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Zandar
G.I. Joe character
First appearanceG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issue #51 (September 1986)
Voiced byPeter Cullen
In-universe information
AffiliationDreadnoks
SpecialtyZartan's Brother
File nameZachary (Last name unknown; various aliases
Birth placeUnknown (possibly somewhere in Florida)
Primary MOSCamouflage
Secondary MOSCovert movement

Zandar is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is affiliated with Cobra as a member of the Dreadnoks. He is portrayed by Matt Gerald in the 2013 film G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

Profile

[edit]

Zandar is the younger brother of Zartan and the fraternal twin of Zarana[1][2][3][4] Zandar excels at his specialty as a master of camouflage and covert movement as an infiltrator and assassin. Zandar has also used disguise in his repertoire and can disguise himself as anyone. He is a master of silent weapons, including harpoons, crossbows, Bowie knives and silenced handguns, and is capable of remaining motionless for long periods.[5]

Zandar is the secondborn of twins; his sister Zarana often the unequivocal leader of the two,[2][6][7][8] and he dresses in blues and pinks, similar to Zarana, and wears a torn scarf which is material from her tattered pink shirt. Like his sister, Zandar has naturally auburn hair.[2]

The Dreadnoks are frightened of Zandar for an undisclosed reason—one of them was late for patrol and another commented "Get goin mate, Zandar's supervising tonight. If he's on your bad side you better hope the gators get you first."[9] Zandar is the only other Dreadnok that Road Pig has obeyed besides Zarana.[10]

Action figure

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Zandar and his twin sister Zarana were introduced in 1986,[11] along with the second wave of Dreadnok action figures. Zandar and Zarana were made of the same UV reactive plastic as Zartan, and when exposed to direct sunlight, their skin would turn dark blue.

The Zandar figure had a punk appearance with orange hair, a blue bandana, earrings, red facial markings, a shirtless torso with jagged tattoos, and a pink neck kerchief. For accessories he carried a speargun and had a pack of spears on his back.

Comics

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Marvel Comics

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Zandar and Zarana operated several scams and schemes for Cobra, using their advanced skills as con artists. Later Zarana spent a lot of time with Cobra Commander and Zandar was nowhere to be seen.

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #51 (September 1986) as part of a successful rescue attempt of Zartan. Zandar briefly disguised himself as an auto mechanic at Zartan's hideout while the others hid, and diverted the Joes on their tail, who did not realize it was the young punk.[12]

During the first Cobra civil war (which takes place on Cobra Island) Zandar and his siblings commanded troops on the side of Cobra Commander.[13] A few issues later, Zandar is seen helping a squad of Dreadnoks oversee the new Cobra stronghold of Broca Beach, New Jersey.[14]

Zandar helps successfully create a new call center for Cobra marketing schemes; this despite interference from a G.I. Joe squad.[15]

Devil's Due comics

[edit]

Zandar and his siblings grew up in a Catholic orphanage. He was small for his age and was bullied by other children. His older brother accidentally killed a boy for bullying young Zandar. As teenagers, the twins grew up on the streets of London rather than be separated to different foster homes. He and his sister searched out their brother and found themselves in the outback of Australia as members of the Dreadnok biker gang.[citation needed]

Zandar fights against invading Joe forces when Zartan's expanded Everglades headquarters comes under attack. He and Road Pig capture Scarlett and Snake Eyes.[16]

Zandar turned up alongside the Baroness when Cobra made a deal with radical terrorist Tyler Wingfield in Devil's Due's G.I. Joe: Frontline. He and the Baroness kill four agents guarding a safe house.[17]

Civil war took over Cobra Island once again. As a masked member of the Coil, Zandar fought Zartan, but the younger brother lost, taking a knife in the gut. Zandar removed his mask, revealing himself to Zartan, who had not realized until that moment it was Zandar fighting him. Zartan pulls all his forces, which would have lost the battle for Cobra if Cobra Commander had not personally seen to Serpentor himself being taken down. Without a leader, the Coil fell to Cobra's newest troopers, the Neo-Vipers.[18]

Zandar's actions come back to affect him when Duke and former Joe commander, Phillip Rey, arrive at a Dreadnoks HQ to confront him for information. Zartan literally throws Zandar at the pair, saying that apart from killing him, the two can do what they wish; this is Zandar's punishment for betraying Cobra.[19]

Picture of Zandar from IDW Publishing.

IDW

[edit]

Zandar and Zarana make an appearance supplying weapons to the Heathens motorcycle gang, who are working under "The One's" program. Concerned only with their money, not the gang's politics or goals, the twins demand their payment, but not before a G.I. Joe strike team attacks and orders them to surrender. The twins flee on their motorbike, but not before realizing neither one of them collected their fee. They also realize "The One" considers them expendable and vow to put an end to "The One." Shipwreck follows them as they speed away, informing them he's got them outgunned. Zandar and Zarana use holography to conceal themselves and their bike.[20] The Dreadnok twins were apprehended shortly thereafter and taken into custody.[7]

IDW post-Revolutionaries

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The Dreadnok Twins, disguised as inner Mongolian locals, Ying and Yong, lead a strike team of GI Joes to Crystal Ball's cult stronghold, where they were ambushed by Crystal Ball and the Dreadnoks. Zandar and Zarana sneak away some time during the battle.[21]

During the Dreadnoks' pursuit of the Joes, they were snatched away underground by Crystal Ball's summoned, large "Fatal Fluffies". Zandar and Zarana appear again with the Dreadnoks, ambushing Duke in the underground, with the intention of taking the Joes' prisoners, the Baroness and Crystal Ball.[22]

Animated series

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Sunbow

[edit]

Zandar appeared in the second season of the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon voiced by Peter Cullen[23] and understudied by Milton James in "Arise Serpentor, Arise" Pt. 5. In the five-part episode "Arise Serpentor, Arise," Zandar and Zarana join Zartan in finding new recruits for the Dreadnoks. During this five-part episode, Roger C. Carmel voiced Zandar in the second part and Milton James voiced Zandar in the fifth part when Peter Cullen was unavailable for those two episodes.

In "Raise the Flagg!", Cobra attempts to salvage an antimatter pod from a crashed helicarrier of theirs. Cobra soldiers under the command of Zartan, Zandar and Zarana use an oil platform for the operation. The three Dreadnoks flee during a battle with the Joes and are sent by Cobra Commander to recover the antimatter pod before the Joes. They are taken prisoner alongside Roadblock, Leatherneck and Wet-Suit by an insane Cobra chef named B.A. LaCarre and his B.A.T.s, who force them into labor. The Joes, Dreadnoks and LaCarre eventually put aside their differences and hook the antimatter pod to the helicarrier's rotors, rising them out of the water. Cobra Troopers take the Dreadnoks to a chamber to recover from decompression sickness.[24]

G.I. Joe: The Movie

[edit]

Zandar also appeared briefly in the 1987 animated film G.I. Joe: The Movie.[25]

Live action film

[edit]
Zandar
G.I. Joe character
First appearance2013
Portrayed byMatt Gerald
In-universe information
AffiliationCobra
SeriesG.I. Joe: Retaliation

Zandar appears in the 2013 film G.I. Joe: Retaliation, portrayed by actor Matt Gerald. In the film, Zandar is a member of Cobra, and the head of the detail for the President of the United States (his brother Zartan in disguise). He was shot and killed by General Joseph Colton, when he was holding the real President of the United States hostage.

Other works

[edit]

Zandar's figure is briefly featured in the fiction novel 6 Sick Hipsters. In the story, the character Paul Achting spent four years collecting G.I. Joe figures to set up a battle scene between the Joes and Cobra. As he imagined the characters in his head, he described the Dreadnoks as "an elite team of maniacal mercenaries allied with Cobra for this battle", with the figures lying in the thick of the shag carpet, and sitting next to Monkeywrench was Zandar, "the leader of the Dreadnoks and master of disguise though he looked more like a member of Duran Duran circa Arena than a crazed killer".[26]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zandar

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from Grokipedia
Zandar is a fictional character in the franchise, introduced as a member of the Dreadnoks, a notorious gang of anarchistic criminals who serve as antagonists to the heroic . As the fraternal twin brother of and sibling to the shape-shifting leader , Zandar shares a close familial bond with his siblings, often symbolized by a torn from 's that he wears as a memento. His background remains enigmatic, much like the rest of the Dreadnok family, with little known about his early life beyond his integration into the group's criminal activities. Zandar first appeared in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic series published by in 1986, and he has since been featured in various , toy lines, and expanded media within the franchise. Zandar's defining traits revolve around his unparalleled expertise in , making him a master of stealth who can blend seamlessly into any environment and remain perfectly motionless for extended periods. This skill set positions him as a key operative for infiltration and missions against forces or in service to the organization, often employing silent weapons such as knives and harpoon guns to execute ambushes without detection. Unlike his more charismatic or deceptive siblings, Zandar embodies quiet menace, thriving in the shadows and contributing to the Dreadnoks' reputation for ruthless, opportunistic villainy. In toy iterations, such as the 6-inch Classified Series figure released by , Zandar is depicted with accessories emphasizing his stealth role, including a , knives, and a harpoon gun, underscoring his tactical prowess in the ongoing conflict between and .

Character profile

Background and abilities

Zandar was introduced in as a Dreadnok operative affiliated with in the : A Real American Hero toyline. He is characterized as the brother of , with a background rooted in cultivating from a young age, honing skills in evasion and stealth that made him an ideal infiltrator for the anarchic Dreadnoks. Zandar's primary abilities center on and covert movement, allowing him to hide effectively and approach targets undetected with malicious intent. He is an expert in silent weapons, such as crossbows and harpoons, and possesses the remarkable capacity to remain completely motionless for extended durations, enhancing his role as a non-combat specialist in tracking and infiltration. Like his brother , Zandar can alter his skin pigmentation to blend into surroundings, a trait stemming from thermal-sensitive material used in his face paint that activates under exposure. Physically, the original 1986 figure embodies a punk subculture style, featuring auburn-orange hair partially covered by a bandana, red facial war paint, jagged arm tattoos, and attire in static and hues that complement his color-changing skin, turning vivid in direct sunlight for added effect. As a Dreadnok tracker, Zandar's stealth-oriented expertise supports group sabotage and reconnaissance, prioritizing infiltration over frontline engagement. He shares familial ties with Zartan and his twin sister Zarana, though his independent stealth prowess defines his operational niche.

Family and affiliations

In most continuities, Zandar is the younger brother of , the leader of the Dreadnoks, and the twin brother of Zarana; however, in the IDW continuity, he and Zarana are twins unrelated to , all three sharing a close familial bond that shapes their criminal activities. In the Devil's Due continuity, their shared reveals that the siblings grew up in the Our Lady of Valour Catholic orphanage following the death of their parents in a car explosion when Zartan was young; Zartan later fled the orphanage after a violent incident involving a bully targeting Zandar, while Zarana and Zandar were subsequently adopted. As a core member of the Dreadnoks, a biker gang allied with , Zandar serves under his brother Zartan's command, participating in covert operations against forces that leverage the group's anarchic tactics and the siblings' specialized skills. His initial allegiance to stems primarily from family loyalty, with the Dreadnoks operating as mercenaries for the organization while prioritizing their own interests. In the Devil's Due comics continuity, over time, Zandar's loyalties evolved amid internal conflicts, leading him to betray and join the Coil, a splinter faction led by that challenged 's leadership during the events on Cobra Island. This defection highlighted tensions within the group, as Zandar aligned with Dr. Mindbender and the Coil for personal gain before eventually reconciling with his family. Within the family dynamics, Zandar's expertise as a stealth and specialist complements Zartan's strategic leadership and Zarana's proficiency in infiltration and , enabling the siblings to execute coordinated deceptions and ambushes as a unit. This synergy has been central to their effectiveness in Dreadnok operations, where Zandar's ability to blend into environments supports the broader family's disruptive role against .

Action figures

1986 original release

Zandar was released in 1986 as part of the fifth series of the : A Real American Hero line, carded for retail sale and also available through 1987 before being discontinued in 1988. The figure measures 3.75 inches in scale and embodies a punk aesthetic with an orange mohawk, red camouflage-patterned facial tattoos, and lightning bolt tattoos on the arms, aligning with his Dreadnok affiliation and stealth capabilities. The torso and arms utilize thermal-sensitive, UV-reactive plastic that shifts from flesh tone to blue under exposure to sunlight or heat, a feature integrated via a one-piece torso mold without the standard separating screw to preserve the material's integrity. Accessories include a black harpoon rifle—functioning as a speargun with detachable harpoon—and a blue backpack, both tailored to emphasize silent, stealth-oriented operations in line with the character's infiltration role. The file card biography details his background and skills as follows:
Zandar is a master of camouflage and covert movement. In other words, he's good at hiding and sneaking up on people. He's an expert with silent weapons and is capable of remaining motionless for long periods of time. Like his brother , he has the ability to change skin color. Zandar is the kind of guy who can walk up behind you and slit your throat before you even know he's there. "Zandar was the kid who never got noticed in school. His anonymity was no accident."
This bio underscores his Dreadnok ties and proficiency in camouflage and silent weapons, providing narrative context for the figure's design and gear.

Modern reissues and Classified series

In the 30th Anniversary line, Zandar was reissued in 2011 as part of the BigBadToyStore (BBTS) exclusive Dreadnoks 7-Pack, which included figures of Zandar (version 2), Zartan, Zarana, Ripper, Torch, Buzzer, and Roadblock. This set maintained the original 1986 aesthetics with minor updates, such as a new head sculpt and repurposed parts from other figures like the Pursuit of Cobra Zartan torso and 25th Anniversary Zartan arms, while preserving the character's camouflage motif and silent weapon expertise. The figure came with accessories including a backpack, knife, and rifle, emphasizing nostalgia for collectors. Hasbro expanded the Dreadnoks lineup in the Classified Series with the release of Zandar (#146) in early 2025, scaling the figure to 6 inches for enhanced articulation and modern play features. This version features improved detailing, such as intricate tattoos on the arms and torso, a spear-launching (also called a harpoon gun), two knives, a , and a , all designed to evoke the core 1986 design while adding dynamic posing options with over 20 points of articulation. Retailing at $24.99, it addressed previous gaps in Dreadnok representation by incorporating tactical elements like symbols and skull motifs for a refreshed yet faithful appearance. Variants of the modern Zandar figures include the BBTS-exclusive edition from the 2011 30th Anniversary set, which featured a unique file card and packaging not available in retail channels. No additional convention exclusives or bundle sets specific to Zandar have been produced. Hasbro's approach in these reissues prioritizes nostalgic appeal combined with contemporary engineering, such as premium plastic and accessory compatibility, to appeal to both vintage fans and new collectors.

Comics appearances

Marvel Comics era

Zandar made his debut in the Marvel Comics series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #51 (September 1986), assisting his sister Zarana in infiltrating the G.I. Joe headquarters, The Pit, under to rescue their brother , who had been captured during a prior operation. Posing as an interrogation specialist alongside Zarana (disguised as ), Zandar helped extract Zartan and a stolen communications module, employing his expertise in and covert movement to evade detection. The escape led to a Dreadnok ambush in the swamps, where Zandar joined the group in a vehicular battle against Cross-Country's HAVOC using the Thunder Machine, ultimately dodging pursuing Joes by outmaneuvering a train. In subsequent issues, Zandar featured prominently in early Dreadnok schemes aligned with Cobra. In #52 (October 1986), he disguised himself as the Joe to participate in Cobra Commander's assassination attempt on during a coup on Cobra Island, though the plot was thwarted by 's intervention. Issue #53 (November 1986) saw Zandar supporting the full-scale Cobra assault on The Pit, unloading Battle Android Troopers (B.A.T.s) in the motor pool as part of the invasion force led by , Cobra Commander, and , highlighting his role in direct headquarters assaults. By #54 (December 1986), Zandar accompanied and Zarana to Cobra Island for the sale of Terror Dromes to Sierra Gordo envoys, providing security amid escalating tensions that culminated in Snake Eyes' capture. His appearances in #55 (January 1987) were more peripheral, as a background Dreadnok during the aftermath of the island conflicts. Zandar's character was developed as a sneaky, loyal operative whose camouflage skills enabled infiltration and ambush tactics, often overlooked by enemies due to his unassuming nature. In G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Yearbook #3 (1987), he received a profile pin-up emphasizing his mastery of silent weapons and motionless concealment, reinforcing his utility in covert roles. During the Cobra Civil War arc in issues #73–77 (July–November 1988), Zandar provided security for (impersonated by Fred VII) alongside other Dreadnoks, advising aggressive strikes against 's forces and participating in an airstrip ambush using the Thunder Machine to destroy a C-130 transport plane in #74. His loyalty peaked in #76, where he assassinated with a precisely aimed during a speech, securing 's victory in the power struggle. Later stories showcased Zandar in non-combat schemes, underscoring his deceptive prowess. In #79 (January 1989), he partnered with Zarana in a -orchestrated real estate scam in , hosting seminars to defraud investors while other Dreadnoks distracted pursuing Joes. His final Marvel appearance came in G.I. Joe: Special Missions #21 (May 1989), where he led a sewer operation in , installing gas canisters as a diversion for a telephone fraud scheme and reporting a Joe team encounter (including and Airtight) to Zarana, escaping after a brief firefight with Vipers and . Throughout the original 155-issue run ending in 1994, Zandar's arcs emphasized Dreadnok ambushes and Cobra infiltrations, with no further major roles after 1989.

Devil's Due publications

In the Devil's Due era of G.I. Joe comics, published from 2001 to 2008, Zandar's character received significant development, bridging the original Marvel continuity with modern storylines through deeper exploration of his family ties and internal conflicts within the Dreadnoks and Cobra. His expertise in camouflage and covert operations was frequently highlighted, evolving from basic ambushes to more intricate tactical maneuvers in later arcs. This period emphasized Zandar's loyalty struggles, often pitting his familial bonds against Cobra's hierarchical demands. Zandar's origin was fleshed out in the 2006 miniseries Dreadnoks: Declassified, revealing his early life as Zachary alongside siblings and Zarana. Following the death of their parents, Zeke and Melanie, in a in , the children were placed in the Catholic Our Lady of Valour Orphanage. There, the young Zandar endured , including being locked in a cabinet by another orphan named Jimmy Blanch; Zartan responded by fatally assaulting the bully, prompting his own escape from the facility. Zarana staunchly defended Zartan, attributing his actions to a lack of medication provided by the nuns. Months later, Zandar and Zarana were adopted, setting the stage for their eventual reunion with Zartan and recruitment into the Dreadnoks biker gang, which Zartan led as an adult. A pivotal early appearance occurred in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vol. 2 #2 (November 2001), where Zandar and Road Pig ambushed invading teams in the Florida , successfully capturing operatives Scarlett and Snake Eyes during an assault on the Dreadnoks' expanded headquarters. This encounter underscored Zandar's stealth capabilities in swamp , allowing the Dreadnoks to exploit the environment for surprise attacks. Similar defensive actions in the recurred in subsequent issues, highlighting infighting among Dreadnok members and its repercussions on their operations. Zandar's role expanded in the G.I. Joe: Front Line limited series (2002–2004), where he collaborated with the Baroness to broker a deal between Cobra and terrorist Tyler Wingfield. In issues #13–14, Zandar assisted in capturing G.I. Joe agent Chuckles, delivering him to Wingfield to settle Cobra's debts, demonstrating his utility in covert extractions amid urban betrayals. Central to Zandar's arc were themes of betrayal and loyalty tests within Cobra, particularly during the "Union of the Snake" storyline spanning G.I. Joe: The Real American Hero vol. 2 #36–40 (2004–2005). Feeling overshadowed by Zartan, Zandar defected to the splinter faction known as the Coil, led by Serpentor, and aided in abducting Cobra Commander during the Cobra Island civil war. This treachery was exposed in issue #32, where Dr. Mindbender blackmailed Zartan over Zandar's actions on the island. Cobra Commander later confronted Zandar for the betrayal in issue #38, leading to a violent clash in a hangar where Zartan stabbed his brother; Zandar survived and recovered at the Dreadnoks' Everglades compound. By issue #40, Zandar provided intelligence on Mindbender's alliances with rogue generals, testing his divided allegiances amid escalating Cobra infighting. These events, culminating around 2005, portrayed Zandar's stealth tactics with greater detail, such as silent infiltrations and misdirection in issues #25–30, where he navigated complex battlefields to support or undermine Cobra objectives.

IDW continuity

In the IDW continuity of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic series, Zandar serves as a key member of the Dreadnoks, leveraging his expertise in and covert operations for urban criminal activities and Cobra-aligned schemes. Introduced as Zarana's twin brother with a shared background of street survival after fleeing an , Zandar's stealth skills are amplified by advanced technology, enabling him to evade forces in city environments. His appearances emphasize tech-enhanced infiltration, often alongside Zarana, in a narrative that portrays the Dreadnoks as opportunistic arms dealers and saboteurs amid escalating Cobra-Joe conflicts. Zandar first features prominently in the relaunched G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vol. 3, beginning in 2010, where he aids Dreadnok operations by supplying illegal weapons to street gangs, directly clashing with Joe teams investigating urban threats. In G.I. Joe Season 3 #8 (2014), Zandar and Zarana orchestrate a major gun transaction with dealers in a domestic city setting, only to be interrupted by , Roadblock, and , showcasing his role in fueling local crime waves while dodging Joe pursuits. These early arcs highlight Zandar's tactical evasion, using his natural augmented by Dreadnok gadgets to slip away from capture during high-stakes deals. Key storylines in issues #1–10 of vol. 3 and extending into crossover events depict Zandar employing holography for deceptive escapes and disguises during Dreadnok missions in dense urban and international locales. In the 2017 Revolution crossover, particularly G.I. Joe #2–3 and #8, Zandar observes and participates in ambushes in Inner Mongolia's Hohhot, where he and Zarana deploy hologram technology to masquerade as locals, infiltrating areas controlled by Crystal Ball's brainwashed forces to counter advancing Joe units. This tech allows the twins to orchestrate diversions and retreats amid chaotic battles involving the unified "Unity" team of Joes, Transformers, and other allies, underscoring Zandar's adaptability in multinational operations up to the Revolution climax. Following the Revolution events, Zandar's role evolves in later A Real American Hero issues (#200–250, 2014–2016), where he forges uneasy alliances with the team remnants during joint operations against splinter groups, while navigating family tensions with Zarana over loyalty to amid shifting Dreadnok priorities. These arcs portray Zandar in battles across urban strongholds, using stealth to sabotage Joe supply lines and exploit infighting, with sibling disputes surfacing as Zarana pushes for bolder risks that strain their partnership. The IDW run concluded in 2018 with issue #300, incorporating Zandar in final tales of civil wars, where Dreadnok factions fracture under leadership vacuums, leading to his last documented evasions in chaotic power struggles.

Skybound/Image Comics

In the Skybound/Image Comics continuity, known as the , Zandar was introduced as a key member of the Dreadnoks alongside his siblings Zartan and Zarana, emphasizing their role as independent mercenaries operating in swamp hideouts and engaging in opportunistic schemes involving energon resources. Zandar first appeared in the miniseries (2023–2024), where the Dreadnoks capture the transformed following his escape from a Transformers-related incident. In issue #3, Zandar participates in the group's of the captive, as the Dreadnoks—led by Zarana in Zartan's absence—subject him to torture in an attempt to extract information, with Zandar questioning whether to inform their brother about the high-value prisoner. The storyline escalates in Cobra Commander #4, when Nemesis Enforcer attacks the hideout, massacring several Dreadnoks; Zandar survives and devises a diversionary tactic by detonating unrefined energon to distract the enforcer, allowing the survivors—including himself, Zarana, Ripper, and —to regroup and highlight the group's resilience and tactical cunning. This arc portrays Zandar as a stealthy operative focused on and tactics, aligning with the series' more mature tone that explores family loyalties and the Dreadnoks' autonomy from larger factions. Zandar's role expands in Skybound's continuation of : A Real American Hero, picking up from issue #301 (2023) under writer . In #306 (May 2024), Zandar appears alongside Zarana in the Dreadnoks' bayou operations, supporting Zartan's secretive alliance with amid escalating conflicts with forces and hints of broader intrigue. The narrative shifts toward deeper family dynamics, with Zandar and Zarana's interactions underscoring tensions and mutual dependence within the group. As of November 2025, Zandar features in the ongoing series' "Dreadnok War" arc, beginning in issue #13 (November 5, 2025), a five-part storyline where he joins Zarana, Ripper, and in a revenge campaign against for past betrayals. In the opening issue, Zandar employs stealth tactics in the Dreadnoks' initial strikes on assets, contributing to the Commander's need for an uneasy alliance with . This arc amplifies the Dreadnoks' independence, integrating family-driven motivations with crossover elements from the .

Animated portrayals

Sunbow animated series

Zandar was introduced in the second season of the Sunbow G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero animated series, which aired from 1985 to 1986, as a member of the Dreadnoks faction allied with Cobra. Voiced by Peter Cullen, who was also known for portraying Optimus Prime in The Transformers, Zandar debuted in episodes emphasizing his role in covert operations and family ties to Zartan and Zarana. His appearances were limited to minor supporting roles across 14 episodes, totaling 511 seconds of screen time and only 15 lines of dialogue, often highlighting his sneakiness through brief, understated interactions. In key episodes, Zandar provided stealth support during Dreadnok attacks, such as in "Raise the Flagg!" where he assisted in salvaging an anti-matter device from a sunken alongside his siblings, engaging in underwater infiltration and vehicle operation. Other notable roles included guarding Cobra assets in "Computer Complications," where he helped recover a sunken pod but faced capture, and multiple parts of the five-episode arc "Arise, Serpentor, Arise," involving auditions for the Dreadnoks and assaults on Joe positions. His limited lines, such as warnings or quick reports to , underscored his expertise in camouflage and covert movement, allowing him to blend into environments during these skirmishes. The animation style depicted Zandar with a consistent punk aesthetic matching his 1986 toy design, featuring a multi-colored jacket and pants in light brown tones, though his color-shifting clothes were stylized rather than dynamically animated. He appeared in over 10 episodes in brief cameos, often as a background figure in Dreadnok rallies or defenses, adding subtle for viewers familiar with the line. Production notes indicate Zandar's inclusion was tied to promoting the simultaneous toy release, with his designs and roles directly adapted to showcase camouflage skills in action without overshadowing core characters.

G.I. Joe: The Movie

Zandar appears in the 1987 animated film : The Movie, serving as a supporting Dreadnok operative aligned with 's leadership under the newly introduced Emperor Serpentor. Voiced by , who also provided voices for other characters in the production, Zandar's portrayal emphasizes his role in collective Cobra operations rather than individual stealth tactics. Early in the film, Zandar is depicted silently in Serpentor's war room, observing strategic discussions as prepares its invasion. He subsequently participates in the Dreadnoks' assault on the team's B.E.T. (Broadcast Energy Transmitter) device, aiding in the disruption of the Joes' defensive broadcast system. These sequences underscore Zandar's integration into larger group dynamics during 's aggressive push against the Joes. Midway through the narrative, Zandar is commissioned by the Cobra agent Pythona to assist in liberating from captivity; in this segment, he speaks his sole line of while helping orchestrate the escape and fleeing in a Ferret ATV alongside other Dreadnoks. Near the film's climax, during the intense battle at Cobra-La's ancient pyramid-like fortifications, Zandar briefly engages in defensive actions with the Joes, piloting a Swampfire vehicle to guard a critical entrance. His cumulative totals approximately 78 seconds across the movie's runtime, distributed as 25 seconds in Part 1, 49 seconds in Part 2, and 4 seconds in Part 5. Zandar's involvement reinforces the Dreadnoks' chaotic support for Cobra's overarching invasion plot, seamlessly extending his established presence from the Sunbow into this feature-length continuation.

Live-action adaptation

Portrayal in G.I. Joe: Retaliation

In the 2013 live-action film G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Zandar is portrayed by actor as a loyal operative serving as Zartan's security chief and head of the U.S. Secret Service's presidential detail. Unlike his comic origins, Zandar is depicted in a militarized role focused on protection and enforcement, without explicit ties to the Dreadnoks biker gang. His character emphasizes disciplined , acting as Zartan's enforcer while the latter impersonates the . Zandar's key scenes revolve around safeguarding the disguised Zartan and confronting intruders during the Joes' mission to expose the deception. He first appears overseeing security in the , then engages in a brief confrontation with Flint and during their infiltration to obtain a DNA sample confirming the president's identity. Later, during the climactic rescue operation at a mountain bunker, Zandar attempts to prevent the extraction of the real president, leading to a direct confrontation where he is fatally shot by General Joe Colton, played by . These moments highlight Zandar's role as a steadfast , though his total screen time amounts to under five minutes. Visually, Zandar is designed with a professional, tactical aesthetic suited to his security position, wearing a dark suit accented by a subtle and carrying a Glock 17 sidearm, departing from punk-inspired looks in favor of a clean-shaven, short-haired appearance devoid of any camouflage or color-shifting effects. The film, directed by , was primarily shot in 2011 and 2012 across locations including New Orleans and the Blue Mountains in , with Zandar's scenes integrated into the production's second-unit action sequences before its March 28, 2013, theatrical release.

Differences from source material

In the live-action film G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Zandar's core role deviates significantly from his depiction in the original toyline, , and , where he is established as a master of and covert operations, specializing in silent takedowns using weapons like crossbows and guns to ambush enemies from hiding. Instead, the film reimagines him as the head of a presidential , functioning as an armed enforcer who engages in direct, overt with firearms, devoid of any stealth mechanics, hiding tactics, or non-lethal gags characteristic of his source material persona. Zandar's family background receives minimal exploration in the adaptation, with his sibling relationship to implied through context and naming but lacking the detailed orphanage upbringing shared with both and his twin sister Zarana, as outlined in the original character filecard. The film omits any reference to Zarana entirely, streamlining Zandar's ties to the Dreadnoks into a more isolated affiliation without the punk gang dynamics or criminal history emphasized in the and animations. Visually, the film's Zandar abandons the source material's distinctive punk aesthetic, including face tattoos, a colorful , and UV-reactive plastic elements designed to enhance his chameleon-like abilities, in favor of a standard black military suit befitting a secret service operative. His death—fatally shot by General Joe Colton during a —represents a unique cinematic invention, as Zandar survives all canonical appearances in the and without such a fatal encounter. These alterations reflect the filmmakers' intent to craft an original "movie era" distinct from the comic and canons, prioritizing high-stakes action sequences and a condensed ensemble to suit blockbuster pacing, which diminishes the broader Dreadnok group's prominence in favor of core Cobra threats.

Other media

Video games

Zandar has made limited appearances in G.I. Joe video games, primarily as a supporting playable character aligned with the Dreadnoks faction. His portrayals emphasize his canonical expertise in camouflage and stealth, often integrating these traits into gameplay mechanics focused on infiltration and disruption rather than frontline combat. In the 2013 mobile turn-based strategy game G.I. Joe: Battleground, developed by DeNA, Zandar serves as a rare Cobra Dreadnok infiltrator unit. Players can deploy him in battles, where his abilities include "Silent Blades," which deals agility-based damage to multiple enemies with a chance to destroy items, and "Covert Ops," a area-of-effect attack that reduces opponents' agility and tactics stats to simulate covert sabotage. These mechanics highlight his role in weakening enemy formations from the shadows, consistent with his Dreadnok affiliation and group-oriented tactics alongside siblings like Zartan and Zarana. The game bundled Dreadnok characters to promote synergistic team strategies, though Zandar's solo potential lies in evasion and precision strikes. As of 2025, Zandar has not featured in major roles within recent titles, such as the 2024 retro-style beat 'em up G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra, which features as a boss but no appearance by Zandar or other Dreadnoks.

Novels and literature

Zandar's literary portrayals are sparse, primarily confined to official tie-in novels from the 1980s, where he appears as a secondary emphasizing his expertise in stealth and . These works, part of ' "Find Your Fate" series of interactive choose-your-own-adventure stories, integrate Zandar into Cobra's schemes without centering major plotlines around him. His role underscores the Dreadnoks' as a ragtag biker of outlaws, blending punk rebellion with covert operations. In Operation: Jungle Doom (1986) by Lynn Beach, Zandar aids in a plot targeting the , utilizing his silent movement skills to ambush forces in dense jungle terrain. The narrative highlights his ability to blend into environments, remaining motionless for extended periods to execute surprise attacks, aligning with his toy-inspired punk aesthetic of a mohawked infiltrator. Similarly, Operation: Sink or Swim (1987) by Barbara and Scott Siegel features Zandar collaborating with his sister Zarana to sabotage New York City's infrastructure, aiming to submerge . Here, prose descriptions focus on his covert prowess, such as sneaking through urban shadows to plant explosives, reinforcing the Dreadnoks' chaotic, anti-establishment vibe without delving into personal backstory. Outside official tie-ins, Zandar receives a minor cameo in the 2008 urban thriller 6 Sick Hipsters by Rayo Casablanca, where a collector character references owning Zandar's as part of a G.I. Joe obsession amid a tale of Brooklyn serial killings. This non-canon nod ties loosely to G.I. Joe lore by portraying the figure as a punk-inspired collectible, but Zandar plays no active role.

References

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