This latest volume of Moon Knight has been an interesting one. There’s a lot to like about it and some things that feel a little stretched out and some things ignored. There’s someone stalking Marc, an unknown force lurking in the background. Then, there’s a downplay of the fact he was raised Jewish and his father was a Rabbi. Moon Knight #5 feels like it’s almost made to take on those criticisms bringing together the setup of the first four issues while exploring Marc Spector’s religious upbringing.
Writer Jed MacKay focuses on Spector’s time with his doctor. It’s a required meeting, made so by the Avengers. In it, we’ve gotten teases of the man under the mask. This issue really focuses on the mask. Why does he wear the mask all the time? In it, MacKay dives deep into the history of Marc Spector. His past experiences are laid to bare but more importantly, his Jewish faith is addressed. This is the first time since one sentence in the first issue its been brought up. And, it makes the character that much more interesting.
Spector’s speech might seem like an interesting explanation to many, but for those of use raised in the Jewish faith, it feels like a much deeper cut, exploring “Jewishness” in the modern era. We learn of the varied aspects of a religion whose G-d has ignored and tried them so often versus a people who have bolted on armor and strength to say “never again”. Spector in this exchange becomes something that I’ve been waiting as a reader for so long to see, a front and center Jewish comic character whose faith and upbringing has shaped them as a hero. This is what I’ve been waiting for when it comes to the series. It’s also something that so many won’t get the impact.
Alessandro Cappuccio‘s art impresses mixing the action throughout the issue with the psychological quieter moments of Moon Knight sitting and talking. Even under a mask, we get a range of emotions through the tilt of a head and angling of the body. Rachelle Rosenberg‘s colors balance the light and the dark creating a comic that balances its settings so well and never relies too heavily on dark shadows to make the point. The colors provide a balance between light and dark like Moon Knight himself. Cory Petit‘s lettering stands out as well, packing in speeches that drama students might recite.
Moon Knight #5 is everything I want from this series. It explores the character’s mental state, his upbringing, and how it’s all impacted him. It also delivers a lot of action finally delivering the reveal of the “big bad” we’ve been waiting for. It’s a hell of an issue that feels like it really pays off for those who’ve been waiting.
Story: Jed MacKay Art: Alessandro Cappuccio
Color: Rachelle Rosenberg Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
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Source: Graphic Policy
