Toy Review - Studio Series 86 JAZZ

[Kyle]

Really like this new Jazz. A funny little figure

[klystron]

Very simple figure that does what it needs to do - look fantastic in both modes. There's nothing fancy or surprising here (in fact I found it a little underwhelming at first). After mucking with it a bit I can say that its a neat, fun figure, bot mode poses very well, and I'm very pleased with it overall.
Joints on mine were crazy tight. First transformation was downright scary. Couple transformations later its now fine.
Only gripes -- few bits would have benefited from tabbing into place (backpack!), and the left knee on mine does not tab in at all (right one is fine tho).
Pleased to finally have a Jazz!

[reillyd]

Well I finally have G1 Jazz in hand. I?ve always *loved* the G1 character, and was somewhat disappointed with the Reveal the Shield version released many years ago. Although it did have the right number, and won?t need a reprolabels to correct.

So given my love of the character, it was always going to be a low bar to pass for me to love the figure...... and yet...... Hasbro doesn?t fail to disappoint. I?m not good with camera skills to take a photo, but Kyle?s photo just above is perfect for illustrating.

My gripes

Compare G1 Jazz to Studio Series Jazz. Remember that its supposed to be movie accurate. In robot mode, he?s missing his doors (which I always used to think were little wings) which were prominent on the original toy. Yes technically its more animation accurate, but when you place the two toys side by side which I did tonight, you see it just doesn?t resemble the original toy much at all. If you?re going for animation accurate though, his blue visor is the wrong shade, as is the blue bonnets stripe. At least Reveal the Shield got the colours right.

In vehicle mode, there?s a stark discrepancy with the type and width of the rear spoiler. You can notice it when you compare G1 toy Jazz with this one, or when you look at footage of the cartoon. My guess is its all intentional, because they cheaped out and didn?t want to license the Porsche. For a Studio Series figure that?s disappointing.

These might seem like really minor nitpicking gripes. But I?d take G1 toy Jazz over this guy anyway. Maybe I?ll feel better once I?ve snickered him up but it doesn?t live up to my expectations. I?m so glad I was able to pick up a encore reissue of Jazz though, so I have a decent rendition of the beloved character.

[SMHFConvoy]

Toyhax just tweeted the release of their sticker set for SS'86 Jazz

My guess is its all intentional, because they cheaped out and didn?t want to license the Porsche. For a Studio Series figure that?s disappointing.

I love how you immediately assume it's Hasbro's fault, Porsche may not want sell the licence to Hasbro. Anyway, it doesn't matter, the toy has been released.

[Tha_Phantom]

Toyhax just tweeted the release of their sticker set for SS'86 Jazz

Looks sooooooo goooooood! I'm keen.

Porsche may not want sell the licence to Hasbro.

Definitely this. There were attempts to do a Binaltech Porsche Jazz back in the day but then he became a Mazda, so it's not as if HasTak haven't tried. They've obtained licensing from the likes of Lamborghini and even Volkswagen in recent years.

And because this always comes up, no, VW and Porsche being under the same parent company doesn't matter.

[G1Optimal]

Becareful with the clear plastic canopy on jazz i have seen photos of it cracked after transforming him

[kovert]

In terms of sculpt, the resemblance to the cartoon model is excellent. For the price ($35 and even less on sale), Jazz is pretty much perfect. For deco, some solid blue stripes on the rear wheel arches would have been nice. The tight joints make the toy seem very solid and well-made.