The Good
This series makes me so incredibly happy to be a Moon Knight fan. In an interesting and uncommon move, we're getting yet another self-contained story. Long flowing story arcs can be interesting to see the plot develop over time but there is something about being able to read an entire story within a single issue. To do so with such a compelling story is surprising. But of course we have Warren Ellis to thank for that.
Despite being firmly in the Marvel Universe, this story doesn't feel like a regular Marvel Universe story. It's pretty dark in some ways. If you think about it, what could be more frightening than a sniper, hidden in the shadows, taking people out? It's the hidden threats that sometimes can be more frightening, and realistic, than some sort of "scary monster" or such things. Getting a glimpse into the lives of different individuals whose time may be limited makes it that much more creepy and shocking.
Declan Shalvey takes the story and does a remarkable job in the...execution. It's like we have multiple stories going on at once and you'll find yourself flipping the pages back and forth to fully take it all in. The choice of some blank/white panels really hits you.
The Bad
This issue does read a little fast because of the nature of the panel layouts. It's definitely something that can be overlooked for the sake of the powerful imagery the absence of certain panels leaves.
It's almost a little odd that Moon Knight doesn't come into the issue until halfway through. He makes up for it in his actions but because there's minimal dialogue with him, it almost feels like he's not fully invested in taking out the bad guy. Because of the self-contained nature, this issue also doesn't pick up from the last page of the first issue. The ending also felt as if Moon Knight wasn't going to go after the final...shooter. The sniper was dealt with and that seemed to be all that mattered.
The Verdict
Two issues in and this is one of my favorite titles right now. Right now, we all have to make a mental wish that Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey, and Jordie Bellaire will stay on this title for a while.
In an almost odd-fashion, we get another self-contained story. These days it feels like most stories are written into nice neat story arcs that can easily be collected in trades. We get a haunting story of Moon Knight coming across a sniper. The ending is a little abrupt but this wasn't really a story that would need a second part, perhaps just another page or two. This is a great issue of MOON KNIGHT that anyone can easily pick up. Check it out. You'll dig it for sure.
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