Before we begin the review, I would like to thank the generous folks over at ToyMonster, for sending me a large selection of Captivz figures to share with the blog.
In S01E06 of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous we were introduced to Parasaurolophus lux. These GMO dinos had bioluminescent genes from marine organisms that gave them the ability to glow. As silly as it sounds this is one of the more grounded ideas put forth by the Jurassic World franchise. In 2003, GloFish were introduced into the pet trade. These patented and trademarked fish became the first Genetically Modified Organisms to become commercially available. Like the Parasaurolophus from Camp Cretaceous, the fish species Danio rerio (zebrafish) were genetically modified with a fluorescent protein gene derived from marine invertebrates that gives them the ability to glow and pass that gene on through reproduction. Since then, other fish species have been similarly modified and the technique has also been used on mice, pigs, dogs, and cats. I don’t think it’s a stretch to think that if a company had the ability to clone dinosaurs that they would also feel compelled to make them glow.
Today we’re looking at the Parasaurolphus lux by ToyMonster, part of their Captivz line and within the Chaos Theory series. Ironically, it does not glow, but there is a glow in the dark Parasaurolphus figure by Captivz. The figure is standing in a quadrupedal pose and looking over its left shoulder with its mouth open, as if calling out to its herd. The figure measures 3” (7.62 cm) long and stands1.5” (3.81 cm) tall at the shoulder. Scaled down from a length of 30’ (9.1 meters) the figure comes out to be 1/120 in scale.
This mold is one of the older ones in the Captivz line and has been used a few times, most notably in the Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary line where it has the green coloration of the first film’s Parasaurolophus. It’s the only figure that does! Alas, I don’t have that one. I’m not too broken hearted about it though because honestly, I don’t really like this figure.
Far from the graceful and elegant Parasaurolophus we see in the films this one is emaciated, gangly, and awkward, as if it were a teenage Para, perhaps. The head, hands, and feet are too large, the body too thin and saggy, and the tail too small. I can’t give it too much hate though, the Paras in Camp Cretaceous are similarly awkward looking.
The figure is a dirty mustard color, which also is not very attractive. The illusion of bioluminescence is created by thin metallic pink stripes along the back and thighs that sparkle when you rotate the figure in the light. It’s a nifty way to make the figure “glow” so I have to give ToyMonster props for that. The crest, beak, and a portion of the face are painted dark brown.
The Captivz Parasaurolophus is one of the weaker figures in the line and I think it’s time for it to be replaced. It’s not terrible but ToyMonster has set a high bar for themselves with some of their other offerings. I would love to see them make a new Parasaurolphus with the craftsmanship afforded their more recent figures, especially if it were a Jurassic World: Dominion Parasaurolophus.
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