For many fans of Jurassic Park, the Kenner toy line released in the 1990s holds a special place in their hearts. Launched in 1993 alongside the groundbreaking film, Kenner’s Jurassic Park collection revolutionized dinosaur toys and became an enduring symbol of childhood for countless collectors. But what is it about this iconic line that still captivates fans today? Let’s take a closer look at why Kenner’s toys are still considered the gold standard for Jurassic collectors.
Innovation Meets Imagination. Kenner didn’t just create dinosaur toys; they brought them to life. The sculpts were ahead of their time, capturing the incredible details of the dinosaurs as they appeared on screen. The texture of the skin, the menacing teeth, and the dynamic poses made each figure feel like it had walked straight out of the movie. The “Red Rex” featured a soft, rubbery “Dino-Skin” that felt unique and lifelike, becoming one of the most beloved pieces in the line. Smaller dinosaurs like the Velociraptor and Dilophosaurus retained movie-accurate details, from their proportions to their vibrant color schemes.
For collectors and kids alike, these figures weren’t just toys—they were miniature works of art. They sparked the imagination, helping fans feel like they were part of the Jurassic Park world. Even today, their craftsmanship holds up, with many collectors praising Kenner’s unparalleled ability to balance realism and playability.
Right: Metal diecast Iguanodon and Plesiosaurus with collectors cards (Kenner, 1993)
The Art That Roared the toyline to life. The visual appeal of Kenner’s 1990s Jurassic Park toy line was significantly enhanced by the captivating artwork adorning its packaging and collector cards. Renowned artists like Larry Selman were instrumental in creating dynamic box art, bringing scenes to life with vivid imagery that perfectly captured the excitement of the franchise. Complementing the packaging, the collector cards that accompanied the dinosaur figures featured striking illustrations by Brian Franczak. His artwork not only showcased the dinosaurs in action-packed scenarios but also added an ‘action movie’ feel, enhancing the overall aesthetic and collectibility of the toys.
Action Features That Defined a Generation. What truly set Kenner’s Jurassic Park toys apart were their groundbreaking action features. The Dino-Damage feature allowed kids to remove panels from the dinosaurs to reveal “battle scars.” This simple yet innovative idea transformed static toys into interactive play experiences, capturing the chaos and danger of the movie. Larger figures, like the Electronic Tyrannosaurus Rex, could roar with the push of a button, adding another level of excitement.
Some dinosaurs had unique attack actions, such as the Dilophosaurus with its water spitting feature or the Coelophysis pair with their bendable constrictor-like body. These action-packed features made the toys more engaging and brought dinosaur battles to life. For collectors, these features remain an essential part of the toys’ charm, offering a tactile and nostalgic connection to the original film.
The Vehicles and Human Figures. Kenner didn’t stop at dinosaurs—their vehicles and human figures were just as iconic. The Jungle Explorer, with its movie-accurate paint job and missile launcher, was a perfect recreation of the tour vehicles from the film. The Command Compound playset was a dream come true for kids, featuring the iconic gate, a control tower with talking computer and even a Dino-Damage breakout wall for maximum adventure.
The human figures included key characters like Dr. Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler and Robert Muldoon, each equipped with accessories that didn’t necessarily fitted their role as seen in the movie. From tranquilizer guns to hatchling dinosaurs, these accessories added depth to the play experience. Although less articulated compared to today’s figures, the humans fit perfectly in scale with the dinosaurs and vehicles, completing the Jurassic Park world.
Right: Carnotaurus “Demon” (Kenner, 1994)
The Thrill of Collecting. For collectors, the Kenner Jurassic Park line has become a treasure trove of nostalgia and rarity. Many figures, especially those from the second series, are incredibly hard to find. Pieces like the Carnotaurus “Demon”, the Utahraptor and the Electronic Gallimimus are now grails for avid fans.
Hunting for these toys, whether at conventions, online auctions, or secondhand stores, is part of what makes collecting Kenner figures so rewarding. The scarcity of some, combined with their enduring quality, ensures they remain a prized part of any collection. Even well-worn toys evoke memories of childhood adventures, making them valuable beyond monetary worth.
Legacy and Influence. Kenner’s Jurassic Park line set the bar for dinosaur toys, creating a template that modern lines still follow. Features like battle damage and lifelike sculpts have become staples in the Jurassic toy world, with Mattel’s current offerings clearly inspired by Kenner’s groundbreaking work. Despite advances in articulation and design, many collectors believe Kenner’s figures still hold a charm and authenticity that newer toys can’t fully replicate.
The Kenner toys are more than just collectibles—they’re a reminder of the magic and wonder that Jurassic Park brought to life. For fans, they symbolize the thrill of discovering dinosaurs for the first time, both on the big screen and in their toy boxes.
Want to see more? Explore the Kenner Jurassic Park toys in the Jurassic Toys collection here.
Which Kenner figures do you still treasure in your collection? Share your memories and favorites in the comments below!
