Michael B. Jordan is developing a Superman show for HBO Max, based around Val-Zod, the Black Superman of Earth-2 and Kal-El's adoptive brother!

Who is DC Comics' Black Superman Val-Zod and how are his origins and powers different than those of Kal-El of Krypton? Many fans want to know more about this relatively obscure hero in the wake of news that Michael B. Jordan is producing a television series for HBO Max based around Val-Zod. This news was recently confirmed after various rumors that Warner Bros. was considering some sort of series or film based around a Black Superman, with no word as to if the project would be based around an original character or an existing one from the comics.

Created by writer Tom Taylor and artists Nicola Scott and Robson Rocha, Val-Zod first appeared in Earth 2 #19 in March 2014. Set on an alternate Earth separate from the new reality established by DC Comics' New 52 reboot in 2011, Earth 2 detailed the rise of a new wave of superheroes following a failed invasion from Apokolips, which the first generation of superheroes died to prevent. Unfortunately, their sacrifice merely delayed the inevitable, requiring new heroes, including new versions on the Jay Garrick Flash and Alan Scott Green Lantern, to stand against the alien menace.

It will be interesting to see how the new series adapts Val-Zod, given that his origin story in Earth 2 was deeply tied to the second invasion of Earth from Apokolips and that he was one hero among a larger ensemble. Additionally, many of the elements that mark Val-Zod as a unique character may prove difficult to work into a solo story. There is also some question as to whether or not Michael B. Jordan will play Val-Zod, or work on the series from behind the signs as a producer or director.

Val-Zod's Superman Origins in DC Comics

Val-Zod was born on the planet Krypton to unnamed parents, though he is presumed to be the son of this universe's version of General Zod. Val-Zod was adopted by Jor-El and his wife Lara after his parents "tried to speak the truth to power and were punished for it." Precisely what this truth was went unexplained, but it may have involved the impending destruction of Krypton. In any case, as in the main DC Comics universe, Jor-El made preparations for the disaster, fashioning special rockets to carry all the children of his house to Earth. This included his son Kal-El, his niece Kara Zor-El, Val-Zod, and a fourth person, whom Val-Zod never identified.

Val-Zod grew to manhood in his capsule, with nothing but the voices of his adoptive parents to comfort and instruct him. In addition to learning of the science and technology of Krypton that were his birthright, Val-Zod was also instructed as to would happen to him under Earth's yellow son and to avoid violence in any form, as it would be all too easy for him to hurt others by accident with his increased strength. This resulted in Val-Zod becoming a complete pacifist. He also developed intense agoraphobia, being all too aware of the dangers of deep space travel and what might happen should his ship's hull be breached.

Val-Zod's ship arrived on Earth several years after his adoptive siblings and was discovered by Terry Sloan, a.k.a. Mister 08. Sloan was a billionaire scientist and super-genius who was counted among Earth 2's heroes, despite being largely amoral and comparable in personality and intellect to Lex Luthor. Learning of Val-Zod's fondness for enclosed spaces, he encouraged the young Kryptonian's fear of the outside world and provided him with a "safe home" hidden behind a secret vault in a sub-basement of Arkham Asylum. Val-Zod lived here happily until he was discovered by a group of Earth 2's new heroes and encouraged to join their ranks, as Apokoplis attempted a second invasion of Earth led by a man who seemed to be a corrupted Superman. With the assistance of Lois Lane (whose mind had been downloaded into a robotic body and dubbed the Red Tornado) Val quickly tried to overcome his fears and master his powers so that he could become the hero Earth 2 needed.

Val-Zod's Superman Powers and Weaknesses in DC Comics

As a Kryptonian, Val-Zod's body absorbs various wavelengths of solar radiation, granting him the same powers that Superman has on Earth or on any other planet orbiting a non-red sun.  He has enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, endurance and invulnerability, making him far more powerful than any mortal man. His senses are similarly enhanced, allowing him to hear things from further away and at higher frequencies than a normal human, including radio broadcasts. He can see things in greater detail than most, thanks to his telescopic, microscopic, infrared and x-ray vision. He also possesses the power of flight and can release the air in his lungs as a controlled blast of freezing air with the force of a hurricane. His greatest offensive power is releasing the energy he has absorbed as a focused blast of microwave radiation through his eyes, but he prefers not to use this ability and holds it in reserve for as long as possible.

Val-Zod also possesses the same physical weaknesses as Superman, losing his powers in the presence of Kryptonite, the irradiated ore of his home world. He also doesn't possess any special defense against magic or psychic abilities and it is possible for his enhanced senses to be overwhelmed. However, like Clark Kent, Val-Zod's greatest weaknesses are emotional ones. As a devout pacifist, Val-Zod is reluctant to use his tremendous power for fear of accidentally hurting someone and he only took up the Superman mantle after being shown a vision of what would happen if he did not by Doctor Fate. This can make him hesitant to act on his own and he tends to benefit from having a stronger personality instruct him on what to do in the field. Ironically, this made him an ideal partner for the brash Kara Zor-El (aka Power Girl), as she guided him with her experience while he guarded her back with his sense of caution.

Michael B. Jordan Is Reportedly Working On A Val-Zod Superman Show

Rumors of a Black Superman project at Warner Bros. have run rampant over the past few years, with J.J. Abrams being said to be considering centering his Superman reboot movie around a Black Superman, with comic writer Ta-Nehisi Coates writing the script. Michael B. Jordan was also said to be in talks with Warner Bros. about directing a Black Superman movie and was a fan favorite for playing the role, though it was unclear if this proposed movie would be based around a Black Clark Kent or Calvin Ellis, the Superman of Earth 23, who was also President of the United States in his reality. It was finally confirmed that Michael B. Jordan's production company Outlier Society would be producing a Val-Zod focused miniseries for HBO Max.

Little is known about this new series, beyond the fact that an unnamed writer is working on a script and that Michael B. Jordan himself is only attached to produce the series at this time.  It's possible that he might play the part of Val-Zod or direct the show, but the popular creator already has several projects on his plate in the coming year, including producing, directing, and starring in Creed 3. This means it may be some time before fans get to see Michael B. Jordan play Superman, if it happens at all or if he stars in the role.

Next: Every Upcoming & In-Development DC Film