A Review of Issue 123 of Prehistoric Times

Time to get our teeth into Prehistoric Times issue 123 (autumn 2017).  Once again, this quarterly magazine is jam-packed with prehistoric animal fossil news, interviews, reader art, updates on dinosaur models and top-quality articles.  The front cover of the latest edition, features beautiful artwork created by the world-famous palaeoartist and dinosaur aficionado Mark Hallett and inside, there is a comprehensive overview of the Titanosauria produced by Mark in collaboration with renowned palaeontologist Mathew J. Wedel.

The artwork on the front cover depicts a young Rapetosaurus being attacked by a bask* of crocodilians (Majungasuchus).  Mark has imaginatively captured a moment in the Early Cretaceous of Madagascar and eagle-eyed readers will spot the juvenile Majungasuchus, just slightly obscured by the cover text.

The Front Cover of Prehistoric Times Magazine (Issue Autumn/Fall 2017)

Prehistoric Times issue 123 (autumn 2017).

Picture credit: Prehistoric Times

What is a bask*?  Well, we learned the other day from a reptile expert (herpetologist), that the collective noun for crocodilians is a bask.

Prehistoric Times Magazine

Prehistoric Times is the magazine for dinosaur model fans and collectors, published four times a year, it is a wonderful addition to any prehistoric animal fan’s bookshelf and taking out a subscription would make a terrific Christmas present.

For more information on Prehistoric Times magazine and to subscribe: Prehistoric Times Magazine.

The Azhdarchidae and the Ceratosaurus Genus

The featured prehistoric animals in this issue are the enigmatic and spectacular azhdarchids, plus the Late Jurassic superstar Ceratosaurus.  Lots of amazing reader artwork has been submitted (note to self, we must ask Mike Fredericks (editor), whether there is a collective noun for reader submitted art).  Our favourite flying reptile illustrations include Quetzalcoatlus by Eivind Bovor and Sergey Krasovskiy’s fantastic Zhejiangopterus along with the montage from Julio Garza.

When it comes to Ceratosaurus, it is brilliant to see the work of our chum Luis Rey, included amongst the submitted pictures.  The artwork created by Bob Nicholls as part of the Natural History Museum’s Stegosaurus “Sophie” exhibit is also shown.  The Ceratosaurus in Bob’s beautiful image has just received a hefty whack from a thagomizer.  Look out for an image of Bob himself in the article by Allen A. Debus that concludes his look at how palaeo-images have advanced as new scientific breakthroughs occur.

Allen examines the work of Bob Nicholls on Psittacosaurus countershading, the fossil material lucky members of Everything Dinosaur got the chance to view in Germany, but we have yet to see Bob’s Psittacosaurus up close, described by many as “the most accurate dinosaur model ever made”.

A Typical Member of the Azhdarchidae – Hatzegopteryx

Huge pterosaur – Hatzegopteryx drawing. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/Mike Fredericks.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur / Mike Fredericks

The picture (above) is based on the CollectA Hatzegopteryx pterosaur model.

To view this range: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.

More Burian – This Time Pelycosaurs

John Lavas continues his exploration of the artwork of the influential  Zdeněk Burian, an artist and palaeo illustrator from Czechoslovakia.  This time, the author focuses on Burian’s interpretation of the pelycosaurs – plenty of sail-backs on display and wonderful illustrations of Permian landscapes.  Look out for the second part of the autobiography of palaeoartist John Gurche, in this concluding part, John talks about his work on early hominins and this article is beautifully illustrated with numerous images.  Issue 123, also features the second and final part of Tracy Lee Ford’s most illuminating feature on ceratopsian pathology, there are certainly plenty of bruised and battered centrosaurines included in this well-written piece.

Eofauna Steppe Mammoth

Page 34 of 62 showcases the spectacular Eofauna Steppe Mammoth model, a replica that Everything Dinosaur has had a role in bringing this stunning figure to a wider audience.  Mike Fredericks summarises the model’s development very nicely.

The Eofauna Steppe Mammoth Makes its Debut in Issue 123

The Eofauna Scientific research Steppe Mammoth model.

To view the Eofauna Steppe Mammoth for sale at Everything Dinosaur: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

Watch out for a balanced article on the role of commercial fossil hunters by Zach Fitzner and a fun piece penned by Robert Telleria that continues his examination of dinosaurs in recorded music – Led Zeppelin covers and all.

For further information on this excellent magazine and to subscribe: Prehistoric Times Magazine.