Review and images by Frey, edited by Suspsy
Introduction
Despite launching in early 2026 (with preorders available in late 2025), Nanmu Studio may have already released the most popular Tyrannosaurus rex figure of the year. Creative Beast Studio plans to release their updated T. rex in both 1/18 and 1/35 scales later this year, so that title may change, but for now this seems to be the current favorite in terms of demand and appeal.
Nanmu has earned a reputation for strong quality across sculpt, paint, and engineering, and the Smart Series has been consistently well received. So when they announced a pair of The Lost World style T. rex figures in 1/35 scale, collectors paid attention. I certainly did. At over $100 each, I decided to choose only one variant, and I happily submitted my preorder for the green version.
This colorway resembles the Lost World “Buck” T. rex, not to be confused with the Kenner “Bull” T. rex, which is a completely different design and not a film animal at all. Since Nanmu does not produce officially licensed Jurassic Park figures, they gave this one the name “Sovereign of the Oath.” It is a regal title that essentially means a ruler bound by an unbreakable vow, a king defined by loyalty, duty, and dominance. It is a fitting name for a male T. rex. But names aside, let’s look at the figure itself.
Coloration and Paintwork
Based on the “Buck” from the movie, as the male rex is not named in the book, and barely described, (I must add that The Lost World novel is a fantastic read that far surpasses the movie, but I digress) the inspiration is unmistakable. This is the closest representation of the movie Buck that I have seen. I suspect most collectors will be happy with how close it is to the screen version.
The colors match the film extremely well, and the paintwork is excellent. Sculpt details remain crisp with no heavy overspray. Striping, claws, and eyes are all cleanly painted. The scars on the face are handled perfectly. The interior of the mouth is also very well done.
My only critique is the transition between the green on the metatarsals and the tibia. In certain lighting the shift looks abrupt, as if the painter did not reference the blending above. It is a minor nitpick, but worth mentioning. Otherwise, the paintwork is outstanding.
Sculpt and Proportions
The sculpt is just as accurate as the paint. You immediately know which individual this represents. It captures that 1990s Jurassic Park T. rex look with deliberate intent. Even if you ignore the pop‑culture connection and judge it by scientific standards, it holds up well. The debate about lips continues, but until more evidence appears I am fine with either interpretation.
The overall massing is good. Modern research suggests T. rex was bulkier than older reconstructions, but this figure does not look out of place next to scientifically informed models from PNSO or Haolonggood. The proportions match the movie animal closely. Nanmu continues to excel at teeth, and I do not know a brand that does them better, although Haolonggood now comes close. The inside of the mouth and the scale details throughout the figure look spectacular. The feet and tail are appropriately sized and handled well.
Articulation
This is where the best and worst aspects of the figure meet. The articulation is excellent, with a wide range of motion that allows for almost any realistic pose. Paleo toy photographers will really enjoy it.
The downside is stability. The figure struggles to stand without assistance, and the included translucent stand is too light to be useful for anything beyond basic support. The articulated toes, while interesting, probably make the stability worse. A heavier tail would have helped counterbalance the head. It is possible to get the figure to stand naturally, but even a small vibration can cause it to tip forward. This is not a deal breaker, but it is something to be aware of. I would have preferred a little more balance between articulation and natural stability.
Size
Although labeled as 1/35 scale, the figure runs a little large. Nanmu and Rebor tend to interpret 1/35 more generously than brands like PNSO, Haolonggood, or CollectA. It is not wildly off, but scale‑sensitive collectors will notice.
At over 16 inches long and over 5 inches tall at the hip, it will certainly stand out well enough on any display shelf. I found myself having an enjoyable time taking photographs for size comparisons with other brands and figures. I do not own any 1/35 human figures, so I used a Mattel 1/18th scale Jeff Goldblum / Dr. Ian Malcolm figure for comparison. Even with the scale mismatch, the 1/18 figure helps highlight the sheer presence and ‘heft’ of the Nanmu sculpt. Collectors and photographers should have no trouble building dioramas or finding compatible figures.
Conclusion
Nanmu Studio has released a 1/35 Tyrannosaurus rex with excellent articulation, near perfect screen accuracy, and high quality sculpting and paintwork. At over $100, it is not cheap, but the quality justifies the price. The only significant flaw is the difficulty standing without support, and I hope future versions improve stability. Even so, it is a joy to photograph and display.
For those who prefer the “Doe” or simply want a brown The Lost World style Tyrannosaurus rex, the alternate color variant is worth considering. For collectors seeking a definitive 1/35 “Buck”, this one should not be overlooked. A dominant male Tyrannosaurus rex, a guardian king fulfilling a primal duty to protect its domain. Sovereign of the Oath indeed.
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