Kneel Before Zod #1 is a real character piece. Every part of this world seems to be built entirely in Zod’s image, right down to the individual panel. The lack of heroes of any sort removes ideas of hope, love, or kindness from the book, replaced with an authoritarian bully who has been selected as the “protagonist.” Read Full Review

Kneel Before Zod #1 sets up a strong story that feels both appropriate for General Zod and full of potential to add complexity to him. Read Full Review

I found the action sequences to be well done, and the overall illustration pairs perfectly with the mood of the tale. Read Full Review

Overall, this debut is pretty interestingit's Zod's first solo focus, and this creative team's first DC work in a very long time. But it does suffer a bit from a lack of likable characters in this first issue. It's clear from the beginning that Zod hasn't changed, his circumstances haveand that can only last so long. Read Full Review

Kneel Before Zod #1 offers some intriguing new shades to its titular villain, but the promise the series holds is almost stronger than the execution of its first issue. Anchored by a fitting brutality and an unmistakable tragedy for its supporting cast, the series sets up a descent into madness that could be consequential to the larger DC Universe and, at very least, will probably be entertaining. Read Full Review

So the total rundown?Zod seeing Jor-El.Native experiments stalled.Super-weapon on the planet.Lor banished.Zod trying to save Kandorians.Ursa perhaps distancing herself from Zod. The United Planets worried about Zod. That's a lot of seeds scattered in this one issue. There is enough story potential here to keep me checking it out. I wasn't expecting to be so fascinated by Ursa for sure.  Read Full Review

Despite the problems that Casey and McDaid run into, Kneel Before Zod is a strong beginning to a promising mini series. I can't wait to see how this series evolves. Read Full Review

Kneel Before Zod #1 shows a lot of potential but the comic doesn't really nail what it's attempting. There's interesting moments and it sets up a lot of conflict to come but overall, the comic feels a bit like it's going through the motions but lacks substance. Read Full Review

Kneel Before Zod #1 is a perfectly fine setup for a Zod-Centric maxi-series. The pacing, action, dialog, and art are all solid. That said, there's no hook or compelling reason to get invested in the story, so this first issue falls into the "take it or leave it" bucket. Read Full Review

Kneel Before Zod takes a bold step away from Superman's perspective, placing us squarely in the boots of the Kryptonian villain himself. Having conquered a new planet and established his own twisted utopia, we see General Zod grapple with the burden of rule, facing threats both external and internal. Joe Casey crafts a nuanced portrayal of Zod, showcasing his ruthless ambition, simmering rage, and unexpected moments of vulnerability especially with his own inter-family dynamics.

Dan McDaid's artwork is truly magnificent. He brings Zod's world to life with a blend of gritty realism and alien grandeur. The detailed landscapes, imposing architecture, and expressive character faces all contribute to a truly immersive experience. The action sequences are particularly dynamic and brutal, capturing the savage ferocity of Zod's rule.

This issues makes it clear that a standalone Zod story offers a galaxy’s worth of potential and Casey’s initial script is an encouraging sign that we’re in for a great character story.

more

While I do echo others comments that there is not a massive hook to this issue, and the art is good at best, the story itself is quite promising. I enjoyed this more than I expected. There is a sense of political drama here, each of the characters has a good voice, and the brutality of Zod is on full display, between the cruel but pragmatic treatment of this son, to the defending of his planet, Casey makes it clear, Zod aint a good guy and is going to do whatever he needs to, to get the job done. The only question now I have is, should this be picked up issue by issue or in a trade? I am unsure, but I do want to read how this unfolds. A nice political (and I mean that in running a planet/governing body type of way), and action packed book.

A lot to like here. I do wish is had a solid 'wow' moment though. A lot of good moments, really almost every page was very good (hence the 8.5), but no amazing jaw dropper moment, or breath-taking splash page. more

oh dad zod

A solid start for the long-time adversary to the Man of Steel, Zod takes center stage as the lead of his own maxiseries.

While the 1st issue pertains to the literal world building desires of Zod, he runs into predicaments with two of his biggest thorns; the heir apparent to his throne, Lor, and the constant meddling of the United Planets. Lor being a young Kryptonian full of his father's boundless rage strikes out against Zod, only to be banished, in what can only be described as a "prove yourself worthy" character. I'm sure we'll see a return of Lor in the near future. I do love a good familial spat, makes for good reading.

Ursa, Queen of New Kandor and wife to Zod, is due to have their second baby, who's implied to be a son, but she worries about her husband mental state as he appears to literally be hallucinating past foes (i.e. Jor-El). To add to Zod's full plate of dilemmas, he's dealing with a small scale invasion of his newly found home.

The art by McDaid was good enough for the script but you can tell he's an artist better suited to a script that pushes more action versus characters having long bouts of exposition. Serviceable but not exactly memorable. I hope we take to see this artist flex his pencils on the following issue.

My major point of contention is this; there's not a big "you gotta read this" energy to this 1st issue and that's a big negative in my book. Comics need a hook for the first issue, how else are you going to keep readers engaged?? I'm sticking around cause I like a good story for villains, I hope I get that here from Casey and McDaid.

Recommended. more

The basic story is very important as well as the elements that make up that story. I have a very hard time believing that Superman isn't scouring the universe looking for Kandor. Zod stole it and Superman said - "oh, well. I guess it's gone." I'm not buying it. It's also very difficult to make a villain an anti-hero. It didn't work for the Black Adam Movie, though it did work in the New 52 with Black Adam creating a family. I think that was due to the Isis character. Ursa doesn't have that kind of caring personality to ground Zod. In fact, she's even worse than Zod when it comes to parenting. It feels as if there is a scene missing. The son (whose look is awful. That hair kills me.) doesn't even have a full conversation with Ursa upon his leaving. "Okay, bye." So, the writing is lacking and I'm not sure I care if Zod creates his utopia.

My Comic Review Channel - https://youtu.be/kIHA4U_9_gc more