Moon Knight has the compelling aspect of having his own mind be an enemy. Coming off a story arc where he fought different selves, he’s attempting to get his life back in order, but know that writer Jeff Lemire isn’t going to make that easy!
Moon Knight #10 (Marvel Comics)
So what’s it about? Read the summary to find out more.
Why does this book matter?
I’ve been praising Greg Smallwood since discovering his work in Dream Thief way back in 2013 and I couldn’t be happier to see him taking on a superhero comic. After reading this issue it’s safe to say he’s only getting better. If you’re at all interested in Moon Knight as a person you’ve got to read this due to some key flashbacks.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Great, now I want pancakes.
This issue opens “some years ago” as Moon Knight is around the age of 8 or 10. He befriends a local boy and they basically hang out. Then Lemire and Smallwood pull the rug out from under you and remind readers that Moon Knight is all about shifting your perspective.
Smallwood positively kills it in this issue, rendering the young Moon Knight incredibly well (artists don’t get enough credit for drawing younger characters accurately) with his room filled with iconic 80’s kids memorabilia (there is jaw dropping detail here). That carries on into the dreamscape scenes that are simply gorgeous; the glow and grit Smallwood gives these pages is astounding and worthy of an art gallery wall. Jordie Bellaire of course deserves credit in these scenes especially as the green glow of the sands and pink glow of Gena’s Diner are mesmerizing. The colors continue to pop throughout the issue too as Smallwood utilizes a charcoal-like look to the black lines that gives scenes a real world feel.
The general narratives jumps between the flashbacks and the dreamscape which helps keep your interest. Lemire is beginning to push towards possibly revealing how Moon Knight’s multiple personalities connect with the Egyptian ties. At least that’s where it appears to be going, which is quite interesting indeed. Though the last story arc ended as if Moon Knight was back in charge, clearly this issue proves he still has some soul searching to do. By using flashbacks, Lemire is exploring the character in a deeper way that’s fascinating.
Similar to the multiple artists on the last arc, this issue pushes the comic book format in different ways. The last few pages will force the reader to spin the book in order to read its captions ultimately leaving ou holding the comic upside down. This is a cool way to physically show Moon Knight is in a very opposite place, which is aided by some fantastically trippy space scenes.
It can’t be perfect can it?
This issue seeds the next story arc fantastically well, but it also does not do a whole lot in terms of progressing them. Am I intrigued and downright fascinated to see where this is going? Yes. Is my patience a tad frustrated hoping for this story to push forward a bit faster? Yes, definitely. If you’re looking for a fight comic you will be sorely disappointed, but then, that’s not what this is at all.
Wow!
Is It Good?
At times mesmerizing, trippy, and always captivating, Moon Knight #10 is a fever dream of story and character. Lemire and Smallwood are telling a story that not only pushes the character into new depths, but the comic book format as well.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login