A review from Prehistoric Times Magazine (Issue 105)

The weather has finally started to improve and as we say goodbye to the cool easterly breeze, we give a warm welcome to the spring issue of Prehistoric Times magazine. Yes, spring has finally arrived and it’s marked by the arrival of the spring issue of Prehistoric Times, a magazine that provides news and insights on all things prehistoric animals, extinct creatures, and of course, dinosaurs.

Marking the 20th Anniversary of the Publication

Issue 105 is the 20th anniversary of the first edition of this quarterly publication. Coincidentally, 2013 is also the 20th anniversary of the release of the dinosaur movie “Jurassic Park” and there are special features on both within this issue. Editor Mike Fredericks offers a summary of the publication’s history, a fascinating insight into what has become an institution for “dynophiles.” Throughout the article there are contributions from other regular writers and it was interesting to read how they met Mike and started working with him on various projects. The feature film, titled “Sketch me a Spitter,” pays homage to the film Jurassic Park, and renowned artist Mark Hallett recalls his work on the film working as a concept artist and Paleolithic consultant. There are some wonderful illustrations of the theropod dinosaurs that appeared in the first Jurassic Park trilogy. If you have always wanted to know how the poisonous dinosaur that killed the character known as Dennis Nedry came to be, then read this article and everything will be revealed.

Special feature about the horned dinosaur triceratops

The first of the prehistoric animals featured in this issue is Triceratops and the magazine includes lots, lots of reader-submitted artwork. Phil Hore provides a very informative article on this famous horned dinosaur and even Tracy Lee Ford comes on the scene with an excellent piece in her long running “How to Draw Dinosaurs” series. The morphology of the skull and horns changed as ceratopsians aged. He kindly outlines the main points to remember when it comes to illustrating juveniles, mature adults, and very old Triceratops. There is also a rare image of a Triceratops skull in situ, discovered by famed paleontologist George Sternberg in 1908.

Ideas for representing foliage when making model scenes

Among the regular items such as reader correspondence, collectors corner, book reviews, and updates on new model introductions, Ron Lemery provides information on a technique known as photo-etching, a great way to incorporate detail into dinosaur-themed model scenes with skillful use of foliage. . Speaking of models, Steven B. DeMarco shows how to make and paint a fearsome Mosasaur, a marine reptile he aptly refers to as “Mosa Jaws.”

The scary and deadly dire wolf

The second prehistoric animal to feature prominently in this issue of “PT” is the fearsome and resourceful Dire Wolf (canis dirus). Phil Hore writes a highly entertaining article explaining the differences between the dire wolf and gray wolf and discusses their fossil record, including exquisitely detailed specimens that have been recovered from the La Brea Tar pits in Los Angeles, California, USA. .).

Prehistoric Animals on Postcards – Collector’s Corner

For slightly older dinosaur fans there is a very insightful article written by Allen A. Debus on Neave Parker’s beautiful postcard illustrations, a real trip down memory lane looking at the wonderful black and white illustrations of various prehistoric animals.

Packed with dinosaur-themed articles, Prehistoric Times #105 is definitely a “must read” and so we can expect this publication to continue for at least another twenty years.

Well done to all participants.