Fanboys Anonymous

I already hate writing this review. Not because it's about something I dislike, but because it's about something I like coming to an end. Sort of. Moon Knight #6 marks two conclusions: first, it's the end of the current creative team's run on the book. As I announced back in my review of issue #4, Brian Wood and Greg Smallwood are replacing Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey respectively with Jordie Bellaire remaining as the book's colorist. It's sad to see the change-up after such an astounding run, but, hopefully, the next team can keep the pace the last one set.


Second, the book marks the end of an overarching story arc. But wait, you say, wasn't every issue written as one-shot stories? Yes, so we were led to believe, but Ellis pulls a fast one with issue #6 and reveals to us the one unifying thread that he cleverly wove into the first issue: an unassuming beat cop who would go on to become another pitiful rogue in Moon Knight's gallery.

When I first read Moon Knight #1, I surmised that the plot about Marc being inhabited by the spirit of Khonshu was going to be the series' overarching story. Since then, though, Ellis never revisited that point. I assume Wood will be picking up those pieces soon when he begins his run. Instead, Ellis cleverly planted seeds that would finally bloom in his final issue, the roots of which connect almost every issue in between. It was a clever move—one nobody would have seen coming from a mile away.

My favorite part of what is being hailed as the creative team's swan song of the series is Ellis' attentiveness to the hero's history—something that I've praised time and again in almost every review. Until now, only one character from Moon Knight's supporting cast had made an appearance in the new series with next to nothing in terms of explanation as to why Marc's most important confidantes are missing. Ellis finally appeases the long-time Moon Knight fans with special guest appearances by Marc's long-time off-and-on again romantic interest, Marlene Alraune-Fontaine, and old mercenary buddy and mooncopter pilot, Jean-Paul "Frenchie" Duchamp. This also offers explanations as to why Moon Knight has, thus far, led a largely solo operation.

The reason behind Moon Knight's loneliness plays well into the rise of this issue's new nemesis: the Black Spectre. The name is a familiar one to any seasoned Moon Knight fan who remembers the villain and his alter ego, Carson Knowles. He was once a mayoral aspirant who took a wrong turn and became one of Moon Knight's signature foes. Knowles was killed when Moon Knight pushed him from atop a building before he could activate a swarm of nanites to control a crowd of would-be admirers below at the conclusion of Moon Knight: God and Country in 2008. So who is the new Black Spectre? You'll just have to read the comic to find out!

Shalvey gives it one last and glorious hurrah with this issue, proving once and for all that he and Bellaire are an artistic duo of epic proportions. The scenes leading up to the final battle are swathed in appropriately moody inks and mundane colors, all culminating into a fiery blaze as this creative team goes out with a bang. As an extra special treat, readers are treated to a 4-page preview of issue #7—Wood and Smallwood's debut—which does not disappoint (at least, it doesn't disappoint me).


Moon Knight #6 gets 5 stars out of 5 for both the writing and art. Ellis and Shalvey go out guns blazing while Wood and Smallwood sneak in with confidence and promise. I urge anyone who is reading this series not to drop the book after this issue, as I'm sadly seeing many profess to doing after the nearly-perfect first six issues. Let's not kill something good even if it's changing hands; instead, let's celebrate a fresh take with open minds and a fan's appreciation for all things Moon Knight.

Loved this issue? What are your expectations for Moon Knight "Season 2"? Let us know in the comments section below, and follow Fanboys Anonymous for more Moon Knight reviews!