General Zod
sh078 · Super Heroes
DC Universe: Man of Steel · 2013
Figure ID
sh078
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2013
Rarity
Uncommon
Head
Light Flesh, dual-sided printing: one side with a stern bearded expression, the other with an angry expression and red Heat Vision eyes. Paired with a Pearl Dark Gray Kryptonian helmet mold.
Torso
Pearl Dark Gray with Kryptonian armor printing. Design features a subtle 'Z' House of El style crest integrated into the biomechanical suit textures. Matching Pearl Dark Gray arms and hands.
Legs
Plain Pearl Dark Gray with no printing, maintaining a monochromatic armored aesthetic.
Accessories
Includes a Pearl Dark Gray breastplate/armor piece with shoulder pads and a specialized Kryptonian helmet. In some sets, he includes a handheld weapon.
Color Scheme
Dominantly Pearl Dark Gray (often called Gunmetal) with Light Flesh skin tones and red highlights on the eyes.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and head. The torso print is highly detailed to mimic the textured, alien suit from the Zack Snyder film.
Variants
There are three main variants from 2013: sh078 (Armored with helmet), sh084 (Black suit with cape), and sh074 (Black suit and no cape). This is the armored sh078 version.
Condition Notes
Check for stress marks on the side of the torso where the bulky armor piece sits. The metallic finish of Pearl Dark Gray can show scratches more easily than standard solid colors.
Estimated Value
Used: $8 - $12 USD; New: $15 - $20 USD. Value is relatively stable but high for a standard set figure due to the retired status of the Man of Steel license.
Price (New)
Appeared in sets ranging from $12.99 (76002) to $49.99 (76003). Original retail cost per figure in 2013 was approx. $4 - $5.
Compatible Sets
76002 Superman Metropolis Showdown, 76003 Superman: Battle of Smallville, and 76009 Superman: Black Zero Escape.
Character Background
General Dru-Zod is the primary antagonist of the 2013 film 'Man of Steel'. A former Kryptonian military commander, he seeks to terraform Earth into a new Krypton.
Design Notes
The armor and helmet were new molds in 2013, specifically designed to capture the heavy, industrialized aesthetic of the Kryptonians in the DCEU.
Similar Minifigures
Faora (sh079), Tor-An (sh081), and various versions of Henry Cavill's Superman (sh077).
Collectibility
Moderate. Highly desirable for fans of the DCEU or 'Man of Steel' movie, though market interest in these specific films has fluctuated compared to the MCU.
History
Launched as part of the initial wave of DC movie-tie-in sets. It marked a shift in LEGO Super Heroes from comic-based designs to highly detailed movie-accurate molds.
Interesting Facts
The 'Man of Steel' sets were some of the few DC sets to feature unique Pearl Dark Gray armor pieces that have since been repurposed by MOC builders for dark knights and sci-fi soldiers.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a 1v1 pose against a Superman minifigure, preferably on a debris-filled baseplate to simulate the Battle of Metropolis.
Modification Potential
The armor and helmet are frequently used in 'purist' customs for Star Wars Mandalorians or Sci-Fi villains due to their neutral, aggressive design.
Overall Assessment
A solid, movie-accurate figure that holds up well a decade later. The armor piece is the standout feature, making it a must-have for DC cinematic collectors.