REVIEW: Kneel Before Zod #8
Kneel Before Zod #8, “For My Sins” appears to be an early finale to this ambitious space Odyssey that sadly struggled too long to find its footing. Going out with as much bang as it can muster, we’re treated to a showdown (and eventual team-up) between Zod and Sinestro. Leaving us on a mild cliffhanger, we’re left to wonder what the future may hold for the once decorated Kryptonian war hero.
The standard cover is by Jason Shawn Alexander. His heavy pencil lines add a satisfying gritty texture to the image of Zod issuing a single command. Rushing towards his target screaming, “DIE!”, instantly sets the tone for this book.
The variant is by Lucio Parrillo and has Superman facing off with Zod. The Man of Steel seemingly getting an upper hand doesn’t keep Zod from locking heat vision with his adversary. The realistic nature of Parrillo’s work is simply phenomenal.
Written by Joe Casey with Letterer Troy Peteri, ‘Kneel Before Zod’ #8 gives us an entertaining throw down between Zod and Sinestro before the Red Lantern is able to appeal to the Kryptonian’s sensibilities. Allowing an uneasy truce between them, Zod accepts Sinestro’s assistance in repairing his derelict spacecraft before parting ways. With his ship fixed and his ragtag crew mostly unified, we leave Zod rekindling old hatreds to fill the lack of purpose he feels.
Artist Dan McDaid and Colorist David Baron spend the first few pages showcasing the massive powers of two formidable villains. Being fought solely in the vacuum of space, they cleverly omit any typical sound effects you’d expect from these scenes. The result is a purely art driven, fan serviced fight sequence that is rather enjoyable. Even though the rest of the book is mainly exposition based, the body language and cosmic scenes are still on point as these two creators continue their exceptional work.
(4/10) McDaid and Baron’s art has been the highlight of the entire series and the moments they get to show off are absolutely worth picking up the book. Sadly, however, it seemed we may have lost sight as to what makes Zod a compelling foil to Superman and ended up making him a clichéd version of himself. As entertaining as it was, the unprovoked attack on Sinestro even felt out of character as Zod’s fury came off more like unchecked rage. That being said, I hope the events presented within the overall story gets explored more in the future.
