Marvel Comics has been delivering some unique anthologies over the last few years, particularly its Voices anthologies which spotlight marginalized creators and its Black White & Blood series dedicated to the House of Ideas’ grittier characters. Even Spider-Man and Venom got in on the action! But Phases of the Moon Knight #1 definitely earns its spot in the discussion.
That’s because Phases of the Moon Knight touches upon a concept that I’m surprised no one has expanded upon: the moon god Khonshu selecting warriors to serve as his fists. While Marc Spector is the latest to hold this position, Khonshu is immortal – which means that there’s probably been plenty of Moon Knights. Phases of the Moon Knight #1 starts digging into that history with twin tales: “The Once and Future Knight” by Erica Schultz, Manuel Garcia, Sean Parsons and Ceci de la Cruz, and “Crusader” by Benjamin Percy and Rod Reis.
It’s “Crusader” that immediately drew me in, especially because of the title. During the Crusades, a knight named Cassian breaks ranks, growing disillusioned with killing in the name of God. But a sandstorm leads him to Khonshu’s temple…and an offer to serve a new God. Percy’s script is fashioned less like a traditional comic narrative and more in the vein of an epic poem, which is befitting the time period. Reis never fails to deliver some great artwork, especially when it comes to Cassian’s Moon Knight costume. It has the same white cloak and moon emblem that adorns Spector’s, but also has a design resembling a Knight Templar’s tunic, which is a nice touch.
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“The Once and Future Knight” puts its focus on Max Coleman, aka the Shroud, who took up the Moon Knight mantle in Vengeance of the Moon Knight. Schultz has shown with her work on Blood Hunters and Daredevil: Woman Without Fear that she can tell a compelling tale with any Marvel character, no matter how obscure or well known they are, and that continues here. Coleman’s obsessed with showing Spector that he can go to any lengths to get “justice”, which results in a horrifying injury for a villain he faces. Garcia’s artwork is just as compelling, especially when he delivers a two-page spread dedicated to the Shroud’s history.
Phases of the Moon Knight #1 isn’t just required reading for Moon Knight fans, it’s also a great introduction to the concept of Moon Knight. Plus it’s a book that’s ripe with opportunity. Is there a Moon Knight Samurai? A Viking Moon Knight? Future issues will unveil the Fists of Khonshu’s history, but this installment showcases the promise awaiting creators.
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