Robb Ghag reviews Action Comics #23.2: Zod…
“General Zod storms into The New 52! Witness the origin of this genocidal maniac, and learn how far he will go to destroy those who oppose him!”
Aside from Lex Luthor I think it is safe to think of Zod being Superman’s nemesis. Even in the original Christopher Reeve Superman films, Richard Donner’s Zod was far more menacing then Lex Luthor. In the new Man of Steel movie, I actually think Michael Shannon does a great job emulating what the comics always wanted Zod to be: an Evil Kryptonian.
Despite the fact Bizarro can be considered an “evil” Superman, he doesn’t have the intellect or ambition, or sense of omnipotence that Zod does.
Zod is the answer to the question, what if baby Kal-El grew up on Earth and became a despot, and ruled the world? This issue really delves into the backstory of Zod and just how ruthless he can be.
He’s always had Krypton’s best interest at the forefront of all of his actions, but truth be told, Zod is a military leader. And a military leader without a war is simply a man in wait.
This issue was fantastic, and I have to say the Superman related villains are really standing out both story wise and artistically in comparison to the rest of the DCU in Villains Month. I don’t want to give away a lot of this issue, but if you only know General Zod from the movies, this issue is sure to open your eyes.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published September 13, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
