Kneel Before Zod # 1: A Villain Story Done Right

Kneel Before Zod # 1 is a character-driven issue that is intriguing, brutal, and definitely worth adding to your pull list. The entire creative team has put together a premiere issue that is kicking off the new year on such a strong note.

The issue begins with General Zod and Jor-El debating on what was right for Krypton and quickly readers see the conversation between the two brothers as more of a personal dialogue Zod is having within himself. I suspect this series is going to give further insight on the struggles Zod is facing, especially given the irony of how he now has his own planet and yet his drive to conquer has left him restless and unhappy. With only his wife Ursa and son Lor as audience for all of Zod’s grandstanding, there is an underlying tension among all of the characters as they await Zod to finally make another move in his quest.

Similar to stories such as Dune, there is lore mentioned throughout the issue but it is done in a way that enriches the story without isolating the reader. Writer Joe Casey does an excellent job at establishing the primary characters, the internal struggle Zod is facing, and sticking to core character traits.

I appreciate how Zod isn’t presented as some anti-hero or a person to root for. This is a trend in comics lately and while I think it can work with some characters like Harley Quinn (that is an article for another day on characters reforming), there is not an effort to show Zod as having any kindness. He’s brutal, definitely not relatable, and is given an action set piece to remind readers how much of a force he is to reckon with.

There is an epic scale conveyed in this issue and this isn’t just from Casey’s writing but from artist Dan McDaid and colorist David Baron. From the panel designs to the intensity between the characters, the art adds to the drama and is a well balanced match for the story presented. It also works well in the several moments where Zod’s ferocity and anger are let loose. The art may be comic style, but it’s evident Zod isn’t some villain, he’s a General.

On the topic of art, the cover design from Jason Shawn Alexander was tasked with the primary cover and his rough style is a perfect match for this story. Looking a few issues ahead, I suspect Alexander will be designing the covers for at least the next few issues and if this first issue is any indicator, he will certainly be nailing the tone of this story.