Moon Knight has been different in each story arc has its own team of creators telling done in one stories that are interconnected. Cullen Bunn and Ron Ackins have taken over the title and they are bringing more supernatural elements to the story. Does it work? Will it live up to the previous issue’s quality? Read on and find out!
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Ron Ackins
Inker: Tom Palmer, Walden Wong, Victor Olazaba
Colorist: Dan Brown
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Nick Lowe
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $3.99
Previously in Moon Knight: Marc Spector has been having a rough patch. His psychologist tried to kill him and stole the power of Khonshu, got him arrested for the attempted murder of a U.N. official and left him penniless. On the bright side, Khonshu returned…
CONTINUING THE RUN OF BLOODY FUN
Each time a new creative team takes over Moon Knight I worry it won’t continue the quality that has preceded it. I was less nervous this time because I’ve come to really like Cullen Bunn’s work. There is a certain tone that Moon Knight has had since its relaunch I was worried it might change. This issue put my mind at ease because it feels like the same writer has been aboard since the beginning. Bunn brings in the supernatural a bit more, having Marc Spector track down what is making ghosts “sick” and break apart. Soon, Moon Knight finds a gang using Witch Orbs and mechanical gloves to catch the spirits to sell for different purposes. Though it sounds silly, it works in context and fits with the spiritual aspects of Moon Knight and Khonshu. The story doesn’t go into much detail and lots doesn’t make much sense (at least not yet) but once the bloody action starts, it doesn’t matter. Moon Knight is violent and this issue is quite brutal. Bones are broken and faces smashed and Moon Knight is covered in blood by issue’s end, though the fight takes place in a meat factory. Bunn continues the single issue story trend and it is still the highlight of the title. I have a feeling Bunn will be expanding on the catching spirits angle but the issue still works by itself and new readers will have no problem starting here. It’s good that the book continues the same vibe and reads like the same writer though Bunn puts in his own flourish, like Moon Knight slipping during the fight, that makes the character realistic. I’m glad that once again Moon Knight’s new creative team continues the precedent set from the start.
DIFFERENT, YET, THE SAME
Ron Ackins is the most distinguished from the previous two artist’s styles but still brings an air of familiarity and, like the writing, is a good thing. Ackins’s work looks very European, especially in the character’s facial features. Detail is fairly strong and though things are a little simple at first, Ackins really lets loose during the action. The layouts have wonderful flow and there are some great angles such as Moon Knight dropping down on the gangsters or running and tossing his “moon blades” towards the reader. As the action ramps up, so does the blood and by fight’s end, the page is splattered in it. It’s a cool, gritty appearance that works perfectly with the tone. The coloring looks great in these sections as well, tinted in red with muted tones. Moon Knight continues to jump of the page, contrasting the dark tones with his bright white cape and armor. Some of Ackins’s pencils don’t work well and characters look warped at some angles. There is also a part where Moon Knight breaks a thug’s left hand but on the next page it’s his right that is mangled. It’s a pretty huge slip up and pulled me out of the story. Even with these flaws, I loved the art and am excited to see more from Mr. Ackins.
THE BOTTOM LINE: STILL A GREAT TIME TO START READING
Moon Knight continues to be a strong book with well done, brief storytelling that allows new readers to jump in at any point. Cullen Bunn’s opening issue is as action packed, dark and violent as the rest of the series and Ron Ackins provides some great kinetic artwork. While the story is a done in one, there is enough that Bunn can expand on and readers will be hooked to keep them coming back. If you’re still on the fence about reading Moon Knight I suggest going and picking this issue up. Like many before it, it requires no previous knowledge and provides a great reading experience.
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