REVIEW: Kneel Before Zod #3
Kneel Before Zod #3, ‘The War For New Kandor’ is an all out action packed bloodbath as General Zod and Ursa defend their new home from the Khunds. The efficient nature in which the two warmongering Kryptonians handle their situation really highlights the level of threat they could represent to the greater DCU. It’s a brutally violent issue with an equally shocking end.
Referencing the interpersonal conflict Ursa is having with Zod, the standard cover by Jason Shawn Alexander is a close-up of Ursa clutching the beaten face of Zod with the simple request of, “Kneel”. There’s almost a sense of affection coming from Ursa as she wryly smiles at her husband. These two definitely have a relationship unlike most and this cover is a good representation of it.
Ursa continues to be in the spotlight on Lucio Parrillo’s variant. The realistic art has Ursa pointing out her next target as fiery devastation blazes in the background. The look of amusement on her face shows us just how much she enjoys her ruthless nature. Ursa is not one to be trifled with and this issue really dives into her warrior spirit.
Mirko Colak’s variant shifts the focus back to General Zod. Hovering over a vast cityscape, Zod appears poised for battle with whatever’s off panel. The warm color palate adds a sense of calmness to the image, but with his eyes glowing red, there’s obviously a coming storm.
Artist Dan McDaid and Colorist David Baron handle the interiors. This issue is full of classic sci-fi imagery giving it a sense of familiarity. You can really tell the art team enjoyed every aspect bringing this book to life, which is a bit weird to say given the amount of carnage on each page. The battle tension and frustration of the warring sides give the story an odd sense of emotion that McDaid & Baron pour out on every panel. With conflicts on multiple fronts, the flow of the book feels natural and easy to follow. For being such a visually brutal book, it really is compelling to see the art tell as much of the story as the writing.
Joe Casey, lettered by Troy Peteri, wastes little time bringing the mayhem in “Kneel Before Zod” #3. This issue immediately jumps into the fray as a Khund invading force descends on New Kandor. It’s nonstop vicious bloodshed, until the last few pages, from there as Zod and Ursa defend their new home world. It’s hard not to respect the efficiency of the two Superman foes as Zod and Ursa are clearly in their element during the battle. It’s also difficult to not spoil the outcome of the battle, but the last two panels are an absolute jaw dropper. If what was implied has actually happened, then the direction of this story and Zod’s motivations will be forever changed. It seems Joe Casey is about to unleash a General Zod we’ve never truly seen upon the galactic DCU and the possibilities of seem limitless.
‘Kneel Before Zod” isn’t my typical flavor of comic which makes my rating slightly biased. The art is perfect for the setting and themes, and I find myself enamored by Ursa’s more “hands on” approach to fighting. The dialogue is excellent, and I especially loved seeing the battle from all sides of the conflict. However, we’re three issues in and we don’t have much more of a plot to the series other than this conflict with The Khunds.
The prologue in “Action Comics” and issue #1 of this series peppered in some possible bigger threads, but haven’t really hit on them since. Am I just being too impatient? Perhaps, but at least my interest is still piqued.
