Carnufex (Planet Wow by Blue Ocean)

Before I start with the actual review of the figure, I just want to thank our readers who, in these fast-paced times, still appreciate the simple, good old form of a written text complemented with pictures. I don’t think we’re going to die out; it’s more likely to go for us like the record collectors, who have found their niche which is growing again. Besides, in my opinion, a blog like this is also meant to complement the numerous YouTube videos and social media posts, serving as a kind of timeless directory that you’re happy to refer back to if you are looking for reliable data or if you don’t want to be constantly babbled at.

That said, let’s move on to the figure, the fourth one from Planet Wow that I want to take a closer look at. Again, it’s not about a real crocodile, but that’s totally fine, because pseudosuchians are honestly at least just as dear to me – if not even more so. I really enjoy this one because it’s the only figure that represents Carnufex. As far as I know, there’s no figure or even model of this species on the market. Anyone who knows something different is warmly invited to note it in the comments.

According to Wikipedia, Carnufex (from Latin carnufex = ‘butcher’) is an extinct carnivorous genus of early crocodile-like reptiles from the Late Triassic of the USA. The only known species is Carnufex carolinensis, named after the US state of North Carolina, where the fossils were excavated in 2003 on private land and were first presented to the public in 2015 by Lindsay Zanno and colleagues. Its total length is estimated to be around three meters.

Our friend here isn’t really that big. It’s 17 cm long and stands a solid 4.5 cm tall. And it actually stands, which you wouldn’t really expect just by looking at my copy, since it’s made from such weird, floppy rubber and one hind leg bends inwards.

Despite the sensational name of the species, this depiction doesn’t look like a butcher at all, but more like a cheerful animal happily going about its way. On four legs, mind you, even though it’s almost certain that Carnufex could also move around on two legs. Half of the painting kept the cast color, but the top part and the legs are painted. The color scheme uses a light yellowish beige, light blue, and a red accent on the two top sides of the skull, which I really like. We see ear openings and even get an idea of the skeletal structure of the head.

The skin pattern and anatomy are surprisingly detailed, with a ridge of bone on the back, teeth you can feel and see in the lower pink-painted mouth, and even the predental and brow ridges! Don’t expect any miracles, though, when it comes to painting the claws. The real downside of the Planet Wow figures was recently brought up in the forum: the paint can be removed effortlessly just by rubbing with your figures with only a little pressure. That probably also explains why the real figures look different from the images on the packets and the leaflets. Maybe the movement in the blind bags and the curious touching by eager kids has already caused some color rubbing off already before unpacking the figure. After following the tips in the forum, I ran some tests and I have to say: Unfortunately it’s true. The colour does not stay on the figure. Honestly, this is a huge negative, which only became known and discussed because of the figures’ recent popularity among collectors. I’ll bring this up with the PR person at Blue Ocean who already wrote me about the rubber material which is not bad at all. And of course, also ask him how he feels about the fact that this paint can easily end up in kids’ mouths. As soon as I review the Dakoraptor, I’ll give you further info on what he answered.

Phew, I need to digest that shock. However, this figure doesn’t aim to score points or gain recognition among collectors of the highest-quality models. It’s meant to make kids marvel, trade and compete, and could thus be a gateway into the big world of prehistoric times. I really like this approach and therefore see the animals from this line for exactly what it is: cute gimmicks that feel right at home in colorful, diverse collections.

Europeans, get your copy here: Krokodile-Sammelserie PLANET WOW Carnufex | Blue Ocean, or via the links above. People from overseas are currently organizing self-help structures on our forum to get them.