General Zod, Black Suit (The Man of Steel)
sh078 · Super Heroes
DC Universe - Man of Steel · 2013, released alongside the 'Man of Steel' film wave which marked the transition into modern highly-detailed DC minifigures.
Figure ID
sh078
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2013, released alongside the 'Man of Steel' film wave which marked the transition into modern highly-detailed DC minifigures.
Rarity
Uncommon; it was exclusive to a single mid-range set, appearing only as the movie-tie-in version of the character.
Head
Light flesh tone with receding light brown hair piece; features dark brown facial hair (goatee) and stern eyebrows. This specific version is missing its hair in the provided image.
Torso
Black with intricate silver and dark grey Kryptonian armor printing. Includes the iconic House of Zod crest on the chest and continuity of armor detailing on the back.
Legs
Black with silver and dark grey utility belt and knee armor printing. Modern leg printing that matches the torso patterns exactly.
Accessories
Original set included a black cape (missing in image) and sometimes a Kryptonian blaster tool. In the image, it is seen with a black cape but lacks the hairpiece.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic aesthetic utilizing Black, Dark Grey, and metallic Silver to represent the Kryptonian military uniform.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back) and legs (front). The alignment is designed to create a seamless armor look from chest to hips.
Variants
Standard version (sh078) with cape, and a variant (sh082) with full body armor and a helmet (Set 76003).
Condition Notes
Common wear points include fraying on the black fabric cape and silver print rubbing off the torso from play. The figure in the photo is missing the hair piece.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $8 - $12 USD. Without hair: $5 - $7 USD. New/Sealed: $20+ USD depending on set context.
Price (New)
Originally included in Set 76002 (Superman Metropolis Showdown), which retailed for $12.99 USD in 2013.
Compatible Sets
76002 Superman Metropolis Showdown (2013).
Character Background
General Dru-Zod is a former Kryptonian military leader and the primary antagonist of the 2013 film 'Man of Steel', portrayed by Michael Shannon.
Design Notes
The torso print utilizes very fine line-work to mimic the chainmail-like texture of the Kryptonian suits seen on screen.
Similar Minifigures
Superman (sh077), Faora (sh083), and the armored version of General Zod (sh082).
Collectibility
Moderate; essential for DC Movie collectors, though values remain stable due to the high volume of the entry-level set produced.
History
Part of the first major wave of LEGO DC figures explicitly tied to the DCEU cinematic universe, moving away from comic-style designs.
Interesting Facts
The crest on his chest is the Kryptonian symbol for 'Authority' or 'Commando,' contrasting with Superman's symbol for 'Hope'.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside the Man of Steel Superman (sh077) on a small urban destruction vignette.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom Kryptonian soldiers; the black armor torso is a popular base for 'Shadow' themed MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A solid movie-accurate representation. While common in the second-hand market, its detailed printing holds up well against modern 2024 standards.