General Zod: Difference between revisions

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			{{short description\|DC Comics character}}{{For\|other versions of the character\|General Zod (1978 film series character)\|General Zod (DC Extended Universe)}}
	{{Superherobox <!--Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
			{{Infobox comics character <!--Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
	\| image=
	\| caption =
	\| character_name = General Zod		\| character_name = General Zod
			\| image = General Zod (circa 2018).png
	\| publisher = ]
			\| converted = y
	\| debut = ''Adventure Comics'' #283 (April 1961)
			\| caption = {{ubl\|Zod in the cover of '']'' #5 (November 2018).\|Art by ].}}
	\| creators =
			\| publisher = ]
	\| alter_ego =
			\| debut = '']'' #283 (April 1961)
			\| creators = {{ubl\|]\|]}}
	\| full_name = Dru-Zod		\| full_name = Dru-Zod
			\| homeworld = ]
	\| species = ]		\| species = ]
			\| partners ={{ubl\|]\|] (wife)\|] (son)\|]\|]\|]\|]\|]}}
	\| homeworld = <!-- optional -->
			\| alliances ={{ubl\|Kryptonian Military Guild \| ] \| ] }}
	\| alliances = <!-- optional -->
			\| powers = {{collapsible list
	\| aliases =
			<!--Must be a defining trait: only powers Superman regularly uses are listed here-->
	\| supports=
			\| titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
	\| powers =<br>
			\| title = ''See list''
	*Same powers as ]:
			\|
	]
			* ], stamina, endurance, speed, agility, reflexes, intelligence, longevity, and hearing
			* Solar radiation absorption
			* Enhanced vision
			** EM spectrum vision
			** Infra-red vision
			** Microscopic vision
			** Telescopic vision
			** X-ray vision
			* Invulnerability
			* Ice and wind breath
			* Heat vision
			* ]
			* Military mastery
			* Indomitable will
	}}		}}
			\| subcat =
	'''General Zod''' is a fictional ] to ], and appears in ]. He has also appeared in other Superman media spin-offs. Zod is one of Superman's more prominent ].
			\| villain = y
			\| sortkey =
			}}
			'''General Zod''' is a <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->] appearing in ]s published by ], commonly as an ] of the ] ]. The character, who first appeared in '']'' #283 (April 1961), was created by ] and initially designed by ].<ref name="dc-ency">{{Cite book \| last = Wallace \| first = Dan \| contribution = General Zod \| editor-last = Dougall \| editor-first = Alastair \| title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia \| page = 136 \| publisher = ] \| place = New York \| year = 2008 \| isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 \| oclc = 213309017}}</ref> As a ], he exhibits the same powers and abilities as Superman and is consequently viewed as one of his greatest enemies alongside ], ], and ]. He is also well known for his catchphrase, "Kneel before Zod!".

			Originally bald and clean-shaven, Zod's look in popular culture was defined by the character's ] by ] in the films '']'' (1978) and '']'' (1981). Eventually, the character was reintroduced to the ] with black hair and a ] similar to Stamp's portrayal. A ] was portrayed by ] in the ] films '']'' (2013), '']'' (2016), and '']'' (2023).
	==Silver Age Zod==
			{{TOC limit\|3}}
	].]]

			=={{anchor\|Fictional character biography}}Fictional character biography==
	Dru-Zod, or simply Zod, was often portrayed as a ]. Zod was originally one of a number of Kryptonian villains trapped in the ]. He first appeared in ''Adventure Comics'' #283 (April 1961).

			===Silver Age===
	Once Military Director of the Kryptonian Space Center, Zod had known ], Superman's father, when he was an aspiring scientist. When the space program was abolished after the destruction of the moon Wegthor (caused by renegade scientist ]), he attempted to take over Krypton. Zod created an army of robotic duplicates of himself, all bearing a resemblance to ]. He was sentenced to the Phantom Zone for his crimes.
			Dru-Zod is a ] ] and the leader of Krypton's military forces.<ref>{{cite book \|last =Rovin \|first =Jeff \|title =The Encyclopedia of Supervillains \|publisher =Facts on File \|date =1987 \|location =New York \|isbn = 0-8160-1356-X \|page=141}}</ref> When Krypton's space program was abolished after ]'s destruction of the inhabited moon Wegthor, Zod tried to take over Krypton using an army of robotic duplicates of himself, all bearing a resemblance to ]. He is sentenced to exile in the ] for 40 years for his crimes. In the present, Superman releases Zod after learning that he has already served his sentence, but is forced to return him to the Zone after he attempts to conquer Earth.<ref name=Guide>{{cite book \|last1=Cowsill \|first1=Alan \|last2=Irvine \|first2=Alex \|last3=Korte \|first3=Steve \|last4=Manning \|first4=Matt \|last5=Wiacek \|first5=Win \|last6=Wilson \|first6=Sven \|title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe \|date=2016 \|publisher=DK Publishing \|isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 \|page=118}}</ref>

			During the remaining years before the '']'', Zod and other Zone inmates such as Jax-Ur, ], and others, escape from the Phantom Zone and battle Superman and Supergirl numerous times, always being defeated in the end and returned to the Zone.
	Zod was first released by Kal-El (during his Superboy career) when his term of imprisonment was up. However, he attempted to conquer Earth with powers gained under the yellow sun. Zod was sent back into the Phantom Zone, occasionally escaping to target Superman.
	{{-}}
	==Later versions of Zod==
	====Pocket Universe Zod====
	This Zod came from a Krypton in a pocket universe created by the ]. He, along with companions ] and ], devastated the Earth of that universe following the death of its Superboy, eventually forcing the Superman of the main universe to execute them with ]. This version of Zod is based closely on the ] version.

	===~~=Return~~ ~~to Krypton Zod=~~===		===Modern Age===
	This incarnation of General Zod was introduced in the ] storyline "Return to Krypton." He was the head of the Kryptonian military in an artificial reality created by ].

			====Interim Zods: 1985–2005====
	Like the Pre-Crisis version, Zod held the Kryptonian equivalent of ] beliefs. He sent aliens to the bottle city of ] and planned a military coup. Zod was defeated by Superman and the Jor-El of that Krypton.
			]'' #589 (April 2001). Art by ] and Marlo Alquiza.]]
			The first Zod to be introduced following ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' is the Zod of a so-called "pocket universe" resembling the universe in which the comics take place; this allowed for a "Kryptonian" Zod to be introduced while maintaining Superman's status as the last of his race in the universe proper. This Zod's universe is created by the ]. Zod (along with companions ] and ]) devastates the Earth of that universe following the death of its Superboy, despite the best efforts of a ] created by that world's heroic ]. Eventually, the survivors of this world manage to contact the Superman of the main universe to help them, and he is able to take away the powers of the three super-criminals with Gold ]; since he is not from that universe, the Kryptonite of that reality has no effect on him.

			However, the three vow to some day regain their powers and return to Superman's world to kill him. Acknowledging that he can neither afford to leave them on the now-dead pocket Earth to let them die alone nor imprison them on his world, Superman is forced to kill them with Green Kryptonite.<ref>''Superman'' (vol. 2) #22 (October 1988)</ref>
	===Russian Zod===
	]
	This General Zod is a ] who was affected prior to his birth by Kryptonite ] because he was the son of two cosmonauts whose ship was too close to Kal-El's rocketship. This Zod is unnaturally weak under a yellow sun, but superpowered under a red sun (the opposite of Superman). He grew up in a ] laboratory under the name "Zed."

			A second incarnation of General Zod is introduced in the 2001 storyline "Return to Krypton"; this Zod is portrayed as that of an alternate reality created by ].<ref>''The Adventures of Superman'' #589 (April 2001)</ref> He is the head of the Kryptonian military in the alternate reality. Like the Pre-''Crisis'' version, Zod holds the Kryptonian equivalent of fascist beliefs. He sends aliens to the bottle city of ] and plans a military coup. Zod is defeated by Superman and the ] of Zod's alternate reality Krypton.<ref>''Action Comics'' #776 (April 2001)</ref>
	Apparently spoken to by the spirit of the Pocket Universe Zod, Zod created a suit of red armor that filtered the sunlight and declared himself ruler of the former Soviet state of ]. After several inconclusive encounters with Superman, he revealed his long-range plan to turn the sun red and take Superman's place. This was temporarily successful until ] rescued Superman, gave him a blast of yellow solar radiation to regain his powers, and worked to restore the sun. Superman returned to battle Zod, but refused to kill him. When the sun turned yellow again, the now vulnerable Zod still struck Superman with all his power, and was killed.

			The third attempt to bring Zod to Modern Age comics is the "Russian" Zod, a Zod of human origin whose origin story is connected to Superman's. This General Zod (born '''Avruiskin''') is a ] who was affected before his birth by his parents' exposure to Kryptonite radiation. As such, he is empowered by red sunlight and weakened by yellow, the opposite of Superman. After his parents die from radiation, he grows up in a ] laboratory under the name Zed.<ref name="dc-ency"/> Apparently spoken to by the spirit of the Pocket Universe Zod, Russian Zod creates armor which filters the sunlight, and declares himself ruler of ]. After several inconclusive encounters with Superman, he reveals his long-range plan to turn the sun red and take Superman's place. This is temporarily successful until ] rescues Superman, gives him a blast of yellow solar radiation to regain his powers, and works to restore the sun. Superman returns to battle Zod, but refuses to kill him. When the sun turns yellow again, the now-vulnerable Zod strikes Superman with all his power at super-speed and is killed due to Superman's invulnerability.<ref name="dc-ency"/>
	====Phantom Zod====
	Introduced in the twelve-issue '']'' (''Superman'' #204-#215) storyline, written by ] and penciled by ], this Zod resides in the Phantom Zone alone and resents Superman for tampering with it. Supposedly, he comes from the same Krypton as Superman, and was exiled to the Phantom Zone by Superman's father Jor-El. This Zod wears black armor, and when unmasked, slightly resembles an older version of the film Zod.

			The final Zod before the character was finally reintroduced, the Zod of an alternate Phantom Zone appears in the twelve-issue '']'' storyline, written by ] and penciled by ].<ref>''Superman'' #204–215</ref> This Zod lives alone in an alternate Phantom Zone and resents Superman for tampering with it.<ref>''Superman'' #206</ref> By his own account he comes from the same Krypton as Superman and was exiled to the Phantom Zone by Superman's father, Jor-El. This Zod wears large, spiked black armor and when unmasked, is a bald, white-bearded old man. This incarnation also uses a variation of "Kneel before Zod". He appears in Metropia, a version of the Phantom Zone created by Superman to resemble a living world (including apparently-living beings). This version was superseded by the present storyline (which features a new Zod, freed from the Phantom Zone).<ref>''Superman'' #214</ref>
	It is possible that this Zod is not a real Kryptonian, however. He appeared in Metropia, a version of the Phantom Zone created by Superman to resemble a living world, including the seemingly living beings.

			====General Zod returns: 2006–2011====
	===One Year Later===
			General Zod returns to post-''Infinite Crisis'' comics in '']'', penned by ], ], and ]. '''Dru-Zod II''', ], and ] escape from the Phantom Zone and come to Earth to try to turn it into a "New Krypton".<ref>''Action Comics'' #844</ref> This incarnation is the first Post-Crisis Zod who comes from Superman's Krypton, and not from an alternate reality.<ref>''Action Comics'' #845</ref>
	].]]
	] the events of '']'', Lex Luthor used a shard of sunstone, which had the word "doomsday" engraved upon it in the ], along with a stockpile of Kryptonite to reactivate the Kryptonian battle cruiser, ''Doomsday'', which had been dormant within the earth for an unknown period of time. Luthor revealed that the vessel was in fact the flagship of the Kryptonian fleet, had belonged to an Admiral Dru-Zod and scoured entire planets clean of life.

			]'' #30 (October 2007). Art by ] and Jon Sibal.]]
	In October 2006, film director ], noted for his work on the first two Superman movies, began to write '']'' in collaboration with ]. At the end of ''Action Comics'' #845, Zod, ], and ] have apparently been freed from the Phantom Zone by someone he refers to as his and Ursa's son, implying that the ] in the story is his son.
			The backstory for the three Kryptonians was recounted in ''Action Comics'' Annual #10 (April 2007),<ref>''Action Comics'' Annual #10</ref> and Zod's origin was revealed in ''Countdown'' #30 (October 2007).<ref>''Countdown'' #30</ref> Prior to the destruction of Krypton, Zod, his wife Ursa, and accomplice Non rebel against their planet's oppressive government, but soon become lawless would-be tyrants who lust for power. After an ill-fated insurrection led by Zod, the government sentences the trio to death. However, Superman's father Jor-El pleads for the government to mitigate their sentence to imprisonment in the Phantom Zone, accepted on the condition that he would assume responsibility as their jailer. While in the Phantom Zone, Zod and Ursa are able to have a child who is born immune to the Phantom Zone's effects, ultimately facilitating their escape, and name him Lor-Zod. On Earth, the boy is discovered by Superman and his wife Lois Lane, who adopt him as their own son and name him ]. For the duration of 2007's ''Last Son'' storyline in ''Action Comics'', Chris Kent is depicted as an adopted son of Superman and his wife Lois across DC titles.

			Alongside Zod, Ursa and Non, 25 other Kryptonian criminals also escape the Zone and defeat a number of Earth's heroes, beginning their quest to conquer the planet. Zod ambushes Superman in revenge for Jor-El's actions and traps him in the Phantom Zone, which he later escapes with the help of the heroic Phantom Zone prisoner ]. With assistance from his traditional enemies ], ], ] and ], Superman takes on Zod's army. Out of nearly thirty Kryptonians, Superman's temporary allies successfully kill several, driving the rest back into the Phantom Zone alongside Zod and Ursa, who take Chris Kent with them.<ref>''Action Comics'' #846</ref>
	Somehow owing their freedom to the landing on Earth of Dru-Zod and Ursa's son, after a brief stop to the newly restored ] to gain information from ]'s projection they fly to Metropolis, where Ursa confronts Lois to win her unwilling son back and Zod sends Kal-El to the Phantom Zone after freeing the other Kryptonian inmates.

			].]]
	Prior to their release from The Phantom Zone, a back-story for the three was seen in ''Action Comics Annual #10'' Non had once been a brilliant scientist on par with Jor-El. Both were researching the event that would ultimately destroy Krypton. Zod entered their lab with troops (at this point Zod was still working for Krypton's Council). Both Jor-El and Non were arrested by Zod and given a warning by the High Council to halt their research, then released. Jor-El set to work creating the rocket that would send his son Kal-El to Earth, while Non began to spread the word of the planet's impending doom. Non's message swayed both Zod and Ursa that Krypton was soon to be destroyed. Non then disappeared from public life, only to return with a mutilated brain. The council had transformed him into a mindless brute and this act inspired Zod and Ursa to rebel against the Kryptonian government. Non now fought along side Zod and Ursa. Zod attempted to recruit Jor-El to their cause; however Jor-El saw the plans were fueled by greed, a lust for power and violence.
			In the later '']'' arc storyline however, Zod is freed from the Phantom Zone once again by Supergirl's mother ]. The "bottled city of ]" is transformed into a populated Kryptonian planet ("New Krypton"), and Zod is appointed the leader of its army. In the "World of New Krypton" ''Action Comics'' storyline, when Superman decides to see what life is like on New Krypton, he is drafted into the Military Guild under General Zod. Zod and Superman maintain a mistrustful professional relationship. Despite their past, neither seems prepared to behave with marked aggression toward the other. Later, during a Kryptonian ceremony, Zod is shot by the Kryptonian Ral-Dar (who is working with Lois's father ]), leading Zod to appoint Superman as temporary General until his recovery. The two are involved in a Kryptonian political plot, but ultimately apprehend the planet's traitor and see a reform of New Krypton's Council.

			Peace is short-lived, however, due to an attack by the alien ], who had been responsible for the bottling of Kandor in the first place. In '']'', New Krypton comes under attack by Brainiac, and Zod engineers a plan to defeat him; Zod is driven by an urge to avenge his prior defeat at the hands of the Coluan Brainiac, when Kandor was bottled from Old Krypton. The storyline ends with the planet's destruction, leading Zod to declare war on Earth, sparking the '']'' storyline. After a fierce conflict between Superman and Zod in defense of Earth, Zod is pushed back into the Phantom Zone by his son, Chris Kent, who had freed himself from the Phantom Zone and became active as an adult superhero on planet Earth.<ref>''Superman: War of the Supermen'' #4 (July 2010)</ref>
	This rebellion was short-lived and the rebels were set to be executed. Jor-El appealed on their behalf, to exile them instead. The council accepted this on the condition that Jor-El be the jailer. And so Zod, Ursa, and Non were imprisoned, and embittered against Jor-El.

			====The New 52: 2011–2016====
	The origins of Zod, Ursa, and Non seem to be a fleshed out version of the story found in the film ]. Zod now closely resembles his movie counterpart, with the addition of a black trenchcoat.
			In 2011, DC chose to revamp its continuity, rebooting many characters while retaining the histories for some others, as part of its ] publishing event. Following this, Zod is hinted at several times. A character resembling Zod makes a cameo in ''Action Comics'' #5 (March 2012), as a prisoner in the Phantom Zone; and in ''Action Comics'' #13 (December 2012) a ghost in the Phantom Zone says "Kneel before..." multiple times while attacking Superman, a reference to Zod's iconic saying. Zod makes his first full appearance in ''Action Comics'' #23.2: ''General Zod'' (September 2013), written by Greg Pak, with art by Ken Lashley.<ref name="Action Comics Villains">{{cite web\|title=First look: DC's Action Comics Villains month - Zod, Lex Luthor and more plus Michael Alan Nelson talks Cyborg Superman\|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2013/06/first-look-dcs-action-comics-villains-month---zod-lex-luthor-and-more-plus-michael-alan-nelson-talks.html\|last=Hayer\|first=Chris E\|date=June 4, 2013\|access-date=June 4, 2013\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605174228/http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2013/06/first-look-dcs-action-comics-villains-month---zod-lex-luthor-and-more-plus-michael-alan-nelson-talks.html\|archive-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref>

			A new origin for Zod is introduced. In it, Zod is born to scientist parents. When he is a young boy, Zod and his parents travel to Krypton's wilderness to discover new creatures. Their ship is attacked by the creatures, leaving the family stranded in the jungle. While his parents are killed, Zod manages to survive for one year until Jor-El and his older brother Zor-El save him. After reaching adulthood, Zod becomes one of Krypton's best soldiers, attaining the rank of general. Zod develops a hatred towards an alien species called the Char and secretly orders the creation of a Char-looking creature, unleashing it on Krypton's population, so he can justify a war against the Char. Jor-El discovers the deception and turns Zod over to the authorities. The council finds Zod guilty of treason and banishes him and his closest followers, Faora and Non, to the Phantom Zone.<ref>{{Cite comic\|Writer = ]\|Title = ]\|Volume = 2\|Issue =#23.2\|Date = September 2013\|Publisher = DC Comics}}</ref>
	==Zod in other media==
	===Movies===
	] as Zod in '']''.]]

			Many years later, a mysterious event causes the Phantom Zone to weaken, allowing some of its prisoners to escape. Zod travels to Earth, landing in the Sahara Desert. There, his Kryptonian powers begin to manifest for the first time, brutally slaughtering a group of travelers. Zod is soon attacked by the Justice League of America until Superman and ] arrive, the latter restraining him with her magic lasso. Zod recognizes Superman as Kal-El, the son of Jor-El. Superman decides to keep Zod in the Fortress of Solitude's alien zoo. While there, he reveals that Faora also traveled to Earth with him, and vows to track her down.
	At the beginning of '']'', Zod (]) is introduced as one of three Kryptonian criminals on trial. Zod was originally a member of the Kryptonian military, who was entrusted with the defense of Krypton by the governing council. Conspiring with ] and ], Zod was planning to overthrow the Kryptonian government and replace it with his own. The three were captured, and the council unanimously agreed to cast Zod, Ursa, and Non into the ]. Before Zod is imprisoned, he attempts to persuade Jor-El to join them. When Jor-El refuses, Zod becomes enraged, swearing revenge upon him and his offspring. The Phantom Zone portal is launched into space shortly before Krypton's destruction.

			]'' vol. 5 #17 (July 2017). Art by ] and ].]]
	In ''Superman II'', the detonation of a ] that Superman throws into space destroys the Phantom Zone portal that has trapped Zod and his cohorts. For the 2006 '']'', the original written scene was created, tying into the climax of the first film. In this version, their escape is made possible by the shock wave created by the exploding XK-101 nuclear missile flung into space by Superman.

			====DC Universe====
	After discovering that their Kryptonian physiology gives them each the same powers as Superman under Earth's yellow sun, they quickly subdue the ] and force the ] to abdicate his position to Zod. This occurs shortly after Superman, unaware of their escape and presence on Earth, has stripped himself of his powers to be with ] as an ordinary human. After witnessing Zod's megalomania and defiance on a television news broadcast, Superman realizes the terrible mistake he has made.
			In June 2016, the '']'' event relaunched DC Comics' entire line of comic book titles, in which General Zod continues to appear within DC titles. In December 2017, DC Comics ended the ''Rebirth'' branding, opting to include everything under a larger ''DC Universe'' banner and naming. As part of the DC Rebirth relaunch, General Zod is once again imprisoned within the Phantom Zone. He is trapped within the boundaries of the Black Vault, a secret facility hidden in the ]. ] sends the ] to steal the contents of the Black Vault and bring them back to her, but they unwittingly allow Zod to escape.<ref>{{Cite comic\|Writer = ]\|Artist=]\|Title = ]\|Volume = 5\|Issue = 2\|Date = September 2016\|Publisher = DC Comics}}</ref> She attempts to 'recruit' Zod by implanting a kryptonite explosive in his head, but he finally proves too dangerous when he uses a mirror and his heat vision to literally cut the bomb out of his own skull, forcing ] to sacrifice himself to seal the Zone before Zod can release his army. Zod manages to retrieve his family from the Zone while fighting alongside the Superman Revenge Squad- Cyborg Superman, Eradicator, Mongul and Metallo- and escapes Earth to establish himself as a dictator on another planet with his family. He nearly kills ] when the ] discover his presence on the planet before both sides are forced to withdraw and recuperate.

			==Powers and abilities==
	While Clark treks back to the ] in a desperate attempt to regain his powers, Lex Luthor approaches the Kryptonian villains at the White House. In exchange for Zod's promise to give him ] (another attempt to acquire "beachfront property" after failing to do so in the first film), he offers to bring them to Metropolis to confront Superman. The villains invade the '']''; although Superman is not present, Luthor quickly points out that Lois Lane, Superman's "favorite" human being, will be effective bait to draw the Man of Steel out.
			Like all Kryptonians under a yellow sun, General Zod possesses high-level superhuman strength, speed and endurance sufficient to stand against Superman and other Kryptonians; super hearing; x-ray vision; telescopic, microscopic and heat vision; super-breath and freeze-breath; virtual invulnerability; accelerated healing and flight. Due to his background as a Kryptonian general, Zod possesses a detailed knowledge of military tactics, battle strategy, and is a competent military leader. Because he was trained in fighting arts long before receiving his abilities, he typically has an edge over Superman's brawling skills, over-reliance on superhuman strength, and basic knowledge of advanced human and Kryptonian hand-to-hand combat. However, Zod's powers are often inferior to those of Superman, due to the latter being exposed to the yellow sun over the course of his entire life, while Zod typically only gets exposed for a short period of time before being defeated and returned to the Phantom Zone. This greater power combined with his superior control and experience with it gives Superman an edge over Zod's superior fighting skills. Additionally, similar to Superman, his strength is inferior to the likes of Doomsday and his speed is inferior to Speedsters such as the Flash. Like all Kryptonians, he is vulnerable to Kryptonite and red solar radiation.

			==Other versions==
	Superman, his powers restored, arrives and accepts Zod's challenge. This leads to a devastating, comic-book-style battle throughout downtown ]. It quickly becomes clear that the villains have the upper hand. They outnumber Superman, and, significantly, they care nothing for the lives of the city's inhabitants, and Superman is continually distracted trying to save people endangered by the battle. Finally, Superman realizes he needs to rethink his strategy and move the battle away from a populated area, and he withdraws to the Fortress.

			* The General Zod of ] is his world's Superman, who is later killed by ].<ref>''Countdown to Final Crisis'' #30</ref><ref>''Countdown'' #24</ref>
	Luthor offers to tell Zod about the ] if Zod spares his life, and the three villains pursue Superman north, bringing along Luthor to guide them and Lois Lane as a hostage. In the climactic battle, Superman outwits the villains and gains the advantage, almost defeating Zod. But Non and Ursa grab Lois and threaten to tear her apart, forcing Superman to surrender. In a whispered aside, Superman tells Luthor about the molecule chamber which earlier stripped away his own powers and proposes tricking the villains into it. Predictably, Luthor betrays Superman and tells Zod about the chamber, and Superman is forced inside. After seemingly losing his powers once again, Superman overpowers Zod, throwing him into an icy crevasse where he disappears into the mist. Non and Ursa are similarly dispatched. Luthor realizes that Superman used him to trick the Kryptonian villains: knowing that Luthor would betray him, Superman reconfigured the molecule chamber so that its red sun radiation would be projected throughout the Fortress, robbing Zod, Non, and Ursa of their powers while Superman was protected inside the chamber.
			* An alternate universe variant of Zod appears in '']''. This version is a sociopathic child who was banished to the Phantom Zone for creating a deadly synthetic virus before being freed by American scientists, taken in by the government, and named Clark Kent.<ref>''JSA: The Libert Files'' #2</ref><ref>'''JSA: The Unholy Three'''</ref>
			* An alternate universe variant of Zod appears in '']''. This version is '''Zod-El''', Jor-El's brother and Superman's uncle who worked with the Dheronians to destroy Krypton.<ref>''Superman: Earth One Vol. 3''</ref>

			==In other media==
	A scene deleted from the movie (but shown in some TV versions) shows the trio alive and in custody, implying that they lost their powers permanently and were captured. The 2006 reedited version '']'' retains the original theatrical film's implication that Zod and his colleagues are dead, though the footage of their arrest by arctic police is included in the deleted scenes.
			===Television===
			====Animation====
			* A character based on ]'s portrayal of ] named '''Zi-Kree''' appears in the '']'' episode "The Evil from Krypton". Similar to Zod, Zi-Kree is a Kryptonian criminal who was banished to the Phantom Zone.
			* General Zod appears in the '']'' (1988) episode "The Hunter", voiced by ]. This version was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone alongside ] and ], whom he collaborates with to create the titular "Hunter", a creature that can transmute itself into any substance that it touches, and send it to Earth to fight Superman.
			*Zod was initially slated to appear in the '']''. However, according to series director Dan Riba, these plans were scrapped due to rights issues and the character was replaced by ]. Nonetheless, Zod would appear in the series' tie-in comic.<ref> https://x.com/dcauwatchtower/status/1307727247718010880?s=46&t=BwkkQT3IdoDkMgSGPlkEPg</ref>
			* General Zod makes a cameo appearance in the '']'' episode "Phantoms" as an inmate of the Phantom Zone.
			* General Zod appears in '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva">{{cite web \|title=General Zod Voices (Superman) \|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Superman/General-Zod/ \|access-date=March 10, 2024 \|publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
			* General Zod, based on Terence Stamp's portrayal, appears in the '']'' two-part episode "#DCSuperHeroBoys", voiced by ].<ref name="btva" /> This version was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone by ]. Additionally, an alternate timeline variant of Zod appears in the episode "#BackInAFlash".
			* Dru-Zod appears in '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva" /> This version is the husband of Ursa Zod and father of ] who was paroled in the 31st century, but was re-imprisoned in the Phantom Zone by the ] following a failed attempt to conquer the galaxy. In the 21st century, Dru manipulates the amnesiac ] into joining him before Lor travels back in time to free his family from the Phantom Zone. Dru leads his forces in an attempt to conquer Earth, only to be re-imprisoned by the ].

			====Live-action====
	Terence Stamp portrayed Zod as a pathologically arrogant and pompous aristocrat, almost bored with his incredible powers and disappointed with the ease of overtaking Earth. It is almost certainly Stamp's portrayal that has led to Zod becoming one of Superman's best known villains. Zod's line "Come to me, son of Jor-El! Kneel before Zod!" has become part of ].<ref name="KNEEL BEFORE ZOD stickers">{{cite web \| author= \| year= \| title=KNEEL BEFORE ZOD stickers \| work= \| url=http://www.i-mockery.com/generalzod/zod-stickers.php \| accessdate=November 7 \| accessyear=2006}}</ref>
			] as Major Zod in '']''.\|alt=Zod in the TV program ''Smallville'', wearing a black athletic shirt, camouflage pants and Kryptonian dog-tags]]
			* A character based on General Zod named '''Lord Nor''' appears in the '']'' episode "Lord of the Flys", portrayed by ]. He attempts to conquer Earth until he is betrayed by his cohorts and killed by Colonel Cash via a Kryptonite warhead while fighting Superman.
			* Major Zod appears in '']'', portrayed primarily by ] while an uncredited ] provides his initial appearance.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cbr.com/smallvilles-a-tale-of-two-zods/amp/\|title = "Smallville's" A Tale of Two Zods\|date = 6 May 2011}}</ref> This version is a ]ian as well as husband of Faora and father of ] who was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone. ] releases Zod's disembodied wraith into possessing ] in the ] before he is exorcised in the ]. After the ], where ] uses a Kryptonian device called the "Orb", the ] reveals clones of several Kryptonians, including Zod, were created. After restoring his fellow clones' powers to gain their loyalty and killing Faora's traitorous clone, he begins plotting to fulfill the original Zod's destiny by conquering Earth. However, ] exposes the truth of Faora's death, turning the clones against him before sending them to an uninhabited planet where they can establish a colony. As of the ] episode "Dominion", the clones banished Zod's clone and his loyalists to the Phantom Zone, where he fused with the original Zod while maintaining both versions' memories. He lures Kent and ] to the Phantom Zone, but the two escape and destroy the exit.
			* A ]-induced hallucination of General Zod appears in the '']'' episode "Nevertheless, She Persisted", portrayed by ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Couto \|first=Anthony \|date=April 21, 2017 \|title=General Zod Joins ''Supergirl'', Played By ''Smallville'' & ''Man Of Steel'' Alum \|url=http://www.cbr.com/cw-casts-mark-gibbon-as-general-zod-on-supergirl/ \|website=CBR.com}}</ref>
			* A time-traveling General Dru-Zod appears in '']'', portrayed by ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Anderson \|first=Jenna \|date=April 19, 2018 \|title=''Krypton'' Introduces a Major DC Comics Character in "House of Zod" \|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/krypton-episode-5-house-of-zod-colin-salmon-general-zod/ \|access-date=March 10, 2024 \|website=DC \|language=en}}</ref> Similarly to the '']'' incarnation, this version is the son of Lyta-Zod and ], half-brother of Jor-El, and uncle of Kal-El.
			* General Zod's consciousness appears in the '']'' episode "Through the Valley of Death". Having been saved onto the ], ] uses the device to infect ] with Zod's consciousness before ] motivates him to expel it.

			===Film===
	Mr Thau created a CGI Zod (and other CGI villains) for the CGI villains rule the world scene in Superman 2 The Richard Donner Cut (2006). This scene was not in the theatrical release.
			====Original series (1978–2006)====
			{{main\|General Zod (1978 film series character)}}
			* General Zod makes a cameo appearance in '']'' (1978), portrayed by ]. Alongside ] and ], he is convicted of crimes against Kryptonian society and sentenced by Jor-El of the Science Council to life imprisonment in the Phantom Zone, shortly before Krypton's destruction.
			* General Zod appears in '']'', portrayed again by Terence Stamp. Zod and his cohorts escape and reach Earth, where they gain powers, and form an alliance with ] to defeat ] and rule Earth, but they are eventually depowered and defeated by the hero.
			* During early development for '']'', ] intended to include Zod, with ] in the role. When Law declined, the character was omitted from the script.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://screenrant.com/bryan-singer-superman-returns-criticism-darseid-sequel/\|title = Bryan Singer Responds to 'Superman Returns' Criticism; Wanted Darkseid for Sequel\|website = ]\|date = February 2014}}</ref> Zod was considered again, with Law wanted for the role once more, during early development for the sequel to ''Superman Returns'', but the planned sequel never materialized past the development stage.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://comicbookmovie.com/superman/superman-returns/jude-law-rumored-for-zod-role-a2914#gs.47r2ct\|title = Jude Law Rumored for Zod Role\|website = ]\|date = August 2006}}</ref>

			====DC Extended Universe====
	Zod was reportedly planned to be the villain in the film '']'' and ] was offered the role three times but after the third time he refused it, the director changed the villain to ] and ] was given the role.
			{{main\|Zod (DC Extended Universe)}}
			General Zod appears in films set in the ] (DCEU), portrayed by ].<ref>{{cite web \|last=Kilday \|first=Gregg \|date=April 10, 2011 \|title=Michael Shannon Set to Play Villain General Zod in 'Superman: Man of Steel' \|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/michael-shannon-set-play-villain-176799 \|access-date=April 11, 2011 \|work=]}}</ref>
			* Introduced in '']'', this version is the Kandorian head of Krypton's Military Guild who initiated a rebellion and formed a battalion called the "Sword of Rao" after becoming dissatisfied with the Law Council's decisions, only to be apprehended and imprisoned in the Phantom Zone. In the present, following Krypton's destruction, the Sword of Rao escape and travel to Earth to find ] and the Codex, a device containing the genetic code for all future Kryptonians, so Zod can terraform Earth and repopulate the planet with genetically engineered Kryptonians. Ultimately, Superman and the ] thwart Zod by sending his forces back to the Phantom Zone while Superman reluctantly kills Zod to save a family that he threatened to kill.
			* Zod's corpse appears in '']''. ] takes possession of it, ostensibly to study Kryptonian anatomy and its origins, while ] secretly combines the body with his blood and knowledge he stole from an ancient Kryptonian scout ship to create ''']'''.
			* An alternate timeline variant of Zod appears in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Owens \|first=Kelvin \|date=December 22, 2021 \|title=Michael Shannon Appears on 'The Flash' Movie Cast List \|url=https://collider.com/michael-shannon-cast-the-flash-movie/ \|website=]}}</ref> Due to the ] creating the "]" timeline, Zod and the Sword of Rao killed an infant Kal-El and seek out his cousin ] for the Codex.

			====Animation====
	The movie version of Zod has immense popularity amongst comic fans, and may very well be the definitive version of the character. The recent reintroduction of Zod into DC comics continuity (Coauthored by Richard Donner and Geoff Johns) shares largely the same basic backstory as the movie version.
			* An alternate reality variant of General Zod appears in flashbacks depicted in '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva" /> This version caused Krypton's destruction while siphoning energy from its core to power his war machine and implanted his DNA into ]'s egg to ensure his legacy's survival, leading to the birth of his universe's Superman, ].
			* General Zod makes a cameo appearance in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Leadbeater \|first=Alex \|date=February 11, 2017 \|title=The LEGO Batman Movie Easter Eggs & References \|url=https://screenrant.com/lego-batman-movie-easter-eggs/ \|access-date=October 16, 2023 \|website=ScreenRant \|language=en}}</ref>
			* General Zod appears in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=July 27, 2023 \|title=Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! {{!}} Trailer {{!}} Warner Bros. Entertainment \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NfkdZThS4I \|access-date=July 27, 2023 \|website=YouTube}}</ref>

	=== ~~Animation~~ ===		===Video games===
			* General Zod, alongside Ursa and Non, appears as the collective final boss of '']'' (1987).<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Superman (1987) \|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/18148/superman/ \|access-date=October 16, 2023 \|website=MobyGames \|language=en}}</ref>
			* Zod appears in '']'',<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gerstmann \|first=Jeff \|title=DC Universe Online Characters \|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/dc-universe-online/3030-21110/characters/ \|access-date=October 16, 2023 \|website=Giant Bomb \|language=en}}</ref> voiced by ].<ref name="btva" />
			* General Zod, based on his post-''Infinite Crisis'' design, appears in '']'', voiced by ].
			* General Zod appears as a downloadable playable character in '']'', voiced by ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2013/jun/12/general-zod-confirmed-4th-dlc-character-injustice-gods-among-us-video-e3-and-early-gameplay-information/\|title=General Zod confirmed as 4th DLC character to Injustice: Gods Among Us, video from E3 and early gameplay information\|work=eventhubs.com\|date=12 June 2013}}</ref> This version can create small portals to the Phantom Zone. Additionally, the DCEU incarnation of Zod appears as an alternate skin.
			* General Zod appears as a character summon in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Eisen \|first=Andrew \|date=October 4, 2013 \|title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide \|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects \|access-date=April 1, 2024 \|website=IGN}}</ref>
			* The DCEU incarnation of General Zod appears as a playable character in '']'' via DLC.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham DLC: Man of Steel on Steam \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/327170/LEGO_Batman_3_Beyond_Gotham_DLC_Man_of_Steel/ \|access-date=October 16, 2023 \|website=store.steampowered.com \|language=en}}</ref>
			* General Zod appears as a boss in '']'', voiced again by Nolan North. This version serves Lord Vortech.
			* General Zod makes a cameo appearance in ]'s ending in '']''.
			* General Zod appears as a playable character in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|last2= \|last3= \|first3= \|last4= \|first4= \|title=Characters - LEGO DC Super-Villains Guide \|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters \|access-date=October 16, 2023 \|website=IGN \|date= 2 November 2018\|language=en}}</ref>

			===Miscellaneous===
	A Phantom Zone villain named Zy-Kree, who resembled the movie-version of Zod, appeared in the '']'' ].
			* General Zod, also known as Commissioner Dru-Zod, appears in the novel ''The Last Days of Krypton'', by ]. This version is the son of Cor-Zod, former head of the Kryptonian Council, and initially a mid-level bureaucrat before he takes advantage of a major planetary cataclysm and the apparent decapitation of the government to seize absolute power as a militaristic despot and use the Phantom Zone to imprison his political enemies until he is overthrown by a resistance movement led by ] and ], and banished to the Phantom Zone along with his followers. Afterward, Dru's former prisoners, the planetary council, drop the Phantom Zone singularity into an active volcano to ensure he cannot escape, only to cause Krypton's core to implode and bring about the planet's destruction.
			* While General Zod did not appear in series set in the ] (DCAU) due to copyright issues at the time,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Miller \|first=David \|date=December 28, 2021 \|title=Where General Zod Was In Superman: The Animated Series \|url=https://screenrant.com/superman-animated-series-general-zod-where-explained/ \|access-date=December 26, 2022 \|website=ScreenRant \|language=en-US}}</ref> he appears in the tie-in comics '']'' #21 and '']'' #34 as an ] criminal and ally of ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Superman Adventures #21 - Last Daughter of Argo (Issue) \|url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/superman-adventures-21-last-daughter-of-argo/4000-142102/ \|access-date=July 12, 2024 \|website=Comic Vine \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Justice League Unlimited #34 - Phantoms (Issue) \|url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/justice-league-unlimited-34-phantoms/4000-111587/ \|access-date=July 12, 2024 \|website=Comic Vine \|language=en}}</ref> In the tie-in comic ''Justice League Beyond 2.0'', Zod is revealed to be the adopted son of Jax-Ur and biological son of ] Superman and Wonder Woman.
			* The ''Injustice'' incarnation of General Zod appears in issue #39 of the '']'' prequel comic.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Injustice 2 #39 - Zod (Issue) \|url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/injustice-2-39-zod/4000-650700/ \|access-date=July 12, 2024 \|website=Comic Vine \|language=en}}</ref> Amidst Batman's Insurgency's efforts to rescue the ] from the Phantom Zone, Zod takes advantage and escapes, killing ] in the process. An enraged Batman combats Zod with a heavily armored suit and Kryptonite-infused fear gas before ] sends in ] to kill Zod. ] later uses Zod's heart in a procedure to save ] from the Phantom Zone.

			== Reception ==
	Zod was featured in the ] animated ''Superman'' series in an episode titled "The Hunter". He appears very briefly near the end of the episode. His appearance in the episode differs from that of Superman 2. He is seen in a brown military uniform with a general's hat without any beard as oppossed to ] where he is seen with a beard and a plain black outfit.
			'']'' ranked Zod #32 on their "Top 50 Greatest Villains of All Time" list in 2007.<ref>{{cite web \|date=November 24, 2007 \|title=The Top 50 Greatest Heroes & Villains Of All Time - 'Total Film' Compiled List \|url=http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/the-top-50-greatest-heroes-villains-of-all-time-total-film-compiled-list/ \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504151132/http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/the-top-50-greatest-heroes-villains-of-all-time-total-film-compiled-list/ \|archive-date=May 4, 2013 \|access-date=December 25, 2010 \|publisher=Snarkerati.com}}</ref> Pop-culture website ] ranked General Zod as #30 on their list of the "Top 100 Comic Book Villains".<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://comics.ign.com/top-100-villains/30.html \|title=General Zod is number 30 - IGN \|publisher=Comics.ign.com \|access-date=2010-12-25 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224011850/http://comics.ign.com/top-100-villains/30.html \|archive-date=2010-12-24 }}</ref>

			==See also==
	Zod was not featured in '']'', although a similar villain named ] did. Jax-Ur had been featured previously in some ] stories of Phantom Zone criminals. In the animated series, he appeared along with a new character called Mala, who was seemingly based on Faora/Ursa. However, in the accompanying '']'' comic book series (#21, which was also titled ''Supergirl Adventures''), Zod was portrayed as an Argosian (like the animated ]) who co-opted Jax-Ur and Mala as his lieutenants (essentially giving Jax-Ur the Non/Quex-Ul role). This character looks physically like the Terence Stamp version from ''Superman: The Movie'' and ''Superman II''.
			* ]

	In the '']'' episode "]", while under the influence of an alien plant, Superman has a dream in which he has a wife and son on Krypton. His wife briefly mentions her son will be attending a birthday party for "little Zod."

	==== Legion of Super-Heroes ====

	]''.]]

	Though Zod himself does not appear in the ] ], a character named Drax appears. A young man who Clark accidentally frees from the Phantom Zone, Drax has the typical array of Kryptonian powers, in addition to an immunity to ]. The Phantom Zone criminals are capable of contacting him, prompting him to attempt to free them. Drax has a hatred of Superman, as well an air of superiority about him, and taunts the young Clark with the fact that he has no idea of his future or what he will become. He was born in the Phantom Zone and claims that's where he gets his powers from.

	The Pre-Crisis version of Zod can be seen as a cameo as one of the many Phantom Zone villains attacking the Legion members when they were temporarily trapped there.

	===Smallville===
	]
	In '']'', the voice of Jor-El is provided by Terence Stamp. This, combined with the apparent difference in character from other versions of Jor-El, led to some fan speculation that Jor-El was really Zod. Series creators ] and ] denied this rumor, and it is later revealed that Jor-El's characterization was misinterpreted. Recent portrayals of the character are somewhat closer to his normal characterization.

	In the series' fifth season, General Zod was featured as an off-screen presence. The episode "Arrival" featured two Kryptonian disciples of Zod searching for Clark shortly after their arrival on Earth following the recent meteor shower that bombarded ] in the previous episode, "Commencement."

	In the episode "Solitude", Milton Fine, the human identity of the Kryptonian ] known as ], persuades Clark to take him to the Fortress of Solitude. After arriving at the Fortress, Fine tricks Clark into freeing Zod from the Phantom Zone, temporarily opening a vortex in which the image of a figure similar to Terence Stamp's Zod can be glimpsed. It is also insinuated that Zod was a fascist leader on Krypton and ruled with an iron fist, and apparently considered Jor-El as his primary nemesis.

	At the end of the episode "Oracle", Chloe deciphers a Kryptonian message which Clark reads as, "Zod is coming." In the following episode, "Vessel", Jor-El reveals that Zod was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone for crimes that resulted in Krypton's destruction. Zod's physical body was destroyed to prevent him from escaping from captivity, and therefore, he now required a vessel to inhabit on Earth. Brainiac had earlier injected ] with a vaccine that granted him Kryptonian superpowers, and therefore, Lex was to be the vessel for Zod's consciousness. Through the actions of Clark and Brainiac, Zod is freed. After inhabiting Lex's body, Zod imprisons Clark inside the Phantom Zone, leaving no one to stop him, and begins his plans to conquer Earth as the trapped Clark is sent flying into space.

	]
	In the ] premiere, "]", after a brief sojourn in the Phantom Zone, Clark escapes with the help of a Kryptonian woman who claims to have been Jor-El's aide. She gives Clark a crystal bearing the sign of the House of El (Superman's characteristic stylized "S"). Back on Earth, Clark confronts Zod/Lex, but Zod, a trained soldier, easily pummels Clark into submission. In an homage to the climactic scene in Superman II, Zod issues his infamous command, "kneel before Zod" although in a much more serious tone, and then wordlessly commands Clark to take his hand. But instead of crushing Zod's hand as in the movie, Clark takes the opportunity to press the crystal into it, evicting Zod from Lex's body and sending him back into the Phantom Zone (in another allusion to the movie, the face of Zod's spirit as it is forced out of Lex strongly resembles that of Terence Stamp as Zod). Lex returns to normal with no memory of these events. However, he later discovers a shard of a Kryptonian device that Zod left on his laptop--Brainiac's hard drive.

	== In popular culture ==
	* Zod is perhaps most popularly quoted as a Superman villain with the phrase, "Come to me, son of Jor-El! ''Kneel'' before Zod!" For example, ] does so in the ] film '']'' after knocking out the head of mall security.
	* Zod's peculiar aloof mannerisms and catchphrases from ''Superman II'', especially his penchant for demanding that people "kneel", has led to the creation of a number of websites dedicated to the General, such as , and .
	* Various Zod scenes from ''Smallville'' were sampled and used in ''TeknoZod'', a ] dance record by ] released in 1996 in the UK on Samplesonic Records.
	* American Midwest rapper ] says "I will make you kneel before Zod" in the song "]" from his album ]
	* Zod, as well as his two henchmen, have appeared in the '']'' episode "]". When Peter finds that Lois can fight extremely well, he walks into a local bar to start fights by saying insulting things, including "Krypton sucks." Zod and his minions are then thrown into the Phantom Zone mirror and sent into space.
	* Zod appeared in the '']'' episode "]" as the host of "Bod by Zod," in which he commands all to "kneel before Zod." After the camera zooms out to reveal he is in fact doing a workout video, he begins to command the viewer to do various aerobic exercises "before Zod."
	* Both ''Superman: The Movie'' and General Zod are mentioned on an episode of the ] show '']''. Both the Sklar Brothers poke fun at a man who resembles both Zod and Non, and quote the famous "kneel before Zod" line.
	* In an episode of '']'', Dr. Forrester practices his "world takeover speech", which included the line "You will bow down before me, son of Jor-El, bow down!"
	* '']'', a ] comedy discussion show on ], included a ] named Andrew Zod, who was supposedly Zod's nephew in its first few episodes.
	* The video game review show '']'', the disembodied head once said "They kneel only before Zod".
	* The sixth ] distribution is called Zod.
	* In one of ]'s Formidable Opponent sketches, President Bush is described in terms of Superman and now he must act as Zod has been released from the Phantom Zone, the losing Stephen is then shot with heat ray vision as the winning Stephen says the line "Kneel before Zod".
	* Zod is the highest ] in the computer game '']''. It makes armor and weapons indestructible. The lowest rune is called El, and grants the player a slightly better attack and increased Light radius.
	* In the ] comic of 1/16/07, the family is playing monopoly on a snowy day. Ted, the father, gains control of half of the monopoly board and says "KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!" Only to have Hilary the daughter say "ZOD?" Then Sally, the mother, said that if he is going to use references use ones that his daughter would understand.
	*In the MTV sketch comedy show, ], there are three characters, known as the Space Lords, based on the trio of Phantom Zone villains from Superman II, though all three are male. Zerg, played by ], is clearly based on Zod, in the similar sounding name, and his tendency to request people to "Kneel before" him.

	==References==		==References==
			{{Reflist\|30em}}
	<references />

			{{wikiquote}}
	==External links==
	* - Comic book historian Alan Kistler of www.MonitorDuty.com does an in-depth article reviewing the long history of Zod from 1961 all the way to 2005, going into detail on the various incarnations and changes in the character. Includes several artwork scans of the different versions of Zod and a discussion of the show ''Smallville''.
	* Supermanica entry on the Pre-Crisis General Zod

			{{Superman characters}}
	==See also==
			{{Suicide Squad}}
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Latest revision as of 04:09, 25 December 2024

DC Comics characterFor other versions of the character, see General Zod (1978 film series character) and General Zod (DC Extended Universe). Comics character

General Zod
Zod in the cover of Superman #5 (November 2018). Art by Ivan Reis.
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Adventure Comics #283 (April 1961)
Created by	Robert Bernstein George Papp
In-story information
Full name	Dru-Zod
Species	Kryptonian
Place of origin	Krypton
Team affiliations	Kryptonian Military Guild Superman Revenge Squad Suicide Squad
Partnerships	Non Ursa (wife) Lor-Zod (son) Faora Hu-Ui Jax-Ur Mala Quex-Ul Dev-Em
Abilities	See list Superhuman strength, stamina, endurance, speed, agility, reflexes, intelligence, longevity, and hearing Solar radiation absorption Enhanced vision EM spectrum vision Infra-red vision Microscopic vision Telescopic vision X-ray vision Invulnerability Ice and wind breath Heat vision Flight Military mastery Indomitable will

General Zod is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Superman. The character, who first appeared in Adventure Comics #283 (April 1961), was created by Robert Bernstein and initially designed by George Papp. As a Kryptonian, he exhibits the same powers and abilities as Superman and is consequently viewed as one of his greatest enemies alongside Lex Luthor, Darkseid, and Brainiac. He is also well known for his catchphrase, "Kneel before Zod!".

Originally bald and clean-shaven, Zod's look in popular culture was defined by the character's depiction by Terence Stamp in the films Superman (1978) and Superman II (1981). Eventually, the character was reintroduced to the DC Multiverse with black hair and a goatee similar to Stamp's portrayal. A different version of Zod was portrayed by Michael Shannon in the DC Extended Universe films Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman (2016), and The Flash (2023).

Fictional character biography

Silver Age

Dru-Zod is a megalomaniacal Kryptonian and the leader of Krypton's military forces. When Krypton's space program was abolished after Jax-Ur's destruction of the inhabited moon Wegthor, Zod tried to take over Krypton using an army of robotic duplicates of himself, all bearing a resemblance to Bizarro. He is sentenced to exile in the Phantom Zone for 40 years for his crimes. In the present, Superman releases Zod after learning that he has already served his sentence, but is forced to return him to the Zone after he attempts to conquer Earth.

During the remaining years before the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Zod and other Zone inmates such as Jax-Ur, Faora, and others, escape from the Phantom Zone and battle Superman and Supergirl numerous times, always being defeated in the end and returned to the Zone.

Modern Age

Interim Zods: 1985–2005

General Zod in *The Adventures of Superman* #589 (April 2001). Art by Duncan Rouleau and Marlo Alquiza.

The first Zod to be introduced following Crisis on Infinite Earths is the Zod of a so-called "pocket universe" resembling the universe in which the comics take place; this allowed for a "Kryptonian" Zod to be introduced while maintaining Superman's status as the last of his race in the universe proper. This Zod's universe is created by the Time Trapper. Zod (along with companions Quex-Ul and Zaora) devastates the Earth of that universe following the death of its Superboy, despite the best efforts of a Supergirl created by that world's heroic Lex Luthor. Eventually, the survivors of this world manage to contact the Superman of the main universe to help them, and he is able to take away the powers of the three super-criminals with Gold Kryptonite; since he is not from that universe, the Kryptonite of that reality has no effect on him.

However, the three vow to some day regain their powers and return to Superman's world to kill him. Acknowledging that he can neither afford to leave them on the now-dead pocket Earth to let them die alone nor imprison them on his world, Superman is forced to kill them with Green Kryptonite.

A second incarnation of General Zod is introduced in the 2001 storyline "Return to Krypton"; this Zod is portrayed as that of an alternate reality created by Brainiac 13. He is the head of the Kryptonian military in the alternate reality. Like the Pre-Crisis version, Zod holds the Kryptonian equivalent of fascist beliefs. He sends aliens to the bottle city of Kandor and plans a military coup. Zod is defeated by Superman and the Jor-El of Zod's alternate reality Krypton.

The third attempt to bring Zod to Modern Age comics is the "Russian" Zod, a Zod of human origin whose origin story is connected to Superman's. This General Zod (born Avruiskin) is a Russian who was affected before his birth by his parents' exposure to Kryptonite radiation. As such, he is empowered by red sunlight and weakened by yellow, the opposite of Superman. After his parents die from radiation, he grows up in a KGB laboratory under the name Zed. Apparently spoken to by the spirit of the Pocket Universe Zod, Russian Zod creates armor which filters the sunlight, and declares himself ruler of Pokolistan. After several inconclusive encounters with Superman, he reveals his long-range plan to turn the sun red and take Superman's place. This is temporarily successful until Lex Luthor rescues Superman, gives him a blast of yellow solar radiation to regain his powers, and works to restore the sun. Superman returns to battle Zod, but refuses to kill him. When the sun turns yellow again, the now-vulnerable Zod strikes Superman with all his power at super-speed and is killed due to Superman's invulnerability.

The final Zod before the character was finally reintroduced, the Zod of an alternate Phantom Zone appears in the twelve-issue For Tomorrow storyline, written by Brian Azzarello and penciled by Jim Lee. This Zod lives alone in an alternate Phantom Zone and resents Superman for tampering with it. By his own account he comes from the same Krypton as Superman and was exiled to the Phantom Zone by Superman's father, Jor-El. This Zod wears large, spiked black armor and when unmasked, is a bald, white-bearded old man. This incarnation also uses a variation of "Kneel before Zod". He appears in Metropia, a version of the Phantom Zone created by Superman to resemble a living world (including apparently-living beings). This version was superseded by the present storyline (which features a new Zod, freed from the Phantom Zone).

General Zod returns: 2006–2011

General Zod returns to post-Infinite Crisis comics in Last Son, penned by Geoff Johns, Richard Donner, and Adam Kubert. Dru-Zod II, Ursa, and Non escape from the Phantom Zone and come to Earth to try to turn it into a "New Krypton". This incarnation is the first Post-Crisis Zod who comes from Superman's Krypton, and not from an alternate reality.

The backstory for the three Kryptonians was recounted in Action Comics Annual #10 (April 2007), and Zod's origin was revealed in Countdown #30 (October 2007). Prior to the destruction of Krypton, Zod, his wife Ursa, and accomplice Non rebel against their planet's oppressive government, but soon become lawless would-be tyrants who lust for power. After an ill-fated insurrection led by Zod, the government sentences the trio to death. However, Superman's father Jor-El pleads for the government to mitigate their sentence to imprisonment in the Phantom Zone, accepted on the condition that he would assume responsibility as their jailer. While in the Phantom Zone, Zod and Ursa are able to have a child who is born immune to the Phantom Zone's effects, ultimately facilitating their escape, and name him Lor-Zod. On Earth, the boy is discovered by Superman and his wife Lois Lane, who adopt him as their own son and name him Christopher Kent. For the duration of 2007's Last Son storyline in Action Comics, Chris Kent is depicted as an adopted son of Superman and his wife Lois across DC titles.

Alongside Zod, Ursa and Non, 25 other Kryptonian criminals also escape the Zone and defeat a number of Earth's heroes, beginning their quest to conquer the planet. Zod ambushes Superman in revenge for Jor-El's actions and traps him in the Phantom Zone, which he later escapes with the help of the heroic Phantom Zone prisoner Mon-El. With assistance from his traditional enemies Lex Luthor, Metallo, Parasite and Bizarro, Superman takes on Zod's army. Out of nearly thirty Kryptonians, Superman's temporary allies successfully kill several, driving the rest back into the Phantom Zone alongside Zod and Ursa, who take Chris Kent with them.

General Zod in *Action Comics* #845 (January 2007). Art by Adam Kubert.

In the later New Krypton arc storyline however, Zod is freed from the Phantom Zone once again by Supergirl's mother Alura. The "bottled city of Kandor" is transformed into a populated Kryptonian planet ("New Krypton"), and Zod is appointed the leader of its army. In the "World of New Krypton" Action Comics storyline, when Superman decides to see what life is like on New Krypton, he is drafted into the Military Guild under General Zod. Zod and Superman maintain a mistrustful professional relationship. Despite their past, neither seems prepared to behave with marked aggression toward the other. Later, during a Kryptonian ceremony, Zod is shot by the Kryptonian Ral-Dar (who is working with Lois's father Sam Lane), leading Zod to appoint Superman as temporary General until his recovery. The two are involved in a Kryptonian political plot, but ultimately apprehend the planet's traitor and see a reform of New Krypton's Council.

Peace is short-lived, however, due to an attack by the alien Brainiac, who had been responsible for the bottling of Kandor in the first place. In Last Stand of New Krypton, New Krypton comes under attack by Brainiac, and Zod engineers a plan to defeat him; Zod is driven by an urge to avenge his prior defeat at the hands of the Coluan Brainiac, when Kandor was bottled from Old Krypton. The storyline ends with the planet's destruction, leading Zod to declare war on Earth, sparking the War of the Supermen storyline. After a fierce conflict between Superman and Zod in defense of Earth, Zod is pushed back into the Phantom Zone by his son, Chris Kent, who had freed himself from the Phantom Zone and became active as an adult superhero on planet Earth.

The New 52: 2011–2016

In 2011, DC chose to revamp its continuity, rebooting many characters while retaining the histories for some others, as part of its The New 52 publishing event. Following this, Zod is hinted at several times. A character resembling Zod makes a cameo in Action Comics #5 (March 2012), as a prisoner in the Phantom Zone; and in Action Comics #13 (December 2012) a ghost in the Phantom Zone says "Kneel before..." multiple times while attacking Superman, a reference to Zod's iconic saying. Zod makes his first full appearance in Action Comics #23.2: General Zod (September 2013), written by Greg Pak, with art by Ken Lashley.

A new origin for Zod is introduced. In it, Zod is born to scientist parents. When he is a young boy, Zod and his parents travel to Krypton's wilderness to discover new creatures. Their ship is attacked by the creatures, leaving the family stranded in the jungle. While his parents are killed, Zod manages to survive for one year until Jor-El and his older brother Zor-El save him. After reaching adulthood, Zod becomes one of Krypton's best soldiers, attaining the rank of general. Zod develops a hatred towards an alien species called the Char and secretly orders the creation of a Char-looking creature, unleashing it on Krypton's population, so he can justify a war against the Char. Jor-El discovers the deception and turns Zod over to the authorities. The council finds Zod guilty of treason and banishes him and his closest followers, Faora and Non, to the Phantom Zone.

Many years later, a mysterious event causes the Phantom Zone to weaken, allowing some of its prisoners to escape. Zod travels to Earth, landing in the Sahara Desert. There, his Kryptonian powers begin to manifest for the first time, brutally slaughtering a group of travelers. Zod is soon attacked by the Justice League of America until Superman and Wonder Woman arrive, the latter restraining him with her magic lasso. Zod recognizes Superman as Kal-El, the son of Jor-El. Superman decides to keep Zod in the Fortress of Solitude's alien zoo. While there, he reveals that Faora also traveled to Earth with him, and vows to track her down.

DC Universe

In June 2016, the DC Rebirth event relaunched DC Comics' entire line of comic book titles, in which General Zod continues to appear within DC titles. In December 2017, DC Comics ended the Rebirth branding, opting to include everything under a larger DC Universe banner and naming. As part of the DC Rebirth relaunch, General Zod is once again imprisoned within the Phantom Zone. He is trapped within the boundaries of the Black Vault, a secret facility hidden in the Laptev Sea. Amanda Waller sends the Suicide Squad to steal the contents of the Black Vault and bring them back to her, but they unwittingly allow Zod to escape. She attempts to 'recruit' Zod by implanting a kryptonite explosive in his head, but he finally proves too dangerous when he uses a mirror and his heat vision to literally cut the bomb out of his own skull, forcing Rick Flag to sacrifice himself to seal the Zone before Zod can release his army. Zod manages to retrieve his family from the Zone while fighting alongside the Superman Revenge Squad- Cyborg Superman, Eradicator, Mongul and Metallo- and escapes Earth to establish himself as a dictator on another planet with his family. He nearly kills Hal Jordan when the Green Lantern Corps discover his presence on the planet before both sides are forced to withdraw and recuperate.

Powers and abilities

Like all Kryptonians under a yellow sun, General Zod possesses high-level superhuman strength, speed and endurance sufficient to stand against Superman and other Kryptonians; super hearing; x-ray vision; telescopic, microscopic and heat vision; super-breath and freeze-breath; virtual invulnerability; accelerated healing and flight. Due to his background as a Kryptonian general, Zod possesses a detailed knowledge of military tactics, battle strategy, and is a competent military leader. Because he was trained in fighting arts long before receiving his abilities, he typically has an edge over Superman's brawling skills, over-reliance on superhuman strength, and basic knowledge of advanced human and Kryptonian hand-to-hand combat. However, Zod's powers are often inferior to those of Superman, due to the latter being exposed to the yellow sun over the course of his entire life, while Zod typically only gets exposed for a short period of time before being defeated and returned to the Phantom Zone. This greater power combined with his superior control and experience with it gives Superman an edge over Zod's superior fighting skills. Additionally, similar to Superman, his strength is inferior to the likes of Doomsday and his speed is inferior to Speedsters such as the Flash. Like all Kryptonians, he is vulnerable to Kryptonite and red solar radiation.

Other versions

The General Zod of Earth-15 is his world's Superman, who is later killed by Superman Prime.
An alternate universe variant of Zod appears in JSA: The Liberty Files. This version is a sociopathic child who was banished to the Phantom Zone for creating a deadly synthetic virus before being freed by American scientists, taken in by the government, and named Clark Kent.
An alternate universe variant of Zod appears in Superman: Earth One. This version is Zod-El, Jor-El's brother and Superman's uncle who worked with the Dheronians to destroy Krypton.

In other media

Television

Animation

A character based on Terence Stamp's portrayal of General Zod named Zi-Kree appears in the Super Friends episode "The Evil from Krypton". Similar to Zod, Zi-Kree is a Kryptonian criminal who was banished to the Phantom Zone.
General Zod appears in the Superman (1988) episode "The Hunter", voiced by René Auberjonois. This version was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone alongside Ursa and Faora, whom he collaborates with to create the titular "Hunter", a creature that can transmute itself into any substance that it touches, and send it to Earth to fight Superman.
Zod was initially slated to appear in the Superman: The Animated Series. However, according to series director Dan Riba, these plans were scrapped due to rights issues and the character was replaced by Jax-Ur. Nonetheless, Zod would appear in the series' tie-in comic.
General Zod makes a cameo appearance in the Legion of Super Heroes episode "Phantoms" as an inmate of the Phantom Zone.
General Zod appears in Justice League Action, voiced by Jason J. Lewis.
General Zod, based on Terence Stamp's portrayal, appears in the DC Super Hero Girls two-part episode "#DCSuperHeroBoys", voiced by Liam O'Brien. This version was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone by Alura Zor-El. Additionally, an alternate timeline variant of Zod appears in the episode "#BackInAFlash".
Dru-Zod appears in Young Justice: Phantoms, voiced by Phil Morris. This version is the husband of Ursa Zod and father of Lor-Zod who was paroled in the 31st century, but was re-imprisoned in the Phantom Zone by the Legion of Super-Heroes following a failed attempt to conquer the galaxy. In the 21st century, Dru manipulates the amnesiac Superboy into joining him before Lor travels back in time to free his family from the Phantom Zone. Dru leads his forces in an attempt to conquer Earth, only to be re-imprisoned by the Team.

Live-action

Zod in the TV program Smallville, wearing a black athletic shirt, camouflage pants and Kryptonian dog-tags — Callum Blue as Major Zod in *Smallville*.

A character based on General Zod named Lord Nor appears in the Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman episode "Lord of the Flys", portrayed by Simon Templeman. He attempts to conquer Earth until he is betrayed by his cohorts and killed by Colonel Cash via a Kryptonite warhead while fighting Superman.
Major Zod appears in Smallville, portrayed primarily by Callum Blue while an uncredited Sam Witwer provides his initial appearance. This version is a Kandorian as well as husband of Faora and father of Doomsday who was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone. Brainiac releases Zod's disembodied wraith into possessing Lex Luthor in the fifth season before he is exorcised in the sixth season. After the eighth season, where Tess Mercer uses a Kryptonian device called the "Orb", the ninth season reveals clones of several Kryptonians, including Zod, were created. After restoring his fellow clones' powers to gain their loyalty and killing Faora's traitorous clone, he begins plotting to fulfill the original Zod's destiny by conquering Earth. However, Clark Kent exposes the truth of Faora's death, turning the clones against him before sending them to an uninhabited planet where they can establish a colony. As of the tenth season episode "Dominion", the clones banished Zod's clone and his loyalists to the Phantom Zone, where he fused with the original Zod while maintaining both versions' memories. He lures Kent and Oliver Queen to the Phantom Zone, but the two escape and destroy the exit.
A Silver Kryptonite-induced hallucination of General Zod appears in the Supergirl episode "Nevertheless, She Persisted", portrayed by Mark Gibbon.
A time-traveling General Dru-Zod appears in Krypton, portrayed by Colin Salmon. Similarly to the Superman: Earth One incarnation, this version is the son of Lyta-Zod and Seg-El, half-brother of Jor-El, and uncle of Kal-El.
General Zod's consciousness appears in the Superman & Lois episode "Through the Valley of Death". Having been saved onto the Eradicator, Tal-Rho uses the device to infect Superman with Zod's consciousness before John Henry Irons motivates him to expel it.

Film

Original series (1978–2006)

Main article: General Zod (1978 film series character)

General Zod makes a cameo appearance in Superman (1978), portrayed by Terence Stamp. Alongside Ursa and Non, he is convicted of crimes against Kryptonian society and sentenced by Jor-El of the Science Council to life imprisonment in the Phantom Zone, shortly before Krypton's destruction.
General Zod appears in Superman II, portrayed again by Terence Stamp. Zod and his cohorts escape and reach Earth, where they gain powers, and form an alliance with Lex Luthor to defeat Superman and rule Earth, but they are eventually depowered and defeated by the hero.
During early development for Superman Returns, Bryan Singer intended to include Zod, with Jude Law in the role. When Law declined, the character was omitted from the script. Zod was considered again, with Law wanted for the role once more, during early development for the sequel to Superman Returns, but the planned sequel never materialized past the development stage.

DC Extended Universe

Main article: Zod (DC Extended Universe)

General Zod appears in films set in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), portrayed by Michael Shannon.

Introduced in Man of Steel, this version is the Kandorian head of Krypton's Military Guild who initiated a rebellion and formed a battalion called the "Sword of Rao" after becoming dissatisfied with the Law Council's decisions, only to be apprehended and imprisoned in the Phantom Zone. In the present, following Krypton's destruction, the Sword of Rao escape and travel to Earth to find Superman and the Codex, a device containing the genetic code for all future Kryptonians, so Zod can terraform Earth and repopulate the planet with genetically engineered Kryptonians. Ultimately, Superman and the United States military thwart Zod by sending his forces back to the Phantom Zone while Superman reluctantly kills Zod to save a family that he threatened to kill.
Zod's corpse appears in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. LexCorp takes possession of it, ostensibly to study Kryptonian anatomy and its origins, while Lex Luthor secretly combines the body with his blood and knowledge he stole from an ancient Kryptonian scout ship to create Doomsday.
An alternate timeline variant of Zod appears in The Flash. Due to the Flash creating the "Flashpoint" timeline, Zod and the Sword of Rao killed an infant Kal-El and seek out his cousin Kara Zor-El for the Codex.

Animation

An alternate reality variant of General Zod appears in flashbacks depicted in Justice League: Gods and Monsters, voiced by Bruce Thomas. This version caused Krypton's destruction while siphoning energy from its core to power his war machine and implanted his DNA into Lara Lor-Van's egg to ensure his legacy's survival, leading to the birth of his universe's Superman, Hernan Guerra.
General Zod makes a cameo appearance in The Lego Batman Movie.
General Zod appears in Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!.

Video games

General Zod, alongside Ursa and Non, appears as the collective final boss of Superman (1987).
Zod appears in DC Universe Online, voiced by Alexander Brandon.
General Zod, based on his post-Infinite Crisis design, appears in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, voiced by Townsend Coleman.
General Zod appears as a downloadable playable character in Injustice: Gods Among Us, voiced by Nolan North. This version can create small portals to the Phantom Zone. Additionally, the DCEU incarnation of Zod appears as an alternate skin.
General Zod appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.
The DCEU incarnation of General Zod appears as a playable character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham via DLC.
General Zod appears as a boss in Lego Dimensions, voiced again by Nolan North. This version serves Lord Vortech.
General Zod makes a cameo appearance in Sub-Zero's ending in Injustice 2.
General Zod appears as a playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains.

Miscellaneous

General Zod, also known as Commissioner Dru-Zod, appears in the novel The Last Days of Krypton, by Kevin J. Anderson. This version is the son of Cor-Zod, former head of the Kryptonian Council, and initially a mid-level bureaucrat before he takes advantage of a major planetary cataclysm and the apparent decapitation of the government to seize absolute power as a militaristic despot and use the Phantom Zone to imprison his political enemies until he is overthrown by a resistance movement led by Jor-El and Zor-El, and banished to the Phantom Zone along with his followers. Afterward, Dru's former prisoners, the planetary council, drop the Phantom Zone singularity into an active volcano to ensure he cannot escape, only to cause Krypton's core to implode and bring about the planet's destruction.
While General Zod did not appear in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) due to copyright issues at the time, he appears in the tie-in comics Superman Adventures #21 and Justice League Unlimited #34 as an Argo City criminal and ally of Jax-Ur and Mala. In the tie-in comic Justice League Beyond 2.0, Zod is revealed to be the adopted son of Jax-Ur and biological son of Justice Lord Superman and Wonder Woman.
The Injustice incarnation of General Zod appears in issue #39 of the Injustice 2 prequel comic. Amidst Batman's Insurgency's efforts to rescue the Teen Titans from the Phantom Zone, Zod takes advantage and escapes, killing Tim Drake in the process. An enraged Batman combats Zod with a heavily armored suit and Kryptonite-infused fear gas before Ra's al Ghul sends in Amazo to kill Zod. Charles McNider later uses Zod's heart in a procedure to save Superboy from the Phantom Zone.

Reception

Total Film ranked Zod #32 on their "Top 50 Greatest Villains of All Time" list in 2007. Pop-culture website IGN.com ranked General Zod as #30 on their list of the "Top 100 Comic Book Villains".

References

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Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Supervillains. New York: Facts on File. p. 141. ISBN 0-8160-1356-X.
Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 118. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
Superman (vol. 2) #22 (October 1988)
The Adventures of Superman #589 (April 2001)
Action Comics #776 (April 2001)
Superman #204–215
Superman #206
Superman #214
Action Comics #844
Action Comics #845
Action Comics Annual #10
Countdown #30
Action Comics #846
Superman: War of the Supermen #4 (July 2010)
Hayer, Chris E (June 4, 2013). "First look: DC's Action Comics Villains month - Zod, Lex Luthor and more plus Michael Alan Nelson talks Cyborg Superman". Archived from the original on June 5, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
Pak, Greg (w). Action Comics, vol. 2, no. 23.2 (September 2013). DC Comics.
Rob Williams (w), Jim Lee (a). Suicide Squad, vol. 5, no. 2 (September 2016). DC Comics.
Countdown to Final Crisis #30
Countdown #24
JSA: The Libert Files #2
JSA: The Unholy Three
Superman: Earth One Vol. 3
https://x.com/dcauwatchtower/status/1307727247718010880?s=46&t=BwkkQT3IdoDkMgSGPlkEPg
^ "General Zod Voices (Superman)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 10, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
""Smallville's" A Tale of Two Zods". 6 May 2011.
Couto, Anthony (April 21, 2017). "General Zod Joins Supergirl, Played By Smallville & Man Of Steel Alum". CBR.com.
Anderson, Jenna (April 19, 2018). "Krypton Introduces a Major DC Comics Character in "House of Zod"". DC. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
"Bryan Singer Responds to 'Superman Returns' Criticism; Wanted Darkseid for Sequel". Screen Rant. February 2014.
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"General Zod is number 30 - IGN". Comics.ign.com. Archived from the original on 2010-12-24. Retrieved 2010-12-25.

Superman characters

Superman family

By codename	Superman Superboy Supergirl Superwoman Nightwing Flamebird Eradicator Steel Power Girl
By public identity	Clark Kent Kal-El Kon-El Jon Kent Sodam Yat Mon-El Kara Zor-El Matrix Linda Danvers Laurel Gand Lois Lane Lucy Lane Lana Lang Luma Lynai Donna Troy Kristin Wells Chris Kent/Lor-Zod Thara Ak-Var Dr. David Connor Steel Natasha Irons Kong Kenan Kara Zor-L
Pets	Krypto Streaky the Supercat Beppo Comet

Supporting
characters

Associated
characters

Enemies

Archenemies	Lex Luthor Brainiac Darkseid General Zod Ultra-Humanite
Other central rogues	Atomic Skull Bizarro Bloodsport Bruno Mannheim Cyborg Superman Hank Henshaw Doomsday Livewire Manchester Black Mercy Graves Metallo Mister Mxyzptlk Mongul Parasite Silver Banshee Toyman
Recurring adversaries	Anti-Monitor Atlas Blaze and Satanus Brainiac 2 Chemo Composite Superman Conduit Dev-Em Draaga Equus Faora Funky Flashman Gog Hellgramite Imperiex Jax-Ur Joker Kalibak Kobra Kryptonite Man Lord Satanis Magpie Mala Mammoth Morgan Edge Neutron Nick O'Teen Non Ol-Vir Prankster Professor Hamilton Quarmer Quex-Ul Rampage Riot Scorch Solaris Solomon Grundy Terra-Man Titano Ultraman Ursa Volcana
Organizations	Black Zero Fearsome Five Intergang Masters of Disaster Royal Flush Gang Secret Society of Super Villains Suicide Squad Superman Revenge Squad

Alternative
versions

Superman	Earth-One Earth-Two Ultraman Superboy-Prime Kingdom Come
Supergirl	Power Girl

In other media

1978–1987 film series	Superman Lois Lane Lex Luthor Eve Teschmacher General Zod
DC Extended Universe	Clark Kent / Superman Lois Lane Lex Luthor Zod
Smallville	Clark Kent Lois Lane Lana Lang Justice League Lex Luthor Lionel Luthor Chloe Sullivan
Arrowverse	Kara Danvers Alex Danvers Lex Luthor Nia Nal
Superman & Lois	Clark Kent Lois Lane

Category

Suicide Squad

Current members

Director	Amanda Waller
Field Leader	Peacemaker
Operatives	Ambush Bug Bloodsport Chemo Heat Wave Major Force Match Nocturna Parasite

Notable former members

Antagonists

Film

Animated

Live-action

Films	Suicide Squad accolades soundtrack The Suicide Squad soundtrack
Characters	Amanda Waller Harley Quinn Christopher "Chris" Smith / Peacemaker