Zor-El
Zor-El is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A Kryptonian, he is the brother of Jor-El, husband of Alura, father of Supergirl, and paternal uncle of Superman.[1]
Zor-El
Action Comics #252 (May 1959)
Otto Binder (writer)
Al Plastino (art)
Krypton
Zor-L
- Cybernetic implants
(Under a yellow sun):
- Kryptonian power set
Traditional depictions of Zor-El in Golden Age and Silver Age DC Comics stories portrayed him as a benevolent scientist concerned for his daughter Kara, acting similarly to his brother Jor-El in sending his child to safety on Earth. In the mid-2000s, DC experimented with different characterisations of Zor-El, even briefly casting him as a mad scientist with a grudge against his brother. A similar depiction was used when the character was adapted for television in the series Smallville. In 2010s stories following DC's The New 52 reboot, Zor-El has been an antagonist for Supergirl and Superman, having been transformed into the villain Cyborg Superman by Brainiac.[2]
Zor-El was portrayed by Simon Ward in the film Supergirl. Christopher Heyerdahl portrayed a villainous version in the TV series Smallville. Robert Gant portrayed the character in the Arrowverse television series Supergirl in the first two seasons, and Jason Behr portrayed him in the sixth season.
Publication history[edit]
Zor-El first appeared in Action Comics #252 (May 1959) and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino.
Powers and abilities[edit]
Zor-El has all the powers and weaknesses of a Kryptonian from exposure to Earth's yellow sunlight.[10] After Brainiac revived him as a cyborg, he became stronger, faster, and more powerful than ever. He has the ability to project blasts of energy from his cybernetic eye or body. His right arm can shapeshift into any weapon he imagines, but only for conceivable limits. The Earth-One version possesses expertise in climatology.[11]