ZCash is great because it's providing the Zero Knowledge tech that other coins can build on. ZCash's zksnark is copied by Komodo to provide anonymous transactions.
Komodo has also invented delayed-POW consensus, which means it is the first coin secured by Bitcoin's hashrate. You can see the Komodo DPOW nodes writing Komodo block hashes to the Bitcoin blockchain here:
https://blockchain.info/address/1P3rU1Nk1pmc2BiWC8dEy9bZa1ZbMp5jfgThese dpow nodes will also function as nodes for the first decentralized exchange using atomic swaps with good liquidity. Some of the nodes will be connected to centralized exchanges in order to provide liquidity to this "EasyDEX" exchange. Meaning it will have the benefits of centralized exchanges, fast order-matching and good spreads, without the disadvantages.
Yeah. ZCash started it all, providing a new kind of way to anonymize your transactions. This resulted into a massive hype, leaving room for other alternatives to emerge.
Komodo really does provide true innovation, despite the fact that it implements the same technology as ZCash which is Zero Knowledge Proof. Things like securing its network using Bitcoin's blockchain, is a really smart move as most altcoins out there are much smaller networks than BTC, and lack of a great security mechanism against 51% attacks.
Also, the EasyDEX exchange would be something really interesting to see once it launches, as I have the feeling that it would be a game changer for the world of decentralized exchanges. Just my opinion.