General Zod - Black Armor with Cape
sh078 · DC Super Heroes
Superman: Man of Steel · Released in 2013 as part of the Man of Steel movie tie-in sets. This era marked LEGO's shift toward high-detail movie-accurate printing with flesh-toned heads.
Figure ID
sh078
Theme
DC Super Heroes
Year Released
Released in 2013 as part of the Man of Steel movie tie-in sets. This era marked LEGO's shift toward high-detail movie-accurate printing with flesh-toned heads.
Rarity
Uncommon. This figure was exclusive to the mid-priced 'Superman: Black Zero Escape' set and was later retired along with the Man of Steel sub-theme.
Head
Light Flesh head with dual-sided printing. One side shows a stern, goatee-sporting expression; the other (shown in image) features red 'heat vision' eyes and an angry bared-teeth expression.
Torso
Black torso with detailed silver/gray Kryptonian armor plating. Includes the House of Zod sigil (a backward 'S' shape) in the center. Black arms with dark bluish gray hands.
Legs
Black legs with silver armor highlights on the hips and upper thighs, continuing the Kryptonian armor aesthetic from the torso.
Accessories
Soft black fabric cape. In the original set, he also included a black Kryptonian helmet/breathing apparatus and a small sidearm, which appear to be missing from this specific example.
Color Scheme
Predominantly black and silver with dark bluish gray accents. The red heat-vision eyes provide a sharp contrast.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back, as well as the head. The armor detailing features fine line work to mimic the textured suits from the Zack Snyder film.
Variants
Three main variants exist: this armored version (sh078), a version in a simple black suit without armor (sh070), and a version with a more elaborate dual-molded helmet.
Condition Notes
Common issues include fraying edges on the cape and minor scuffs to the silver printing on the torso. The figure in the image is missing its hair/helmet piece, which significantly affects value.
Estimated Value
Complete with all accessories: $12-$18. In the current incomplete state (missing hair/helmet): $6-$9. New/Sealed in set: $50+ for the full set.
Price (New)
Included in set 76009 Superman: Black Zero Escape which originally retailed for $19.99 USD in 2013.
Compatible Sets
76009: Superman: Black Zero Escape.
Character Background
General Dru-Zod is a former Kryptonian military leader who was exiled to the Phantom Zone. In the film 'Man of Steel', he seeks to terraform Earth into a new Krypton, leading to a violent clash with Superman.
Design Notes
The 'backwards S' plate is a unique graphic design choice to represent the House of Zod. The use of dark gray hands rather than black helps distinguish the armored gauntlets from the suit.
Similar Minifigures
Faora (sh079), Tor-An (sh080), and various versions of Superman (sh003, sh077) from the same wave.
Collectibility
Medium. While not as expensive as some SDCC exclusives, he is a core villain for DC collectors and essential for completing a 'Man of Steel' lineup.
History
This figure represents the first time General Zod was produced as a physical LEGO minifigure based on a wide-release cinematic appearance, replacing the earlier comic-book style aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
The red eyes on the head-piece are specifically intended to represent the moment Zod masters his powers on Earth. Collectors often swap the cape for third-party wired versions for more dramatic posing.
Display Suggestions
Display next to Superman (sh077) in a 'Man of Steel' battle scene. Use a transparent flight stand to simulate the mid-air combat from the film's climax.
Modification Potential
The torso and legs are popular for MOC (My Own Creation) builders making custom dark knights, Sith lords, or futuristic space soldiers due to the generic but high-detail armor print.
Overall Assessment
A solid, movie-accurate representation of a major cinematic villain. While the loss of the helmet piece in this photo reduces its immediate value, the printing remains sharp and iconic for DC fans.