The Good
Before reading this, I wasn't sure how necessary a book focusing on Zod would be. We've seen his origin told a few times recently. But with Greg Pak writing, there was a good possibility it could turn into at least an interesting read. Reading the first pages I was even more dismayed at seeing Zod as a child. Too many of these Villains Month books are delving into the villains' childhoods. Continuing to read, you quickly discover something pretty cool is happening. We're actually seeing Zod as a child. We're seeing what made him into the character we all know. I was hooked.
As in many of these Villains Month titles, we are seeing some minor changes. It's strange to realize that I never really gave much thought to who Zod was before he got into hot water with the Science Council. You will absolutely see Zod in a way you never have before.
Ken Lashley's art gives us a look at parts of Krypton we haven't seen before. There's been many different takes on the planet and its culture and this gives a nice unique flavor.
The Bad
It's unfortunate that parts of the recent Geoff Johns/Richard Donner version were tweaked. It's also interesting to see Zod's right hand man woman has become Faora once again rather than Ursa. Also, I was always under the impression that Zor-El was Jor-El's younger brother. That's seems to have changed. With some of these changes, I almost would have liked to see more.
The Verdict
Greg Pak continues to show us he has a great take on Superman and his universe. In an issue I questioned the need for before reading, I found myself deeply hooked in the telling of who Zod was and how he grew into the General we've seen in the Superman comics. Greg Pak and Ken Lashley give us a unique look at the man and parts of Krypton we haven't seen before. You will come to understand Zod a little more and not see him as quite the two-dimensional villain he's often portrayed as. This was an example of a Villains Month title that left me wanting more. Greg Pak has definitely earned his place as a Superman writer.