Fans of independent action figures might be aware of Beasts of the Mesozoic, a Kickstarter-funded line of scientifically accurate dinosaurs (to the best of our current knowledge, anyway). Created by David Silva, a former sculptor for NECA and McFarlane Toys, Creative Beast Studio has made dinosaurs and diorama parts, all at the same level of detail and quality, or better, that his resume would imply.
Now it seems he may have found realism too confining, though, and is rolling out the Kickstarter for the spin-off line Cyberzoic. While it will continue to create realistic prehistoric creatures, Cyberzoic will add fantasy beasts, 4-inch rider figures, and sci-fi armor, in a property inspired by the likes of Dino-Riders and Zoids.
Beasts of the Mesozoic didn’t maintain a consistent scale, since its initial offering of raptors depicted creatures much smaller than the subsequent triceratops and tyrannosaurus. So Cyberzoic will be in scale with some of the existing figures, but not all. To allow for the deviations from strict prehistory, however, the storyline surrounding the new characters takes place on another planet. It’s similar enough to have some parallel evolution, but not confined to it.
Dinos ‘N Dragons
From the press release, here is the official premise:
“2170 AD. AI and synthetic ecosystems have solved the problems of overpopulation and hunger. Humanity has now turned its entire focus to exploring the cosmos. Soon manned space flights discover an Earth-like planet capable of sustaining life, which they name Gaea 2. The planet is home to a variety of alien wildlife —including highly-intelligent dragons. As humanity studies and colonizes the planet, the dragons fight back, pushing these peaceful visitors to the brink of extinction.”
“But all is not well on Earth either. One day, all communication with Gaea 2 stops. There are no more supply shipments and contact with their home planet is completely lost. Soon, the people of Earth are presumed dead except for Gaea 2’s scientific and military residents. But the humans won’t go down so easily. Using the research technology they brought with them, they create biological weapons of their own: genetically engineered embryos that ‘birth’ Earth’s mightiest prehistoric creatures. Programmed to obey their masters and outfitted in protective armor, these terrifying beasts help the humans push back against the dragon attacks while they terraform Gaea 2. Thus saving the human species, but destroying the world’s natural habitats.”
“With the threat of human extinction seemingly resolved, the colonizers split into factions. Each clan champions its own philosophy about ensuring the long-term survival of humanity. Bitter conflicts erupt, leading to power struggles, uneasy alliances, and devastating familial breakups.”
“Who will win the war for Gaea 2? Or will humanity eradicate itself?” Comics will be included to help you find out.
So How Much Are They?
Unlike the Dino-Riders, the beasts will be sold separately from armors and pilots, so those who just like prehistoric beasts or dragons can get clean versions for less. Initial Kickstarter prices will range from $200 for the dragon (no armor or rider for the big guy) to $25 for each rider. Smilodon will cost $55, with armor for $25, while Allosaurus is $100 with armor for $40. $450 gets you the dragon, Smilodon with rider and armor, and Allosaurus with rider and armor. Expect mark-ups once these hit retail, if fully funded. If funding goes well, expect stretch goal variants beyond these — the image above may even suggest some. Like, is that armor for the previously released raptor figures? Mmmmmaybe.
