Zandar finally joins the G.I. Joe Classified Series, bringing the infamous Dreadnok outlaw gang one step closer to completion. Known for being the overlooked younger brother of Zarana, Zandar finally gets the spotlight with this figure. Let’s see if Hasbro delivered a worthy addition to the line!
Zandar is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero franchise, created by Hasbro. He is the younger brother of Zartan and the fraternal twin of Zarana, affiliated with Cobra as a member of the Dreadnoks.
As a master of camouflage and covert movement, Zandar excels in infiltration and assassination. He is skilled in using silent weapons such as harpoons, crossbows, Bowie knives, and silenced handguns. Zandar's ability to remain motionless for long periods and his expertise in disguise make him a formidable operative.
Zandar's background includes growing up in a Catholic orphanage with his siblings. As a child, he was often overlooked, which he later used to his advantage in developing his stealth skills. He and his twin sister Zarana spent their teenage years on the streets of London before joining the Dreadnoks in Australia.
In the comics, Zandar has been involved in various Cobra operations, including rescuing Zartan from G.I. Joe custody and managing Cobra's telemarketing schemes. He has a complex relationship with his siblings, particularly Zartan, whom he resents for perceived neglect as Zartan's power grew.
Accessories – 8/10
Hasbro did a solid job loading Zandar with some great gear, though it doesn’t quite match the impressive accessory loadouts we’ve seen with other Classified figures. Included in the box are:
A signature machete with Zandar's custom design (fits in his belt sheath).
A speargun, unfortunately the spear is not removable.
A knife that can be sheathed at his lower back.
A removable scarf to match his original vintage design.
A pistol with a functional shoulder holster.
A backpack, with additional (non-removable) spears.
While the weapons are detailed, I would have loved to see an alternate head sculpt or more expressive hands to give him some additional personality.
Appearance – 9/10
Zandar's unique look is faithfully recreated, blending modernized details with classic elements from his 1986 design. His pink and blue color scheme is bold, staying true to his roots without looking too out of place alongside other Classified figures.
The head sculpt is fantastic, featuring his signature headband and long, unkempt hairstyle with his signature tattoos on his face. The texture on his ballistics vest and shoulder armor is a nice touch, adding realism to his punk-inspired design. He could use weathering on his pants and boots to further express that grungy biker feel, which would further help him stand out from the rest of the Dreadnoks.
The paint applications are mostly clean, though there are some minor issues with the metallic detailing on his shoulder and boot pieces. I also had some small issues with brown paint splotched on his left hand. Hasbro nailed the overall sculpt, but some additional paint washes on his clothes and weapons would have elevated the realism.
Articulation – 7.5/10
As expected from the Classified Series, Zandar has excellent articulation. However, due to design necessities, there are some limitations. He features:
Head rotation with limited up/down movement due to his scarf and hair sculpt.
Butterfly joints in the shoulders which I would normally be pleased with, unfortunately, the shoulder armor plays a huge role in minimizing the range of motion. Zandar is limited in how high he can lift his arms to the sides and the butterfly motion is also decreased in range due to the shoulder pieces.
Double-jointed elbows and knees for dynamic posing. My knees were very stiff, but eventually I was able to loosen them with some heat and silicone oil.
Ab crunch and waist swivel, though his vest limits movement significantly. I was able to get a reasonable back bend, but going forward was very difficult. The waist joint is also very tight and needed a hot bath before I could get it to turn reasonably easy.
Drop-down hips, making wide stances more natural. Oddly, the right leg on mine seems to be longer than the left. I've tried pushing the hip fully up into the socket, but that doesn't seem to do the trick... so Zandar has a somewhat off-balance stance.
Ankle pivot and hinge, though it is stiff out of the box. Heat it up before working with the joint.
The biggest issue is the shoulder joint limitations. Additionally, his scarf restricts some neck articulation, making certain poses difficult. Overall, he’s poseable but requires some minor adjustments for full range of motion.
Affordability – 7.5/10
With a retail price of $24.99-$27.99, Zandar falls in line with other Classified figures. However, considering the number of accessories included, he feels a little light compared to figures like Zartan, who had multiple faceplates and gear. If you’re a hardcore Dreadnok fan, he’s a must-buy, but casual collectors might wait for a sale.
Overall, Zandar is a strong addition to the G.I. Joe Classified lineup, offering a faithful sculpt, solid articulation, and a respectable selection of accessories. While he could have used more weapons or an alternate head sculpt to increase his value, he still holds his own as an essential Dreadnok figure. If you’re a fan of the G.I. Joe universe, especially the Dreadnoks, Zandar is absolutely worth picking up! The Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series #146 Zandar earns a respectable:
8 out of 10 ToyBoxes
Zandar is worth adding to your collection but could have been even better with a few more extras. Thanks for stopping by Dan's ToyBox, until next time... GEEK OUT!!!