe predictably, I like this determine quite a bit. It’s an obscure animal, from the Triassic, and a coelophysoid, so it checks off a couple of containers for me. It’s the kind of determine that retains me coming again to Mattel’s Jurassic World line. And for those who don’t prefer it representing such a fragmentary animal as Lophostropheus you should utilize it as a Liliensternus as a substitute. This determine is simply now hitting the cabinets and needs to be out there for some time. It retails for about $9.00.
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