Introduction
In the 1990s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had inspirational success. Many other toy lines tried to replicate this blend of animals and humans. The 90s also brought Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. Combining these two elements, Mattel produced the Extreme Dinosaurs, with DIC Entertainment producing the animated series. But when exactly were these first Extreme Dinosaurs action figures made?
The First Extreme Dinosaurs Action Figures
The Extreme Dinosaurs came to life in 1996. The initial series had five available standard action figures. There was Bullseye the Pterodactyl, Evil Haxx the Raptor, Spike the Triceratops, Stegz the Stegosaurus, and T-Bone the Tyrannosaurus. The action figures featured dinosaurs with gigantic mouths filled with teeth, but they had slight, muscular bodies. These features created a deformed look. This aesthetic, coupled with the popularity of the animated series, resulted in a surge of interest. Each dinosaur had a unique action feature, enhancing its appeal and playability.
Extreme Dinosaurs Updates
The second series of Extreme Dinosaurs featured new paint applications and themes. This series had a War Paint theme, giving each dinosaur a unique, fun look. The third series introduced a new subline. Instead of providing another paint application, Mattel created toys with various accessories to improve battle abilities. This subline introduced two new characters: Bad Rap the Raptor and Hard Rock the Ankylosaurus. Extreme Dinosaurs also featured vehicles, such as the Dino Jet.
Collectability
One of the appealing aspects of these Extreme Dinosaurs action figures is their rarity and collectability. The production run was relatively short, spanning just a couple of years. This short run-time has resulted in the action figures becoming highly sought after by collectors and fans of the show, adding a level of intrigue and value to these items.
Conclusion
More than 25 years later, the first Extreme Dinosaurs action figures still hold an enduring appeal, especially among vintage toy enthusiasts and collectors. They represent a specific era of toy manufacturing and the creative spirit of a beloved animated series.
Unearthing the history of these action figures gives us a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the toy industry and the cultural shifts that shaped it. They serve as a testament to the enduring power of imaginative play and the universal allure of dinosaurs, connecting us with a past that continues to fascinate, engage, and inspire.
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About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!