Hippopotami were always popular as toy figures across all generations.
Two species exist, the common hippopotamus, one of the largest land animals that is the species we think immediately when the word hippo is pronounced, but there is also the smaller pygmy hippopotamus much rarer in toy shape.
After the
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] here I am confronting two remarkable representatives of their respective generations of toy replicas
The CollectA 88833 Common hippopotamus released in 2018 and the much older Lineol 652 IV generation Hippopotamus released in 1940 and retired in 1960.
Lineol figures representing large species are usually larger than their counterparts from major brands. This time is not an exception.
Nevertheless, the size difference is far from being extreme and despite being made of different materials, composition for Lineol and pvc for CollectA, their difference in weight is around 10% only.
I want to point here the great work of CollectA with the texture, it makes the figure feel like it is not made of plastic but as it was made of a nobler material.Only tusks are somewhat soft.
Common hippo's weight can reach 3,5 tones, really massive beasts. These models are also not light, the Lineol figure weighs 260 g while the CollectA model weighs 237g.
These animals, despite being herbivores, have the reputation of being the animals that kill more humans in Africa. Obviously it is wrong and we don't need to count all African civil wars to see easily that the animal that kills more humans in Africa and everywhere, it is the human himself.
Their characteristic large canines, known as tusks, are really deadly weapons, their bite is twice as strong asa lion's bite.
We can read everywhere that hippos can put a crocodile in two halves with a single bite. Fortunately, none of these models have an articulated jaw what means I'm safe.
Interesting that CollectA's tusks are laterally flatenned as we see on smilodons.
They are also very territorial and it is common to see bull hippos fighting with their mouths wide open. Often cows also fight agressively to protect their calves.
No doubts these are two excellent models but contrarily to what happened with the Papo figure, the CollectA don't have any signs of being inspired in this Lineol veteran. Every single detail is different.
The finish quality is irreprochable on CollectA's model, from a very sophisticated painting to a very detailed sculpt. The level of detail in its mouth is absolutely impressive.
The Lineol is also a very realistic sculpt, with very good proportions and a design full of elegance. Lineol often provides poses with gentle expression, notice how rear legs are positioned or the more curved upwards head, both in a way that give more flow to the figure when compared with its modern rival.
We don't see this gracefullness often in CollectA although it can be seen among modern models, namely Papo or Mojö Fun sculpted by Anna Dobrowolska.
Wait, am I suggesting hippos are graceful creatures? If you think not, just check this very short Video of a hippo swiming! As they point on that video, their closest relatives are cetaceans so maybe no reason to be surprised.
Concluding, CollectA's is a superior model but Lineol's is still great and wins in majesty and it should keep the crown.
My thanks again to Yvette for giving me the chance of affording these old masterpieces and also thanks to Susanne for offering me this modern piece of art!
I hope you enjoy again, and I hope to continue with more Battles of the Generations!
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