Another NewAge toy review already!? Yes! One of the most anticipated releases coming fast on the heels of the company’s previous release Reconnaissance Max, is there version of everyone’s favorite robot that turns into a Porsche 911 Turbo voiced by Scatman Crothers – Special Operations Saboteur Manero who everyone might recognize as a Generation One Jazz.

Sculpt

Wow. Just, wow. The head sculpt alone on this tiny guy is just mind blowing. This is without question the best Jazz head sculpt I have seen since the original Takara Car Robot from the Diaclone line. NewAge is now really finding their footing as we move into standard size car bots. Proportionally their Bumblebee was cute, their Prowl was stocky, this Jazz is perfect. They’ve managed to lean out the basic body shape and get an animation accurate look (notice: no door wings) all in a package that stands 7.8cm.

Paint

Crisp, clean, amazing paint applications once again on such tiny little toys. Down to the metallic blue on the eye visor, there are just no visible faults on this toy. Colors are vibrant and evenly applied. NewAge is going for Sunbow animation accuracy with their releases, so what we’re seeing is a simplified version of the G1 toy. Those of you that may want all the Martini Racing sponsor decals and fine details may need to wait for the ToyWorld legends class Jazz, though we haven’t seen or heard much of in quite some time.

Articulation

Manero exhibits the same hyper articulation given to previous NewAge releases. We have ball neck, ball shoulders, butterfly joint at the shoulders, hinge and ball elbows, wrist swivel, ab crunch, waist swivel, ball hips, thigh swivel, double knees, and a unique ankle that still manages to have a rocker function. He’s incredibly dynamic and posable.

Accessories

NewAge included three small accessories with their Jazz. His signature blaster modeled after the G1 toy, as well as something only seen in the Transformers cartoon, two bull horn speakers that can attach to both the robot mode and car as a super sonic wave weapon.

Alternate Mode

This is an incredibly nice looking Porsche 911 mold. Manero’s transformation sequence is not unlike the original G1 toy. The head tucks in through the chest as it flips up. Arms fold underneath and the legs collapse to make up the rear and side panels of the vehicle. What you are left with is a wonderfully compact and clean alt mode. Something the size of a Hot Wheel and just as accurate in its likeness.

Value

We’re seeing a wide range in price points in the field of legends scaled collectible third party toys right now. The scale is becoming increasingly popular and many companies are dipping their toes in the pool. NewAge has kept their product in the $20-$30 for each release/repaint/retool they have offered thus far. I paid $23.99 shipped for Manero. However, I jumped in on an early pre-order due to Jazz being one of my favorite characters. Prices are starting to increase now that the word is out on how great this toy is! This company has now set the standard for what the legends scale market can offer. This item is comparable in price point to a current Hasbro Deluxe Class figure, but far outshines that in terms of quality, construction, paint, and playability.

Score

5/5 Wizard’s Stars

I cannot wait for each new release from this company. There is a Stepper repaint, as well as an Alternators homage Shockwave from that mold shipping right now. Ironhide and Ratchet are coming. Utilizing the basic Prowl tooling a Smokescreen, Silverstreak, and Bluestreak are on the horizon. Let’s not forget the amazing Megatron they have planned. NewAge is on a fast track to give us a full roster of bots in an amazingly short time. If they can keep this up at this level of consistency and polish, this could be one of the greatest Transformers toy lines ever.

Enjoy the full gallery below!

 

 

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