General Zod
sh078 · Super Heroes
DC Comics Super Heroes: Man of Steel · 2013: Released alongside the Zack Snyder film 'Man of Steel'. This era marked LEGO's shift towards highly detailed, movie-accurate licensed figures.
Figure ID
sh078
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2013: Released alongside the Zack Snyder film 'Man of Steel'. This era marked LEGO's shift towards highly detailed, movie-accurate licensed figures.
Rarity
Uncommon: Only appeared in two sets from a specific, retired film-based wave. While not a limited edition, it hasn't been re-released in over a decade.
Head
Light flesh tone, dual-sided with stern expression and 'Heat Vision' powered-up face with orange/red glowing eyes. Features black hair with a specific spit-curl mold.
Torso
Black with silver/dark grey Kryptonian armor printing. Features the House of Zod crest, which resembles a stylized backwards 'C' or hook rather than an 'S'.
Legs
Black with silver/grey printing on the hips and front of the legs detailng the lower plates of the Kryptonian experimental suit.
Accessories
Includes a black fabric cape. Depending on the set, he may also be found with a Kryptonian blaster or handheld tools/weapons.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic: Primarily black and silver with flesh-toned skin. The 'House of Zod' symbol is printed in metallic silver/grey.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and legs. Includes muscle definition and intricate armor plating lines typical of 2013 licensed figures.
Variants
There are three main variants: sh078 (this one with black hair), sh070 (sideburns and armor), and sh082 (with a cape and armor/helmet).
Condition Notes
The black plastic shows scratches easily. The cape is prone to fraying at the edges. Check the neck area for horizontal stress cracks on the torso.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $8 - $12 USD; New: $15 - $20 USD. Value is stable as the DCEU 'Man of Steel' era figures have a niche but dedicated following.
Price (New)
Available in sets priced at $12.99 (76002) and $19.99 (76003) in 2013.
Compatible Sets
76002 Superman Metropolis Showdown, 76003 Superman Battle of Smallville.
Character Background
General Dru-Zod is a former Kryptonian military leader. Unlike Superman's 'S' for hope, Zod wears the sigil of his own bloodline as he attempts to terraform Earth.
Design Notes
The cape sits under the hairpiece. The spit-curl hairpiece was significantly more common in black during this year, often shared with Superman but without the blue tint.
Similar Minifigures
Superman (sh077), Faora (sh071), Tor-An (sh072), and variations of Clark Kent.
Collectibility
Moderate. Vital for fans of the 'Man of Steel' film or completionists of the DC Super Heroes line. It is the most 'standard' version of the character.
History
First debuted in 2013 to coincide with the modern cinematic reboot of Superman. This specific design has not returned to the LEGO catalog.
Interesting Facts
The crest on the chest is the Kryptonian symbol for the House of Zod. Many people mistake it for a weird 'S', but it is an entirely different glyph in Kryptonian lore.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside sh077 Superman in a mid-air flight pose using clear bar elements to recreate the Metropolis fight scene.
Modification Potential
The head is popular for custom military or villain minifigures due to the stern expression and high-quality heat-vision print.
Overall Assessment
A solid, movie-accurate representation of a major villain. It holds up well against modern standards due to the intricate armor printing.
Notes
Not an «S» on the chest