What Happened to Zandar (G.I. Joe action figure)?

1986–1990s (feature retired) Toys/Games • United States

ℹ️ Fate: The original 1986 figure's UV color-change effect was a cornerstone of the legendary color-change trio. Later releases kept the character but phased out the sunlight transformation as durability and manufacturing standards evolved. Yet Zandar v1 remains iconic for being part of one of the 80s' most memorable toy innovations.

Introduced in **1986** for *G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero*, **Zandar** (Zartan's brother and a **Dreadnok**) featured **UV-reactive plastic** so that exposed 'skin' **shifted to a bluish tone in sunlight**—a signature innovation that completed the legendary color-change trio with Zartan and Zarana. This wasn't just visual; kids could test it instantly on the playground, making Zandar an unforgettable part of 80s toy culture. Packed with covert-ops gear befitting his swamp-raider Dreadnok aesthetic, he reinforced the clan's infiltrator identity. By the **1990s**, the UV color-change feature was phased out as manufacturing standards and durability concerns shifted focus, but Zandar remained in Hasbro's lineup through the **2000s and beyond**. Modern versions emphasize sculpt and articulation, yet the original 1986 release remains iconic—a testament to 80s toy innovation when such features defined a figure's legacy.

Zandar joined the 3.75" *G.I. Joe* roster in 1986 as a Dreadnok and brother to Zartan, featuring one of the era's most innovative toy effects: UV-reactive plastic. In sunlight, his exposed 'skin' turned to a striking bluish tone—a feature kids could demo instantly on any playground, making him unforgettable. He arrived with covert-ops style accessories (bandanna/scarf, backpack, weapons) and a grim camo color palette that screamed swamp-raider Dreadnok attitude, completing the legendary color-change trio (Zartan, Zarana, Zandar) that dominated playground conversations in the mid-80s.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, this color-change trio became legendary among collectors and kids alike. However, by the 1990s, the UV color-change feature was phased out as manufacturing standards evolved and durability concerns emerged. The photochromic plastic that once made Zandar special couldn't withstand the rigors of play and storage.

Today, in the 2000s and beyond, Hasbro has refreshed Zandar across various scales and articulation systems, but the focus shifted to improved sculpts, articulation, and accessories rather than color-change effects. Yet Zandar v1 (1986) remains iconic—a time capsule of 80s toy innovation when a single feature could define a character's legacy. Collectors prize the original precisely because that UV effect is what made him part of a revolutionary toy moment and, ultimately, what makes him rare.

Timeline

  • 1986

    Zandar v1 debuts: UV-reactive 'skin' shifts bluish in sunlight. Ships with covert-ops gear and camo color palette. Completes the legendary color-change trio with Zartan and Zarana.

  • 1980

    The color-change Dreadnok trio becomes a playground phenomenon and collector favorite. Kids demo the UV effect everywhere—a standout innovation in the G.I. Joe line.

  • 1990

    UV and photochromic color-change features phased out across the line due to durability concerns and evolving safety/manufacturing standards. Character continues but without the color-shift effect.

  • 2000

    Zandar reissued and reimagined in modern scales and articulation systems (3.75-inch, 6-inch, collectibles). Color-change feature retired; focus shifts to sculpt, poseability, and accessories. Original 1986 version grows in collector value as part of the iconic color-change trio.

Sources & References

Explore more

Related books, memorabilia, and resources about Zandar (G.I. Joe action figure).

Books & documentaries

Find histories, biographies, and documentaries mentioning Zandar (G.I. Joe action figure).

Search on Amazon

Reference & research

Dig deeper into primary sources, press coverage, and catalogs.

Wikipedia Browse A–Z

Learn more

Continue on Vanished Brands

Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.