The death of a major Superman villain as part of a recent DC crossover event wasted years of character development. The death itself was a shocking turn of events. However, it was completely undercut by how it did nothing to advance the story in a meaningful direction.
The death came in the climax of Superman #41, by Joshua Williamson and Eddy Barrows. The comic continued the ongoing battle between the Man of Steel and his allies against the military forces of El Caldero. This island nation became a major power in the world of DC Comics after becoming the impact site of a large Kryptonite meteorite. The island’s president immediately began trying to apply this rare resource toward scientific advancements. However, it also led to an increase in criminals weaponizing the element against Kryptonian superheroes.
Things took a turn when it was revealed that Bruno, the president’s new military advisor, was a disguised General Zod. The infamous Superman foe had returned to Earth, having failed in his efforts to establish a New Kandor in deep space. This subsequently led him to launch a coup in El Caldero and attack Earth, having found a way to make Kryptonite lethal to humans.
However, the latest chapter of Kingdom of Zod revealed Zod had plans beyond conquest and revenge. He also hoped to use Kryptonian technology stolen from Supergirl to resurrect his wife, Ursa, who died defending their home. Zod was successful, apologizing to Ursa for failing to protect her and their people.
However, disgusted by what she saw as weakness, Ursa killed her husband instantly. The comic concluded with Ursa fleeing into the time-stream in a time machine stolen from Booster Gold. It was her hope to change history so Krypton was never destroyed and her husband never “corrupted.”
Zod’s character arc in Superman comics deserved a better ending
There is a certain dramatic irony in General Zod dying at the hands of the love he risked all to save. However, this sudden twist is completely undercut by Ursa’s sudden goal to prevent Krypton’s destruction. Logically, this can not happen, as this would make it impossible for DC to publish more Superman comics. More importantly, it makes all of General Zod’s recent character growth completely pointless.
The modern Superman comics developed Zod beyond a one-note, would-be world conqueror. While still obsessed with restoring Krypton, he began to focus on rebuilding over his vendetta against Jor-El and his line. The 2024 Kneel Before Zod miniseries developed him into a harsh but logical ruler. Zod was also shown to have a warrior’s code of honor and was smart enough to recognize diplomacy as another form of conquest. Unfortunately, his hopes to rebuild Kandor came to naught thanks to the hostile warrior race known as the Khund. This, coupled with growing delusions of Jor-El mocking him, spurred his return to Earth to turn it into a New Krypton.
Even having regressed into seeking war and revenge as part of the “Kingdom of Zod” event, this new Zod was a more interesting enemy than his earlier incarnations. Killing him now makes his most recent appearances seem like a total waste of time. Even if the finale of “Kingdom of Zod” somehow restores him to life through time-travel shenanigans, it will negate one of the most interesting developments in modern Superman comics.
