Transformers Review – Jazz/ Meister (Alternators)

Intro:

            Jazz – one of the better known G1 Autobots. Appeared since the first episode of the original G1 series, Jazz played the role of Second-in-Command – a role that belonged to Prowl in the comics, even though officially, he was only a Special Ops Commander.

            Back then, Jazz transforms into a Porsche 935, so I was kinda hoping that Jazz would again transform into a Porsche, but probably due to some licensing issues, it wasn’t meant to be.

            Anyways, despite Hasbro having marketed this Alternators figure as Meister, instead of his christened name likely due to some legal issues, I still prefer to use the name Jazz, cuz I’m just so used to the name.

            This mold would eventually be reused for the character Shockblast (Shockwave).

                                                         

Alternate Mode:

            Jazz transforms into a white-colored Mazda RX8. It is actually one of the few 4-seaters in the entire Alternators/Binaltech line, and is also one of the few cars with four doors in the line.

            As with most other figures from the Alternators/Binaltech line, Jazz is incredibly detailed. All four doors, hood and trunk open. The rims are metallic-painted and the tyres are made from rubber marked with the brand CYBERTRONIAN RADIAL. 

            The kibbles are quite minimal, although the fists are still noticeable. 

            Some other unique features of this mode are the exhaust pipe and the steering system. Unlike most of his other brethrens, the figure uses interlocking mechanism (instead of magnets) to ensure the wheels turn in tandem, and instead of having his engine block turning into a handheld weapon, Jazz has his exhaust main pipe doing that. 

            Other details include the Mazda emblem in front and at the back of the car, the words MAZDA and RX8 at the back, as well as the license plate bearing the Autobot emblem and the name MEISTER.

            One big problem for this figure, in my opinion, is the different materials used as the finishing of the chassis. I say this because as this figure of mine ages, I’ve seen this figure yellowing unevenly. Some of the portions are still pearl white, but areas such as the trunk, bumper and the middle of the hood yellowing at a faster rate compared to the rest of him. 

            The side mirrors are also lacking a particular feature – a reflective surface, which would’ve been great that had been included.

            Otherwise, this is a good car mode, by any rate.

Robot Mode:

            Whatever this figure is officially called, this figure is clearly and unmistakably Jazz. 

            The overall design of the mode screams Jazz – the head sculpt, the wing doors, wheels on shoulders and hood as chest are dead ringers.

            Articulation-wise, he’s quite okay: the head rotates 360°; inner shoulders rotate; the shoulders-proper swing outward; the elbows are double-jointed; the wrists are on some sort of a ball joint; the lower waist rotates; the hips are on universal joints that provide all around motions; the knees bend; the ankles rotate and hinges; and finally, the front feet pieces are on combinational joints that provides all around movements as well. 

            Jazz can perform quite a variety of poses, but the looseness of some of the joints kinda weakens those articulations. The shoulders, for instance are too easily detachable. 

Also, due to the designs of the feet, the figure may have some issues to stand up properly, but it can be done, as long as you can find that sweet spot.

            Overall, Jazz is one good looking bot.

           

Overall:

            I like Jazz, no doubt about that. He looks good, the articulations are good and the transformation sequence is satisfyingly good.

            Definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

Highly recommended.

Final verdict, 9/10.