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.
On the lookout for MISB Headmaster Highbrow, Takara or Hasbro. I'm sure I could make you a sweet deal!