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REVIEW: Hot Toys Man of Steel GENERAL ZOD
Kneel Before Zod!...
By David Yeh
In Zach Snyder’s most recent Superman film, MAN OF STEEL, he cast actor Michael Shannon as the villainous General Zod. Shannon’s character spends much of the film convinced that the future of his Kryptonian race rests entirely upon his shoulders. With the new Movie Masterpiece 1:6th scale General Zod figure, his lunacy is expertly captured by the Hot Toys team. General Zod now joins Superman and Jor-El in Hot Toys Man of Steel collection.
The box for General Zod is designed in a cloudy gray hue with a view overlooking Metropolis as well as his machine to reshape Earth into Krypton. General Zod’s symbol is on full view, looking a bit like an awkward cent sign. As per the usual, the front flap (sealed magnetically) opens up to reveal the figure inside, a glimpse of some accessories, and a credits page thanking the hardworking toy makers who helped create this figure.
Inside, layered plastic trays keep General Zod and his accessories securely in place, a practice Hot Toys has perfected over the years. Not only does it conserve space, but it keeps everything properly organized as well. The figure and the extra hands/head are slotted in the top tray while the display base and cape are below.
By now, we all know what to expect from Hot Toys. Each and every Movie Masterpiece has truly been a masterpiece and General Zod is no different. The head is sculpted by Lee So Young while the armor and accessories are sculpted by Kester Lee; which means that General Zod is essentially sculpted from head to toe. Zod is sent to us with his standard head on, a grimaced and maniacally determined expression conveys to us that we’re not going to like what he’s got waiting for us.
The paint on the head is top of the line, with clean lines, natural looking skin, life-like eyes, and a realistic scar on the side of his face. There’s even blemishes in his skin, which might be errors but I’ll just assume that they’re part of the actual actor’s face. Kudos to everyone involved! The only thing I really wish though would be a more calmed down facial expression. We know that General Zod gets a little crazy in the film but he never looks this happy.
There are all together three pairs of hands included with Zod: fists, relaxed palms, and open palms. If you have trouble taking them out or in, Hot Toys has included an extra set of pegs that can be used. I personally think each hand should come with its own peg.
Zod’s armored helmet and his armor are pretty amazing. Some parts around the joints are also articulated, making it just a bit easier to pose. In the film, General Zod has a few costume changes. This armor represents what he wore when arriving on Earth towards the last two acts of the film. The included cape makes use of snaps to keep it on securely.
As the final fight progresses, Zod loses more and more of his actual costume. Beginning with his cape that was on fire, to his the losing of his helmet, and then eventually all of the armor comes down. And while there is a body suit underneath all of the armor, it is most certainly not recommended you remove any of it.
The diamond shaped base sports General Zod’s name and his emblem. A poseable post and clip can keep Zod standing or in a flight stance if you prefer.
It is a shame that this version of Zod isn’t seen with Jor-El at all, nor is it Zod’s final look in the film to battle Superman in. But it is certainly the most impressive looking suit for Zod and the one that clocks in the most screen time.
General Zod is priced at $239.99 and is available now through Sideshow Collectibles. Jor-El and Superman are also still available and highly recommended for all Man of Steel fans. These are truly remarkable figures.
Review and Photography by David Yeh
Review Sample Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles
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