T Rex Generations

by Ted Rechlin

Cobalt the Tyrannosaurus rex returns in new release, T. rex Generations. Rextooth Studios' Ted Rechlin welcomes readers of all ages to the fun and dangerous world of the Mesozoic era. Previously, in Tyrannosaurus Rex (Rextooth Studios, 2016), dinosaur and graphic novel lovers were introduced to Cobalt, a 40-foot-long, 7-ton apex predator. In T. rex Generations, readers are reunited with Cobalt, now a father, as he protects a new generation of the most famous dinosaur of all, the T. rex. The adventure follows Cobalt's hatchlings as they navigate the wild and perilous lands of prehistoric Montana. With an entirely new cast of dangerous dinos (such as the formidable Dakota Raptor and armored Ankylosaurus) T. rex Generations features the latest science to showcase an epic tale of heroic proportions.

Genres: Dinosaurs

96 pages, Hardcover

Published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Paul Dilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son is obsessed with dinosaurs right now, and I read this with him on the day of our trip to the Natural History Museum with grandfather and sister, which included a special T. Rex exhibition with skin reconstruction, feathers and all, and a focus on habitat and different ages. This book similarly attempts to transcend the fossil record, but takes artistic liberties, recreating the family life of the “tyrant-lizard king” (which genius came up with that name?), as well as its hunting proclivities, while emphasizing the dangers of life in the Mesozoic era. I liked the unusual effort to show how T-rexs were vulnerable, especially before adulthood, but their various adventures seemed overly melodramatized in comparison to the unexciting presentation, and there was almost no plot beyond the idea of following them growing up. I also thought it was strange that the narration seems to marvel at/side with the gruesome power of the T-rex, announcing its kills of other dinosaurs almost like a fan calling out runs at a baseball game, but at the same time neglecting to show gore and using euphemisms like “take down.” I guess it gets at the moral ambiguities of children’s literature: to what extent does one hide brutal realities, whether natural or social? But it feels weird to heroicize them.

[Jenni Frencham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rechlin, Ted. T. Rex Generations. Rextooth Studios, 2018.

This follow up novel is a continuation of the story of Cobalt, a tyrannosaurus rex, who in this book raises a family. Although the names of the specific dinosaurs are obviously fictional, the facts about dinosaurs incorporated into the story are true. This is a fantastic way to introduce graphic novels to children who are interested in dinosaurs. The bright, colorful illustrations match the story well, and the text is easily readable and accessible to many readers. Recommended.

Recommended for: middle grade
Red Flags: none
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for the purpose of review.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow the lives of a T Rex family has they welcome new hatch lings, and they grow to be adults. This book wants to be a National Geographic special in graphic novel format, but it tries to hard. It’s presented as fiction, but is mostly non-fiction with the dinosaurs having names, and the reader being let in on the thoughts of the characters. But for me, this book was just boring. I kept wondering, are we there yet? Is the end in site. This book will be lovely for someone, but not me.
#LitsyAtoZGN
#GondorGirlGNChallenge

[Richard Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was underwhelmed by this nature documentary comic book but my ten year old loved it so what do I know? As a seasoned comic reader, the panel flow was a bit off at times and the lettering wasn't to the standard of Marvel or DC but the story flowed nicely and had sufficient going on to keep twitchy Mr Ten occupied.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit different than the other Ted Rechlin books I've read as it's more of a fictional account of some dinosaurs growing up than the documentary style most have been. It still provides a lot of educational moments and the story is pretty fun. My kids really enjoyed this.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.