Comics Review: MOON KNIGHT #3
Moon Knight has never been this fun, or this funny. Bendis & Maleev have taken a one-dimensional character and made him endlessly fascinating, and judging by this issue they’re only just getting started.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Pencils by Alex MaleevPublished by Marvel ComicsIn comic stores now!!
rating: 4.5
Aside from the stupidly misleading cover title (which is, perhaps, entirely the point) Moon Knight #3 is everything I love about comics. Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev seem to be crafting a long-form story in the same vein as their legendary Daredevil run. Sure, some will argue that Bendis is taking his time with this arc, but, as hes completely rebuilding Moon Knights world from the ground up, the deliberate pacing and careful introductions to new characters and concepts is greatly appreciated. Moon Knights world hasnt been this interesting in a long time, if ever. Here they introduce a new member to Moon Knights supporting cast, and they do it with such skill that, for my money, this character is already more memorable than half the roster of most team books. Maleevs pencils certainly help, perfectly capturing every beat. His knack for character is astounding, evoking emotion through facial expressions and body language in a manner so real that each character springs off the page. Matthew Wilsons colours help massively, shifting between a lightness of touch and dark, shadowy tones. Its a balancing act that, in lesser hands, would come off as clumsy, yet here its done so seamlessly that the moments of comedy and the moments of action fit perfectly alongside one another. I was never a fan of ol Moon face before, finding him too angsty and too similar to Batman (only crazier). However, Bendis and Maleev have revived the character in such an original way, taking his inherent lunacy yet doing entirely new things with it. Long-time fans of Marc Spector may be put off by just how different this take is, but for everyone else this is a joyous ride filled with action, mystery and a surprising amount of humour. Moon Knight has never been this fun, or this funny. Theyve taken a one-dimensional character and made him endlessly fascinating, and judging by this issue theyre only just getting started. Where they take him next is anyones guess, but, judging by their seminal work on Daredevil, you should join in now, while its still in the early stages, and before the only way to buy it is through an incredibly expensive hardcover collection. While it's perhaps too early to say, Bendis and Maleev could very likely have another classic on their hands here.