General Zod
sh079 · Super Heroes
DC Universe - Man of Steel · 2013
Figure ID
sh079
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2013
Rarity
Uncommon. Released exclusively in one retail set and one promotional polybag during the Man of Steel film wave.
Head
Light Flesh dual-sided head. Side 1: Angry expression with furrowed black eyebrows, red heat vision eyes, dark brown goatee, and cheek lines. Side 2: Stern expression with normal eyes. Designed for General Zod (Michael Shannon version).
Torso
Dark Blueish Gray with detailed kryptonian armor printing in black and silver; back printing following the armor pattern. Includes Dark Blueish Gray arms and Light Flesh hands.
Legs
Dark Blueish Gray with black and silver armor plate printing on the front and hips. Design reflects the tactical combat suit from the film.
Accessories
Typically includes a black cape (stiff or soft fabric variant) and sometimes a silver/gray kryptonian helmet and handheld weapon depending on the set context (76003 or 5001623).
Color Scheme
A tactical palette of Dark Blueish Gray, black, and silver, accented by the striking red 'heat vision' eyes on the face print.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with metallic silver highlights on the torso and legs to simulate metal armor. The face print features a dual-expression which was becoming standard for main characters in 2013.
Variants
sh080 (Black Suit with cape), sh064 (No cape, different armor printing). This specific head belongs to sh079.
Condition Notes
The light flesh print on the head is durable, but look for teeth-mark impressions on the stud or neck base. Silver torso printing can rub off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Complete Minifigure: $12.00 - $18.00 USD. Head Piece Only: $3.00 - $5.00 USD. Prices vary based on the presence of the original cape.
Price (New)
Retail set 76003 priced at $39.99 USD. Polybag 5001623 was a promotional free-with-purchase or $4.99 retail.
Compatible Sets
76003 Superman: Battle of Smallville; 5001623 Superman: Black Zero Escape Polybag.
Character Background
General Dru-Zod, the primary antagonist of the 2013 film 'Man of Steel', portrayed by Michael Shannon. A former Kryptonian military leader attempting to terraform Earth.
Design Notes
The cheek lines and specific goatee shape were unique molds for the Michael Shannon likeness. The transition to red eyes represents his mid-battle use of heat vision.
Similar Minifigures
sh080 General Zod (Black Suit), sh064 General Zod (Armor), sh081 Faora, sh077 Tor-An.
Collectibility
Moderate. Highly desirable for DC/Superman completists, though values have remained stable rather than skyrocketing due to the availability of several Zod variants.
History
Launched in 2013 as part of the first and only Man of Steel product wave. This marked the first time General Zod appeared as a non-classic comic book minifigure.
Interesting Facts
The red-eyed head was highly sought after by MOC builders in 2013 for use in custom Sith figures or vampires due to the scarce availability of red-eyed flesh heads at the time.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with a translucent orange/red bar piece to simulate heat vision beams, alongside the 76003 Superman figure.
Modification Potential
Excellent head for custom Star Wars 'Inquisitor' figures or dark side users. The armor torso is also popular for generic sci-fi bounty hunters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, movie-accurate representation of a major cinematic villain. The heat vision head is the standout feature of this specific version.