"He likes people to see him coming." Moon Knight, Marvel's awesomely cocky Batman.
Moon Knight is BACK with his own monthly title again! Written by Warren Ellis with artwork by Declan Shalvey and colors by Jordie Bellaire.
The Good
When there are characters released that resemble icons that have been around for years (i.e. in this case Moon Knight being similar to Batman); we sometimes look for the bad in the character as to why they shouldn't exist solely because of them having similar characteristics to an icon. Moon Knight in this case should stop being compared to Batman all the time! If you've read this first issue you'll understand that, yes,Moon Knight has characteristics similar to Batman, but how Warren Ellis handled the character in this first issue was really amazing! A first issue to me has alwaysbeen about creating an emotional feel and hookfor a new or returning character's series, and the creative team behind this book have really achieved that!
Moon Knight to me is appealing again. Before all the craziness of Marvel Now! I don't remember the last time I heard anything significant surrounding Moon Knight, however the good news is that he's back and exciting again! Warren Ellis established Moon Knight as a character in this issue. He showed us that he's undoubtedly a crazy person with psychological issues, but he doesn't let that stop him from doing what's right. Even though he may or may not have made up his own version of justice in his head! Ellis makes Moon Knight appear a bit more realistic than Batman (especially with the psychological disorders), but he also makes him really cool.
From the beginning of this book we get to see how Moon Knight uses his cocky superior attitude to handle a murder scene. Ellis showcases Moon Knight's detective abilities in a really cool way that must be read firsthand to really enjoy it. It also shows how Moon Knight uses his cockiness in costume design and crime fighting. I promise you when read the line "Easy. He likes people to see him coming." and look at the artwork that helps tailor the story; you will know by the end of the book that Moon Knight is as cool as cool can be [those aren't/won't be your exact thoughts, but trust me, you'll thank me later] (and whether or not if you want to read this series).
The artwork by Declan Shalvey and colors by Jordie Bellaire are wonderful! Without their help I think this would've been a dull experience, I absolutely loved what they did with the design of the world around Moon Knight and how they made everything look so gritty and real. Plus, making Moon Knight look soooooooo freaking cool.
The Bad
What pulled me out of this issue was the ending with the therapist. The therapist part of the story had Moon Knight going to get his regular therapy checkup to make sure he's still "sane" and it felt a bit redundant and confusing (already telling us about Moon Knight's problems again). Making me wonder why all these things are being said and to what end? That was my BIG problem with this issue.
The Verdict
Moon Knight will be one of the series I follow and review, no doubt! I'm not going to give you more reasons to read this series, I just gave you a bunch above ^^^^^. SO check out this first issue, if you don't like it, well -- I don't know what to say -- but if you DO like it, I knew I could persuade you to! Overall 4 out of 5.
Next MK review:
Moon Knight #2 (2014)
Last reviews:
Samurai Jack #6
Superman/Wonder Woman #6
Animal Man #29
Daredevil #1
Green Lantern New Guardians #29
Movie review:
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (MOVIE)
Arrow TV review:
Birds of Prey
You can complain, or compliment, me on Twitter (@Lol_Clark) or here on Comic Vine (@Super-Man 23).
