It’s another jam-packed edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. Issue 155 (autumn/fall) features prehistoric sharks, Polacanthus and a bikini-clad actress.  The shark theme is highlighted in the front cover artwork created by Joshua Ballze.  A Dimetrodon attempts to catch a Xenacanthus shark, which in turn is chasing a Diplocaulus.  An intriguing analogue of the Indian mantra of “The Law of the Fish” and we note the reference to Matsya Nyaya by the editor.

The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 155). This edition has a special focus on prehistoric sharks, and it also features the armoured dinosaur Polacanthus. Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

A Review of “Prehistoric Times” Issue 155

Hopefully, regular contributor Phil Hore is on the mend.  He provides a thoroughly entertaining guide to prehistoric sharks and explains how fossilised teeth were thought to have magical properties.  The Roman polymath Pliny the Elder is mentioned, along with the summer block-buster movie “Jaws”.  There is an eclectic mix of sharks represented by reader submitted artwork.  Russell Hawley illustrates “megalodon” and includes a fossil tooth, otherwise known as a “tongue stone” after the term used by Pliny the Elder. An Edestus drawing submitted by Fred Synder, and illustrations of the bizarre Carboniferous shark Falcatus by M. Elliot Massion and Yaroslav Koryakov caught our eye.

The featured dinosaur article, normally the domain of Phil Hore, was penned by Russell Hawley with editor Mike Fredericks chipping in too.  The article examined polacanthids and discussed how the Ankylosauria clade came to be. Some beautiful drawings and sacral shields aplenty.

Given the fragmentary nature of the Polacanthus foxii material artists have plenty of scope when it comes to illustrating the dermal armour. Intriguing illustrations from Spanish artist Juan Plata and Tony Pichler depicted polacanthids in an Early Cretaceous landscape and in the case of Juan Plata’s artwork interacting with other prehistoric animals. Congratulations to Aaron Marsh, Anthony McMillen, Matt Finstrom and to Ray Friesen for their contributions.  Phil Hore would be most impressed by all the fabulous artwork that is included.

Focusing on Mammoths

From a prehistoric animal with a fragmentary fossil record, we leap to the other end of the palaeontology spectrum with the latest instalment of the contribution to palaeoart by Zdeněk Burian.  This is part thirty-four of a long-running series by John Lavas and it contains some fascinating insights into the first expeditions to recover Mammuthus primigenius carcases from Siberia. Naturally, the well-written article includes lots of amazing Burian illustrations.

The Berezovka mammoth (1967) by Burian one of the amazing illustrations in the article highlighting the remarkable illustrations of Woolly Mammoths produced by Burian.

Picture credit: Zdeněk Burian

There are the regular contributions from Randy Knol, editor Mike Fredericks, Robert Telleria and Tracy L. Ford. In addition, there is a marvellous first-hand account of a visit to the Galerie Paleontologie in Paris with excellent photographs of exhibits included.  Thanks to Elizabeth Russell Debus and Allen A. Debus for their article.

When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth

The British fantasy made by Hammer Films entitled “When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth” provides the opportunity to include plenty of images of the bikini-clad Victoria Vetri.  This movie, written and directed by Val Guest, is the subject of a detailed article by John Navroth.  There is plenty of “Hammer Glamour” and of course, the article is populated with lots of amazing images of the plethora of prehistoric animals that feature in the film too.  The film is a firm favourite, having had the opportunity to visit several filming locations on Gran Canaria a few years ago.

The Bluray edition of this film from 1970 is highlighted in the “Mesozoic Media” section written by Mike Fredericks.  This section also features reviews of the remarkable “Mesozoic Art II” and “Dinosaurs: New Visions of a Lost World” by Michael Benton.  Both books are recommended.

Sean Kotz provides a guide to painting an Ankylosaurus figure and the articles by Robert Telleria and Patrick Schaefer’s comments on the prehistoric figures introduced by MPC are enlightening.

Issue 155 is a lively mix of science, artwork, and nostalgia. It’s another strong reminder of why “Prehistoric Times” magazine remains essential reading for anyone with a passion for palaeoart, deep time and the models that bring ancient animals to life.

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