AxiomAlchemy
PNSO’s Pinacosaurus is the pinnacle of artistic accuracy.
The Asian ankylosaurinae are often overlooked in favor of their North American cousins, but for 2021 PNSO releases Pinacosaurus grangeri. It was native to Mongolia and named in 1933. This beautifully stunning figure makes up for the 88 year absence from the public mainstream. This thyreophoran ornithischian reflects an alternate evolutionary direction in which the defenses seemed aimed at smaller maniraptoran hunters, rather than gargantuan theropods. The sculpt; Fantastically rich in detail with adherence to accuracy. Squat, wide, and heavily built, the morphology is consistent with these ankylosaurs from ancient Mongolia and China. The figure boasts all manner of dermal weaponry and features the forearm spurs which seem to be particular to these Asian ankylosaurs. The belly scales are sculpted with the same care as the top. The skull is broad, flat, with the anatomically correct muzzle and nostrils. The manus and pes are also correct and impressively detailed. The pose; Relaxed and tranquil, the absence of an action pose is not only appreciated but welcomed. The figure seems in quiet repose, with all four paws firmly planted, without haste nor concerns. The static pose in this case, compliments the sculpted details and makes for a most handsome little figure. The colours; Vibrant and brilliant, the pattern is based on the Australian Thorny Devil with a pallet of light olive with chocolate accents along the back with deep browns along the flanks and taupe for the underside and spines. The colours are dynamic and arresting, accolades are in order for a departure from stripes and earth tones assigned to previous figures. A multitude of accolades for this marvelous little figure. PNSO is rapidly becoming a premier company in producing prehistoric figures exceedingly beautiful, affordable, and scientifically accurate. I anxiously await future releases in the years to come.