The LEGO Dino theme was a non-licensed product line released in 2012 (with some sets appearing in late 2011 in the US) that focused on an elite team of heroes and scientists attempting to capture various dinosaurs. The sets are known for their large, realistically designed dinosaur figures and focus on vehicles and defense bases.
Overview
Unlike the previous Dino Attack theme which had a more aggressive, sci-fi approach, the 2012 theme positioned the human characters as attempting to subdue and capture the dinosaurs with tranquilizer weapons for study. The storyline involved dinosaurs appearing in the jungle and threatening a nearby city, requiring the heroes to return them to their own time.
Characters
The minifigure characters in the theme included:
Josh Thunder
Sue Montana
Tracer Tops
Chuck "Stego" Jenkins
Rex Tyrone
Generic Drivers, Pilots, and Heroes
Construction Sets
A total of seven main sets were released, featuring various dinosaurs and vehicles:
Ambush Attack (5882): A smaller set with a Pteranodon and a vehicle.
Tower Takedown (5883): Featured a lookout tower and a raptor.
Raptor Chase (5884): Included a 4x4 vehicle and a raptor figure.
Triceratops Trapper (5885): Featured a truck designed to trap a Triceratops.
T-Rex Hunter (5886): Included a large vehicle and a detailed orange and dark red T. rex figure.
Dino Defense HQ (5887): The largest set, featuring a research base/headquarters, helicopter, T. rex, raptor, and a Coelophysis dinosaur.
Ocean Interceptor (5888): Included a twin-engine seaplane and a Pteranodon.
Collectibility
The LEGO Dino 2012 theme was discontinued by the end of its release year. The sets are now retired and can only be acquired through secondary marketplaces. The large, realistic dinosaur figures are popular with collectors.