Downbeat is definitely the jazziest Jazz on the block.
Producer: MakeToys
Price: Approx. $95
Release Date: Aug. 2018 (Re Release)
Item Height: Approx. 6.5″
Item Weight: N/A
Batteries: N/A
WHERE TO BUY: TFSource
MakeToys makes some magic again with their Transformers “Jazz” homage in MTRM-09 downbeat. This is the one Masterpiece-scaled homage to the character that truly encompasses the charisma that the character presented on the toy in my opinion and the robot mode in particular really delivers. Take a moment to check out the videos above, my written thoughts below, and of course the gallery at the end. Let me know what you think of Downbeat as well in the comments.
Presentation: The box is standard cardboard with graphical designs on it similar to the rest of the Re: Master pieces. Downbeat itself comes packed tightly in the clamshell transformed into its alt. mode. It really pops with the bright white coloring, perfection-done paint apps and glossed finish. Overall it’s a well done packaging and I found myself pretty stoked to dig into it on unboxing.
Build: Downbeat is a plastic piece for the most part with diecast in the hips. It’s put together well and the joints have a tight-but-smooth feel on the friction-based ones and the ratchets are the right amount of tightness with good, narrow spaces between ratchets to not feel like your articulation options are hindered by them. The only part I’m disappointed with is the shin gaurds and feet which use an especially soft, (swirly) gray plastic; much more so because of the softness than the color.
Accessories: Downbeat definitely comes with an accessory or two and they’re pretty damned fantastic. The “smirking” face is a bit awkward to me but the open-mouthed, “rage” one is fantastic. The blaster and shoulder blaster in particular are a given but it’s a really good looking piece and I love that it has a tilt function particularly for photography and being able to see Downbeat’s face! The speakers are a nice, charismatic add-on and the hip skirt speakers are especially cool because they bulk his silhouette out a bit and give him an armored look. The grappling hook is also one of my favorite accessories even though it’s the one I’ve easily found the LEAST functional use for.
Articulation: Downbeat’s articulation is damned good. double jointed elbows and knees on top of extras like ab crunch and added shoulder swing really make it able to pull off a variety of poses and look good doing so. This is an area that I’d say the piece really excels in.
Overall Score: 7.5/10 – If this were strictly for robot mode, Downbeat would score an easy 8-9/10. It’s a fantastic aesthetic, nice build, great articulation, and the accessories are awesome. However alt. mode does have to be factored in and while it’s functionally “fine” it really leaves something to be desired in the looks department with the amount of kibble that shows on it. Personally I display my Transformers figures in robot mode and rarely transform them so it doesn’t matter for someone like me but it does still count overall since it’s “half” of the product in a sense.
Check out the gallery and even and if you’re interested in purchasing one of your own, order from TFSource!
