The Legend class first appeared in 2005 during the Cybertron series. These figures were even smaller than the Scout (previously called Basic) figures but still sported simplified transformations. The Legend class Cybertron figures carried on into the Classics lineup, with several Cybertron figures repainted in G1-esque colors to represent G1 type characters. The movie line also used the Legend class for several figures as well. What the Legend class lacked in overall looks, they usually made up for in value.

The Universe line has already been treated to one wave of Legend figures. Again, this first wave (Onslaught aka Defense Red Alert, Starscream aka Thundercracker and Red Alert aka Hot Shot) were again Cybertron repaints. Fortunately, for the second wave Hasbro saw fit to give us 3 new Legend molds for 3 popular characters.

Jazz

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Alt Mode

Jazz returns to his Porsche-like roots. The alt mode blends some of the modern elements of Porsche along with some of the model 935 elements that the G1 figure was based on. The figure is white, with 2 large blue comp stripes a red comp stripe running from the hood to the rear glass. An Autobot symbol is found on the front.

The windshield and rear glass are painted blue, but the side glass is not. It's the only real fault I can find with one so small. If that looks like a "1" on the door, it's not on purpose. That's just part of his ball joint housing for his arm. To transform him into robot mode, pull the rear fenders out so you can slide the sides out and towards the front. Pull down on the rear spoiler to flip around his legs. The roof sections fold down for his feet. Push down on the hood and reposition his arms to complete the process.

Robot Mode

For a small guy, he doesn't look too bad. The upper legs and abdomen are done in black. Look close enough at the abdomen and you'll notice details that call to his G1 apps. His head sculpt is nicely done as well.

Posing is rather simple. The feet have 90 degree downward bend, the knees are pinned for 180 bend, the hips are ball jointed for 180 degree bend and 45 degree spread and the shoulders are also ball jointed for unlimited rotation and 60 degree spread. The only sore spot in bot mode are the lower legs, which look hollow due to doubling as the rear wheel wells.

Score

Alt Mode: - With just a hair more detail, it would have been perfect.
Robot Mode: - Lower legs look weird, otherwise a total win.
Overall: - A nice mini-me tribute to the original G1 bot of style.

Click here for more Jazz images via the Universe Database!

Megatron

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Alt Mode

For Legends, Megatron reprises his G2 tank alt form. The paint scheme is army green with magenta camo accents throughout. The main turret barrel is in dark gray. Thre is a Decepticon insignia underneath the barrel. 4 gray plastic wheels help roll him along.

With such a small figure, there's bound to be limitations. The turret is stationary and does not rotate. Same goes for the main barrel. There's also a gap in the treads that's due to the transformation. To transform into robot mode. Split the turret in 2 and fold the 2 halves down. The rear section will flip from the top and around to form the legs. Push the front of the tank down and reposition the arms. As you fold the main cannon down to the right, twist the head. You cannot twist the head until the cannon is at least 45 degrees folded.

Robot Mode

Although I've never seen the G2 Megatron in person, this looks to be a pretty accurate presentation of him in robot mode. The upper legs and abdomen are done in dark gray. The head sculpt is instantly recognizable as Megatron. He wears the main cannon to the right of his head.

Joint setup is similar to Jazz. However, Megatron has less restriction and therefore can pull of more angled articulation. This is about as good as anyone could hope for a Legends class robot mode to be pulled off.

Score

Alt Mode: - No turret play is a letdown, but still a fine tank.
Robot Mode: - This is as good as Legends gets, folks.
Overall: - The tank isn't perfect, but a must have for the robot mode.

Click here for more Megatron images via the Universe Database!

Hound

Specs

Strength     

Intelligence 

Speed        

Endurance    

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Courage      

Fireblast    

Skill        

Alt Mode

Hound returns yet again as an open air "jeep". He is colored in a bright military green. The section behind the seats is in gray simulated plating. An Autobot symbol can be found on the hood. He also sports the familiar winch on his front end, as well as the gold star on his right fender. The windshield can fold flat.

Due to the way his arms transform, the side profile can be a bit ugly. Also, the 2 seats are kinda crammed next to each other. The good news is that there is a semi-detailed interior with a steering wheel and shifter. To transform, flip the rear section around to form his legs and bends the seats to form his feet. Pull the sides up and out to form his arms. Fold the windshield back, then fold the front end down to finish things up.

Robot Mode

Like the other 2, Hound is a great representation of his former self. The only real color change is a bit of yellow showing up on the waist. Although missing his shoulder rocket, the head sculpt will remind you who this is.

The jointing is set up like Jazz's, including the restrictions. Out of the 3 figures, I would say Hound has the least degrees of movement. However, he is still able to pull off some nice poses.

Score

Alt Mode: - The sides look a tad messy, but still a good looking "jeep".
Robot Mode: - Some limited range of movement are the only problems.
Overall: - Another good add for the Legends lineup and a nice pre-cursor for what's to come in the 25th lineup.

Click here for more Hound images via the Universe Database!

Thoughts

For $5 each, these three figures do a fine job of representing their G1/G2 counterparts. They also sport some of the better points of articulation for this line. Megatron especially strikes me as the best "bang for buck" value. Wave one might have had some repainted passes, but Wave two should make up for it.

Reviewer	Blitzwing
Date	August 30th 2008
Score	(9 out of 10)
Reads	11037

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