The Classics - Werewolf by Night #32 and #33

    It's interesting to note that very few of the new individual characters / heroes Marvel introduced in the 1970s actually started out as heroes - or in their own comic.

   Off the top of my head, there are only a few - Luke Cage and Ghost Rider had their own titles, but Wolverine, the Punisher and Moon Knight all made their first appearances as villains - sorta (and both Luke and Ghost Rider has shady beginnings - Luke as a convict and the Rider, after all, was a demon).

   Wolverine was first an opponent for the Hulk, and the Punisher took on Spider-Man.

   Moon Knight was a bit more low profile, appearing in 1975 in two issues of Werewolf by Night.

   The comic was written by Doug Moench, who demonstrated remarkable ingenuity over the course of the series, creating adventures for Jack Russell, a young man cursed to become a werewolf when the moon is full.

   The art is by Don Perlin, who was never a fan favorite, but was a genuine workhorse, with clear storytelling, solid designs, and a Ditko-like way of representing people and environments.
 

   Marc Spector was quite different in this first appearance from his later incarnation. Here he's depicted as a mercenary with a helicopter pilot assistant named Frenchie.

   But instead of being inspired by a mystical Egyptian encounter, Marc gains his name and costume when a cabal of businessmen hire him to track down the werewolf - and provide him with the silver costume and weapons.

   Of course, it all makes sense - silver being a problem for werewolves - and he manages to give the beast a heck of a fight.

   I was still somewhat surprised when Marvel brought Moon Knight back, but I enjoyed the revamped version, and the character certainly went on to bigger and better things, including a long distinguished run by Moench and artist Bill Sienkiewicz.

   While he doesn't have a series of his own right now (neither does the Werewolf), of those new character from the '70s, Moon Knight has exhibited staying power - he was a featured player in Age of Ultron, for example.

   Only Wolverine (and arguably the Punisher) have achieved lasting success - but with a great costume design and a unique origin, hopefully we'll continue to see Moon Knight making regular appearances - somewhere.

Grade: B+

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Moon Knight #3

This new series is off to a strong start, thanks to its unique premise.

The story focuses on Moon Knight (Marc Spector), who is apparently one crazy (non-powered) super-hero.

In he first issue, we see Moon Knight talking with three fellow Avengers - Spider-Man, Wolverine and Captain America.

They're working together to try to bring down a new kingpin of crime in Los Angeles - or are they? The nature of the series brings almost anything Spector says or does into question.

It's a brilliant idea, but it also puts the whole series on shaky ground, as we sometimes struggle to determine what is real and what is in the hero's fevered imagination.

After a strong and surprising first two issues, this one is a bit off the mark. Writer Brian Bendis is well known for creating strong dialogue, but that fills up far too much of this issue, which is dedicated to Spector putting together his support team.

The artwork by Alex Maleev is, as always, distinctive, inventive and a pure delight. It's especially impressive since the issue is almost completely made up of quiet scenes - discussions, meetings, that sort of thing.

Because of that, this issue is a bit of a letdown, though it's setting the foundation for future issues. I expect things will pick up considerably next time around.

Grade: B+

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Moon Knight #1

I've liked Moon Knight since his first appearance in Werewolf by Night, but he's never managed lasting success in his own title.

He started out as a mercenary, but when he sparked enough interest to spin off into his own title, a mystic element was added (his origin is cleverly recounted in this issue).

It was the Moon Knight title that gave Bill Sienkiewicz his first moment in the spotlight as his style evolved from "Neal Adams clone" to his own distinctive surreal style.

But the comic struggled over the years - it was canceled, brought back, canceled again - and on and on.

Now he's back again in the care of two top talents: writer Brian Bendis and artist Alex Maleev.

And they're off to a strong start here. The story sets Moon (Marc Spector) Knight up in Los Angeles, where he's part of a TV show based on his adventures. He's approached by the Avengers, who warn him that super-villains are setting up shop nearby.

That's quickly followed by an encounter with a heavy-hitter - and we're not sure if a non-super-powered hero like Moon Knight can survive.

But what sells the issue is that last page, which is a real game-changer.

I can't say enough good things about Maleev's art - his style is unique and compelling - sometimes realistic, sometimes surreal, but always advancing the story. Great stuff!

I admit that I picked this issue up without much enthusiasm, but they've sold me - I'll be anxiously waiting for the next chapter.

Grade: A-

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