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

Zartan entered the 3.75-inch *G.I. Joe* line in 1984 as Cobra’s chameleon-like infiltrator. The v1 figure used UV-reactive plastic so that, in sunlight, his ‘skin’ shifted to a bluish color—a standout 80s gimmick that kids could demo instantly on the playground. He shipped as a deluxe figure with the Chameleon Swamp Skier, a hood, chest armor, and a removable mask to sell the disguise theme.

Throughout the late 80s and into the 90s, Hasbro refreshed Zartan and related characters, sometimes experimenting with temperature/UV-reactive parts. Over time, the UV color-change was retired as materials and safety/durability standards evolved, and as the line cycled toward new play features. Modern Zartan figures focus on sculpt, articulation, and accessories rather than photochromic plastic—but the 1984 version remains iconic for its sunlight color shift.