Overview and images by Noideaforaname, edited by Suspsy
The Misplaced World: Jurassic Park is my favourite of the sequence thanks in no small half for its portrayal of Tyrannosaurus rex as each savage predators and caring mother and father, and I’ve been hoping for a Hammond Assortment “Buck” ever for the reason that launch of “Rexy” and “Junior.” In 2023, Mattel provided the Buck as a stretch aim to their ill-fated Jurassic Park Gates crowdfund, and tried once more in 2025 as a San Diego Comedian Con/Mattel Creations unique–and succeeded. Which nonetheless isn’t an excellent launch, however is at the very least an precise launch.
Earlier than I get to the toys themselves, a short have a look at the packaging. The outer field is styled as an outdated battered steel CRT monitor lined in stickers. The screenshot of the rex roaring at San Diego is deliberately a bit blurry, consistent with 90’s tech limitations.
The inside field portrays a scene straight out of a foolish tie-in business: the Buck smashing his manner into the conference middle and coming nose to nose with . . . one other T. rex? Nicely, not fairly, however whether or not the Buck realizes that’s left to the creativeness.
. . . though the again of the field implies the dino doppelganger escapes unscathed.
The primary occasion is, in fact, the Buck himself. A repaint of the unique Hammond Assortment T. rex, he sports activities a extra saturated, Kenner-inspired colour scheme. Admittedly, after the enhancements made with the Giganotosaurus and Spinosauru, this 3-year-old mildew feels a bit dated, however just a few necessary components have been retooled.
The Buck’s higher jaw is fully new, that includes battle scars and totally different scale patterns (the obvious being the lacrimal crests over the eyes). The tooth have additionally been up to date; they’re much sharper and, consequently, fabricated from softer materials.
Extra considerably, the Buck’s toes are a lot smaller than his predecessor’s. “Clown footwear” was a standard grievance for the road’s early releases, so it’s good seeing that problem addressed.
Naturally, the entire authentic toy’s articulation is retained, together with the double-jointed knees and mid-torso joint.
The glass eye impact is much better this time round (my authentic Rex by no means not appears to be like black), although nonetheless not excellent.
Additionally included is the form of merchandise I really like seeing in these conference units: one thing enjoyable and attention-grabbing, however finally not essential. On this case, an excellent fan carrying an inflatable dinosaur costume.
Very like the precise costume, the primary physique of the toy is hole and fabricated from a smooth rubbery plastic with a tough plastic block inside performing because the wearer’s precise physique. There are two swappable faces: one feminine and one male. A phrase of warning: whereas they connect securely, the versatile materials tends to push the face out if it’s messed with an excessive amount of.
The choice to provide the legs full vary of movement does spoil the phantasm of this being a slipshod 8-foot balloon draped over a human body.
The tremendous fan comes with varied goodies: a scale reproduction of this very set, a backpack/tote bag considerably anachronistically labelled 2025, a single purple plastic block representing varied books and prints and containers purchased on the con, and a one-sided banner with a cute reference to the primary Jurassic Park film. I have to admit, having merely camped out on the Mattel Creations website throughout a lunch break to accumulate this merchandise, the total impact is a bit misplaced on me.
Total, this can be a enjoyable set that’s sadly overshadowed by the choice to relegate a serious dinosaur “character” to a conference unique. For those who weren’t fortunate sufficient to be at SDCC or the Mattel Creations website on the proper time, your solely choice now’s the after market and certain at a number of instances the unique $85 price ticket. With a bit of luck, Mattel will acknowledge the demand for the Buck and give you some form of rerelease. On the very least a JP3 Bull T. rex would function a “shut sufficient” choice, a lot as Rexy is a superb stand-in for Doe.
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