Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Action Figure Review: Zandar from G.I. Joe Classified Series by Hasbro

 


   The wave of the Classified Series gives us yet another 1986 figure and another Dreadnok: Make way for Zandar, a Dreadnok who is supposed to be such a master of camouflage and blending in that folks just tend to forget he's there. Honestly, that's a bit how I always felt about Zandar, at least as a kid. Back then I didn't know what to do with him. Not getting into G.I. Joe until late 1986 or early 1987, I never had Zartan or the early Dreadnoks and I never really had a huge use for them until later figures started coming out like Road Pig and Gnawgahyde who just kind of mixed in with my general Cobra figures. Zandar just always seemed odd to me and was definitely one of my least favorite figures. While he and Zarana always get brought up because people love Dreadnoks and they have a connection to Zartan, oddly enough Zandar only ever had two figures prior to this release: The 1986 vintage and the 2011 figure from the 30th Anniversary era Dreadnoks Battle Set. Like Zarana (and most other Dreadnoks in the Classified Series), this dude is pretty awesome and might be the stand out figure in this series for me (I don't have Dial-Tone yet, so we'll have to see). The Classified Series version just hits different than the prior figures of Zandar. Ready to check out Zandar? Then join me after the break...



The Facts:

Height: 6 1/4ths inches

Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, boot swivels, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, balljointed drop down hips, balljointed waist, mid-torso hinge, butterfly pecs, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, balljointed neck, and a barbell jointed head.

Accessories: Harpoon rifle, pistol, dagger, machete, sheath, scarf, and backpack.

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars






The Positives:

* The original Zandar was wearing blue shoulder pads, a pink scarf, and a holster harness. The Classified Series figure feels the same, but he's definitely more clothed and just looks like a more interesting character. He does have his pink scarf, but I've left it off of him initially. Rather than looking like he's going to front a Hair Metal band, this version of Zandar... well, he still looks like he could front a Hair Metal band, but he also has some gear that looks like it either provides protection or deals damage. His shoulder pads are covered with metal skulls, vest looks like it probably provides protection and uses the MOLLE system, and his left forearm has... a long glove? Ok, he's still kind of random, but it works. This guy is covered with cool details, little paint applications, and unique textures.  


* Zandar is supposed to be kind of a forgettable guy, though I imagine most folks would remember a dude with flaming red hair held in place with a blue bandanna, red facial and chest tattoos, and sporting a pink bandanna, so he clearly has some sort of power. This is a good portrait, though, and I think Hasbro did make him resemble Zartan in the face a bit. He's wild and just has so much going on. Asymmetrical earrings, too. this guy is wild, no doubt.







* Here's a shot of Zandar's head from the side so you can not only see the headband and the back of his hair, but also the tattoos all over his neck and chest. 







* Here's his classic pink bandanna, too. Why pink? Why not? It's a bold statement and it does tie him in with Zarana, too. 













* On Zandar's right arm he has a shoulder pad with a spiked skull design on it, a Dreadnoks tattoo on his right forearm, and a leather glove with a metal plate on it for hand protection. 






* The left side has a similar skull decoration on the shoulder pad but also a bit of chain mail on the shoulder pad. Rather than a regular glove, he's waring a fingerless glove that almost looks like what an archer might wear. 














* Zandar's even sporting an asymmetrical design on his boot as there's an ornate external steel toe on his left foots. You don't want to get kicked by that!




* The articulation on the Classified Series figures is always pretty solid, and I don't have any issues with Zandar. He moves well, looks awesome in nearly any pose, and interacts well with all of his accessories. These are really sturdy, durable figures and this recent series feels even better than the previous releases. He looks fantastic using his speargun, doesn't he?







* Speaking of which, here's his speargun. This is a very solid and sturdy weapon with a nice scope on top, a painted spearhead, and what looks a CO2 canister on the bottom. Pretty nasty setup and no doubt effective in Zandar's hands. He is a master of silent weaponry, after all. The spear/ harpoon is not removable, just FYI. 







* Like his vintage counterpart, Zandar also comes with a backpack with spaces for his spears/ harpoons. They're not removable but there are plenty of the shafts visible, sticking up from the sides of the bag. It looks pretty good and they seem to either be separate pieces attached to the backpack to look like they've been slipped inside. The pack fits on Zandar's back snugly and there's even a handle for carrying it if you want to go that route.






* The vintage Zandar's pistol was molded into a chest holster but that just wouldn't do for the Classified Series. Zandar's pistol is a bit unusual looking. It's not your standard pistol and reminds me of something more daring, kind of like something KelTec would release.







* The pistol fits right into the holster on the front of Zandar's vest, keeping it at the ready when he needs something more traditional than the speargun. 











* This bladed weapon looks like a cross between a machete and a hatchet. It definitely looks like a custom piece and like something that would be pretty dangerous up close.





* A more traditional dagger is also included. It's similar to Zarana's (though not quite the same).





* The larger bladed weapon fits in a sheath or holster on Zandar's righty hip. It's an interesting way to carry the weapon, but it does work, keeping the blade safely covered with the handle easily accessible. 











* The dagger fits in this little sheathe on the back of his waist, definitely positioned so he can quickly pull this thing out and stick somebody with it. 








   There's no doubt about the fact that Zandar is my favorite figure from the most recent series so far (still don't have Dial-Tone, so maybe he'll wow me). What impresses me is that Zandar wasn't even a figure I liked all that much as a kid. This guy just absolutely works for me and I love his cool design, his portrait, the tattoos, and especially his weapons. It would have been really nice if the spear or harpoon were removable, but I'm not going to complain when everything else is perfection. This guy is my 2025 Classified Series figure to beat thus far. He's an Epic take on one of the weaker vintage figures, so that shows how talented the current Joe team.



This is the first Zandar figure I've reviewed. For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:










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2 comments:

  1. 555March 5, 2025 at 4:15 AM

    In his first appearance I think Destro sat on him, not noticing he was in the armchair. I think they used the gag of him being instantly forgotten for a few issues and promptly discarded it. Now he's finally getting some respect

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    Replies
    1. Barbecue17March 7, 2025 at 7:55 PM

      The Dreadnoks have been some of the finest updates in the Classified Series by far. Also, I'd bet Zandar and Ghostrider would have a lot to talk about.

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