Moon Knight
Encyclopedia
Moon Knight is a fictional character
, a mercenary-turned-superhero
appearing in comic book
s published by Marvel Comics
. The character exists in the Marvel Universe
and was created by Doug Moench
and Don Perlin
. He first appeared in Werewolf by Night
#32 (August 1975).
#32 (August 1975), written by Doug Moench
with art by Don Perlin
, as an enemy of the title character in a two part story continuing in issue #33. The character proved popular with readers, and was granted a solo spot in Marvel Spotlight
#28-29 (1976), written by Doug Moench with art by Don Perlin.
He then had appearances in Spectacular Spider-Man issues #22 and #23, both written by Bill Mantlo
with art by Mike Zeck
on #22 and Jim Mooney
on #23; Marvel Two-in-One
#52, written by Steven Grant
with art by Jim Craig
; and Defenders
#47-50. Moon Knight then gained a backup strip in the Hulk! Magazine in issues #11-15, #17-18, and #20, as well as Marvel Preview #21 (on which he was the cover feature), all written by Doug Moench. Art was done by Gene Colan
in #11, Keith Pollard
in #12, and Bill Sienkiewicz
on the rest. These were reprinted in Moon Knight Special Edition #1-3.
A new ongoing series was then launched, titled Moon Knight, which also had writing by Doug Moench and art by Bill Sienkiewicz. With issue #15, Marvel pulled the series from newsstand distribution, resulting in it being only available through direct market purchase at comic book stores. The series continued until #38, at which point the comic was cancelled. A six-issue miniseries, Moon Knight - Fist Of Khonshu by Alan Zelenetz and Chris Warner followed the cancellation to try and establish a new status quo, but it was cancelled after six issues. Afterwards, the character was incorporated into the pages of West Coast Avengers from issue #21 through issue #41 and Annuals #1-3. After an appearance in Punisher Annual #2 in 1989, the character was once more given an ongoing series, this time titled Marc Spector: Moon Knight. At the time, Moon Knight also had a major guest star role in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man
, as The Amazing Spider-Man #353-358 served as the conclusion to an ongoing storyline in the pages of the character's title, as far as the character's war with the Secret Empire
. The series was ultimately canceled with issue #60 (March 1994); the last six issues of the series were drawn by Stephen Platt, who was hired by Image Comics based on the strength of his work on the series. Two one-shots were published during the run of the title, (Marc Spector: Moon Knight Special Edition #1 and Moon Knight: Divided We Fall) were published, followed in January 1998 and January 1999 by two further four-issue limited series
, which resurrected the character as the 1989 series had ended with the character's death.
A Moon Knight ongoing series was launched in April 2006, written by Charlie Huston
with art by David Finch. As of issue 14 of this series, Mike Benson took over writing duties with Huston acting as story-outline adviser according to Benson in an interview with Marvel published as a one-page excerpt in various Marvel comic books throughout late 2007 and early 2008. Peter Milligan
also wrote a 2008 seasonal one-shot "Moon Knight: Silent Knight" with artist Laurence Campbell
.
A short-lived series titled Vengeance of the Moon Knight began in September 2009, written by Gregg Hurwitz
and drawn by Jerome Opena. After Vengeance of the Moon Knight was canceled, Moon Knight was placed in the team book Secret Avengers and a 2010 relaunch of Heroes for Hire in preparation for the then-upcoming Brian Bendis/Alex Maleev relaunch.
Born in Chicago, Illinois
, Marc Spector is an American
rabbi
's wayward son. As an adult, Spector spends time training Felix to be a heavyweight boxer, a U.S. Marine, and a mercenary
. He becomes a skilled combatant and befriends the French
pilot
Jean-Paul DuChamp, whom he calls "Frenchie
." While the pair work for the African mercenary Raoul Bushman
in Egypt, the group stumbles upon an archaeological
dig whose crew includes Dr. Peter Alraune and his daughter Marlene. The dig had uncovered an ancient temple where artifacts included a statue of the Egyptian
moon god Khonshu. Intent on looting the dig, Bushman kills Dr. Alraune. In response to Alraune's murder, Spector challenges Bushman to personal combat but is beaten nearly to death and left to die in the sub-zero temperatures of the desert night.
Roaming Egyptians who worship the ancient Egyptian gods find Spector and carry him to their temple. Helpless before the statue of Khonshu, Spector's heart stops. Khonshu appears to him in a vision
, offering Spector a second chance at life if he becomes the god's avatar on earth. Spector awakens, wraps himself with the silver shroud that covers Khonshu's statue, and again confronts Bushman. He defeats Bushman and returns to America with Marlene Alraune
, Frenchie, and the statue of Khonshu. Deciding to become a crime-fighter, Spector creates a silver cloaked costume, based on the silver shroud, and becomes the Moon Knight.
After his return to the United States, Spector invests the money that he had accumulated as a mercenary and develops a small fortune. To distance himself from his mercenary past he creates the identity of millionaire entrepreneur Steven Grant, using this identity to purchase a spacious estate. To remain in contact with the street and criminal element he also creates the identity of taxicab
driver Jake Lockley. As Lockley, he has acquired civilian allies such as Bertrand Crawley
and Gena Landers and her sons.
In the character's first appearance, the criminal organization the Committee
supplies Marc Spector with the name Moon Knight, his costume and weapons (using silver) to hunt down Jack Russell
. In Los Angeles, Moon Knight captures the Werewolf for the Committee, but then frees him and halts the Committee's plans, fighting Russell again and getting bitten (giving him moon cycle-based strength). He battles Conquer-Lord
, teams up with Spider-Man
to fight Cyclone, and fights Lupinas, and Randall, the Hatchet-Man.
His true origin—being "created by The Committee" is explained as a ruse set up by Frenchie so Marc can shut the Committee down. He then first encounters the Midnight Man
and returns to his Chicago to prevent the poisoning of its water supply by a group called the Werewolves, encounters Morpheus
and teams with Daredevil
and fights the Jester. He then first encountered Stained Glass Scarlet. Later, he battled the Werewolf once again. He battled Bora, and met the X-Men
and the Fantastic Four
. He then encountered Doctor Strange
.
The cult of Khonshu telepathically
summons Spector to Egypt and supplies him with a new arsenal of moon
-themed projectile weaponry, originally designed by a time-traveling Hawkeye
in ancient Egypt. Khonshu himself appears to Spector and enters his body, giving him the same lunar abilities he had previously.
As the agent of Khonshu, he aids the West Coast Avengers
, but at the cost of alienating Frenchie and further distancing Marlene. He time travels to 2940 BC to rescue the Avengers, where he learns of his weapons' design by Hawkeye. He officially joins the West Coast Avengers and enters a relationship with Tigra
for his remaining tenure on the team.
While investigating the Phantom Rider
with Daimon Hellstrom
, Moon Knight and the Avengers are attacked by soldiers working for Khonshu's rival Seth who is invading Asgard
. Khonshu abandons Moon Knight to battle Seth after explaining it was his, not Spector's, wish to join the team. Moon Knight resigns the team and reunites with Marlene and Frenchie, only to die and be resurrected by Khonshu once more.
After "Fist of Khonshu", a third Moon Knight volume was published. It was the longest-running series, lasting sixty issues before ending.
This volume introduces Moon Knight's teenage sidekick Jeff Wilde, also known as "Midnight
." Wilde is actually the son of Midnight Man
, a villain from the first volume. Moon Knight first encountered the Black Cat
and Midnight. Midnight makes a few appearances until issue #24. Turned into a cyborg by the Secret Empire
, Midnight is seemingly killed in the "Round Robin" story arc of Amazing Spider-Man, spanning issues #353-#358. Midnight later reappears in Moon Knight volume 4 where Moon Knight apparently finishes him off for good.
Alongside the Punisher
, he battled ULTIMATUM
. During the "Acts of Vengeance
", he battled Killer Shrike
, Coachwhip
, and the second Ringer. He then encountered Silver Sable
, Sandman
, and Paladin
. As Marc Spector, he was tried for murder in Bosqueverde, South America. He teamed with Spider-Man
and the Punisher against the Secret Empire
.
While fighting with his brother Randal Spector over who is destined to carry the mantle of Moon Knight, Marc discovers Khonshu is not the god of vengeance but the god of justice.
Starting with issue #38, Moon Knight appears in adamantium armor rather than his Kevlar costume. In the comic storyline it is explained that Moon Knight needs the armor to hold his body together after being infected by the then-possessed Hobgoblin. The disease is revealed to be the villain known as Demogoblin
trying to possess him. With the help of Doctor Strange
and Mister Fantastic
, the Demogoblin parasite is removed. In issue #50, Moon Knight seemingly severs his ties to the Avengers
by burning his membership ID card after being brought in by Thor
to answer charges in regard to his illegal actions against Doctor Doom
. By the end of the series, Moon Knight is killed violently, sacrificing himself to save his loved ones from a computerized villain called Seth and his "Zero Hour" program.
, artist Tommy Edwards
, and inker Robert Campanella brought the deceased hero back in a four-part miniseries. In 1999, Moench and artist Mark Texeira
worked together on another four-part series called "High Strangeness" which was nominated for the Comics Buyer's Guide
Fan award for Favorite Limited Series. The title of the story was mistakenly given as "High Strangers" on the covers of the limited series. The correct title of the story, "High Strangeness," appeared on the title page of each issue.
to help a critically injured Black Panther
through the Kingdom of the Dead. In 2001 and 2002 Moon Knight joins the "Marvel Knights" non-team. After making a brief appearance in the "Avengers Disassembled
" story-arc, he makes a minor return in the 2005 Marvel Team-Up
miniseries, fighting alongside Spider-Man
, Daredevil
, and the Punisher.
and penciller David Finch, titled "The Bottom", explores Marc Spector's return to crime-fighting following his self-imposed exile. His retirement comes after a brutal battle with Bushman
. Although his body is broken after a tremendous fall, Moon Knight finally defeats Bushman
by carving off his face with a crescent moon dart. The series highlights Spector's supposed spiritual connection to the moon god as well as his own psychologically damaged state of mind. After returning to his role as Moon Knight, Spector continually receives guidance by what he believes to be Khonshu in the form of a faceless Bushman. This storyline also updates Marc Spector's timeline, suggesting he fought in the Gulf War and that his time as a mercenary was during the 1990s. It is also revealed that Frenchie is in love with Marc Spector; he indicates this is why he stuck around for so long.
In the second issue, Huston introduces the Profile, an amoral character analyst whom the Committee brings in to help them entrap Moon Knight. He escapes after the plan collapses, and later becomes a reluctant source of information for Spector himself.
The next arc, "Midnight Sun", takes place during the Civil War
and follows Moon Knight as he investigates a string of murders perpetrated by Midnight, his former sidekick. This arc also depicts Moon Knight's first contact with other Marvel heroes since his return. Spider-Man
attempts to contact Moon Knight but is rebuked. Captain America
pays him a visit to deliver a warning and in return the two quarrel. The Punisher
and Moon Knight have a lengthy conversation both about the nature of their vigilantism and their shared past. Moon Knight is forced into a final confrontation with his former sidekick Jeff Wilde (a.k.a. Midnight), seemingly killing him for good.
Iron Man
also investigates Moon Knight's activities by placing him under close surveillance. Finding his mental condition unstable, Iron Man decides that arresting Moon Knight under the Registration Act might make his mental instability worse. However, Moon Knight is identified as one of the 142 registered superheroes appearing on the cover of Avengers: The Initiative
#1.
Moon Knight begrudgingly applies for registration after much prodding from Khonshu, not wanting the law to keep him from his work. The law requires him to submit to a psychiatric exam. The psychiatrist controlling the exam, along with the government and Tony Stark, have no intention of granting Marc Spector approval for registration. After speaking with Spector's repressed alter egos Jake Lockley and Steven Grant, the psychiatrist begins the process of officially turning him down, suggesting possible future imprisonment. Spector breaks the doctor's will by speaking in the voice of Khonshu and pointing out the doctor's own antisocial
tendencies, told to him by the Profile. The psychiatrist not only approves his application, but bows to worship him as well. However, later on, Marc meets the Profile with their dialogue suggesting that the personalities above were just an act to be approved for registration.
In the subsequent arc, "God and Country", writer Mike Benson and artist Mark Texeira
take over the series, with Charlie Huston
still co-plotting. This arc centers itself on Moon Knight's ability (or lack thereof) as a "registered hero" and Marc Spector's ability (or lack thereof) to hold on to the people around him. This arc sees the return of the classic Moon Knight villain Black Spectre. In this story Carson Knowles, recently released from prison, falls back into his ways as the Black Spectre and yet again attempts to destroy Moon Knight and hurt the city. In issue #19, the finale of "God and Country", Moon Knight pushes Knowles off a building apparently to his death. This arc also features a large role for Tony Stark, as the head of the initiative, and lead dissenter of Moon Knight's vigilantism.
In issue #21, a new story arc began, titled "The Death of Marc Spector." This arc is written by Mike Benson, and it involves the Thunderbolts
, led by Norman Osborn, who are now on the hunt for Moon Knight. Tony Stark and his second-in-command Maria Hill
argue with a man named Sikorsky, who represents the CSA
and desperately wants for Moon Knight to be apprehended with extreme prejudice. Marc Spector himself busts up a drug deal while wearing an entirely black costume, while going through an internal monologue about how crime-fighting is much easier without the burden of his reputation and 'costume recognition.'
Several weeks later, after barely surviving an altercation with the Thunderbolts, Spector pleads for Khonshu's forgiveness for turning his back on him and for the god's renewed assistance. Khonshu appears and informs Spector he doesn't need him anymore, as he now has other worshippers. Spector returns to his Moon Knight costume to aid Frenchie DuChamp in gaining revenge on the Whyos
gang for attacking his restaurant and injuring Frenchie's lover Rob, only to find the Whyos' attack was designed to draw Spector into another conflict with the Thunderbolts when he is ambushed by Venom. After a brief fight Moon Knight is captured, but escapes when S.H.I.E.L.D. shows up. Frenchie agrees to help Spector, and Ray joins the reformed team as well. Bullseye
is released to kill Moon Knight, as Spector prepares to go out with a bang.
Moon Knight is next seen battling Bullseye in the streets of NYC. He eventually leads Bullseye to a bunker/warehouse where he has planted several explosives. Bullseye narrowly escapes as Moon Knight ignites the explosives and escapes through a secret passage in the floor. Later that day two press conferences are held: one by Norman Osborn to announce the Thunderbolts' success and Moon Knight's death and the other held by Tony Stark who denounces the methods used by the Thunderbolts. At the end of the issue it is revealed that Moon Knight has faked his death and is hiding in Mexico. It is also revealed that the Marc Spector persona has "died" and that Jake Lockley is now in control.
While trying to walk the path of a hero he makes a bold return taking on many criminals but killing none of them; now the people of New York begin to see him as a hero and not a murderous vigilante much to Norman Osborn's disdain. Jake's personality has been one of struggle against the inner demon trying to get him to kill while juggling sobriety. Soon he is met by the Sentry who asks him "Who do you think you are, a hero?"
Later the Sentry
takes Moon Knight across the city while he saves people and stops crimes telling Lockley that eventually he will be tested and that he will fail to which Moon Knight replies "So will you". They stare each other down for a moment before Moon Knight eventually leaves.
Norman Osborn summons The Hood and The Profile to take down Moon Knight, so The Profile shows The Hood where the body of Bushman lies. The Hood uses his power of resurrection to bring Bushman back to life. Bushman resumes to gather an army by enlisting Scarecrow to break into Ravencroft Asylum, where they lobotomize the prisoners to make them more compliant.
Meanwhile, Jake Lockley tries to make amends to Marlene and Frenchie for his previous behavior and mental breakdown. Under the Jake Lockley persona, he is regarded as more sane; Marlene mentions that his "eyes are clear." Bushman's army soon attacks New York by blowing up a gasoline line. Moon Knight comes to subdue the asylum inmates until Scarecrow's crows descend upon the battlefield.
Bushman himself manages to escape, only to be confronted later by Moon Knight near some docks. A growing Khonshu screams for vengeance, yet Moon Knight manages to defy him and spare Bushman's life.
At the conclusion, Bushman winds up in jail, Jake Lockley begins to start a new life with Marlene, and The Profile visits the statue of Khonshu in Egypt with a startling revelation.
and features Steve Rogers
, War Machine
, Valkyrie, Beast
, Nova
, as well as the redemption thirsty Moon Knight.
storyline, Moon Knight ends up fighting Profile who was sent by Daredevil
. During Moon Knight's fight with Profile, it is revealed that the second Avatar of Khonshu who is working with Profile is none other than Moon Knight's brother Randall Spector in the alias of Shadow Knight. While Moon Knight is able to best him, it was at the cost of gaining his Marc Spector personality back.
and Alex Maleev
, which Bendis has described as a "complete reinvention of the character on every conceivable level". Spector is shown in Los Angeles
as the creator of a TV show based on his origin and superheroics dubbed "Legends of the Khonshu". Later on as Moon Knight, he intercepts a delivery of an Ultron
robot body. Spector has also developed three new multiple personalities based on Spider-Man
, Wolverine
, and the original Captain America
who help guide him. Moon Knight gets the head of the Ultron, and attacks a strip club as Spider-Man in order to get to the mystery L.A.Kingpin. Moon Knight beats the club leader Snapdragon
, but gets shot by a guard before getting answers. It was the superhero Echo who saved him, but she lost her cover in the process.
, writer of the 2006 re-launch of Moon Knight, attempted to answer the criticism that Moon Knight is an ersatz
Batman
in an interview with Comixfan. The interviewer noted that the comparison is not baseless, as both Moon Knight and the Dark Knight are wealthy, "normal" humans that use gadgetry to fight crime.
Huston accepted that the two characters had their similarities, but went on to contrast the two by noting in particular differences in origin, motives, and personality. "Bruce Wayne", he said, "fights crime to avenge the murders of his parents", whereas Moon Knight "beats up whoever has it coming because he believes he is the avatar of the Egyptian god of vengeance and it helps him to feel better about all the people he killed when he was a mercenary." Thus, while Batman is motivated by vengeance for wrong done to his parents, Marc Spector is motivated by vengeance as a concept. Huston further notes that Bruce Wayne, Batman's alter ego, takes on other personalities merely to aid in his fight. However, Moon Knight has three alter egos which aid him as much in dealing with personal demons as fighting law-breakers, and which have taken a further psychological toll of causing dissociative identity disorder
. In the question of his sanity, Spider-Man
remarked "Moony. Rhymes with looney."
, C.I.A. operative, mercenary
, and costumed superhero, Marc Spector has become an expert at commando hand-to-hand combat techniques and various martial arts. He is an Olympic-level athlete and a skilled acrobat and gymnast, and excels as a combat strategist. He employs a variety of weapons over the course of his career, including throwing darts, nunchaku, and a truncheon
. He is skilled with most weapons, and an expert with throwing weapons. He is a superb driver and can pilot a helicopter.
After his first appearance, but before the beginning of his first ongoing series, Moon Knight is said to have superhuman strength derived from the bite of a werewolf interacting with the silver in his armor (although characters in the story express some disbelief at this story). He is said to be as strong as ten men under the full moon, though his strength is normal under a new moon or an eclipse.
Spector gained his superhuman powers as a result of a visitation by the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. Moon Knight's strength, endurance, and reflexes are enhanced depending upon the phases of the moon. The fuller the moon, the more strength Moon Knight derives from it, though even during a new moon, he can lift several hundred pounds. He has some degree of superhuman strength during the peak of a lunar cycle. It's not known how much of this strength is mystical and how much is simply the result of self-hypnosis due to his psychological instability. Due to his multiple personalities, he is also resistant to some psychic attacks and sometimes receives prophetic visions. During the 2008 run of the Moon Knight series Spector states that he no longer has any superpowers.
At one point, Moon Knight is given special weapons by the cult of Khonshu, including bolas
, golden throwing crescent-darts shaped like scarabs, an ivory boomerang, throwing irons, and a golden club in the shape of an ankh
that glowed in the presence of danger that can be used as a throwing weapon or bludgeon. These items are replaced with duplicate weapons crafted by Hawkeye
. He later retires these items to his personal museum after abandoning the "Egyptian" motif in favor of updated versions of his original styled-gear, including a truncheon/staff/nunchucks combo, and a compound bow. He has also used an axe-shaped lasso-grapple.
During the third series, Moon Knight's silver-white costume includes adamantium, and he acquires an array of high-tech weaponry including an adamantium staff, a truncheon capable of firing a cable line, and gauntlets that fire crescent darts. He has also been depicted using spiked knuckles, worn on the left hand.
Later on, Moon Knight's costume uses carbonadium as armor, and has joint-locking functions, allowing him to support weights far greater than what he can normally lift. Moon Knight makes use of this at one point to leave his costume supporting a building while defending himself in his underwear. Additionally, Moon Knight can 'suit up' by use of a remote control device which assembles the individual pieces of his armor onto his body, similar in fashion to Iron Man
.
For transportation, Moon Knight employs a variety of sophisticated aircraft. These include the Mooncopter and Angelwing, featuring VTOL (vertical take-off and landing), a rope ladder, and 20 mm cannons.
magazine as the 149th greatest comic book character of all time. IGN
also listed Moon Knight as the 89th greatest comic book character stating that the Moon Knight is more or less the concept of what would happen if the Batman would suffer a multiple personality disorder.
version of Moon Knight, fighting crime in the lunar city of Attilan
. Manifest Destiny was the last comic published in Marvel's 2099 line and the character has not reappeared since. Her identity, abilities, and motivations were never revealed.
as part of Luke Cage
's Sapien Resistance against Earth's rulers, the House of Magnus (Magneto
and his children, Quicksilver
, Polaris
, and the Scarlet Witch
), although he is not wearing his costume in this timeline. He also appears in House of M: Avengers wearing his costume. A little more of his back story is uncovered as well, still following Khonshu and still suffering from multiple personalities.
, Moon Knight is one of the superheroes infected by the zombie plague. He is in his living form in the one shot issue, Marvel Zombies: Dead Days as part of the resistance organized by Nick Fury
but presumably turned into one of the zombies in a later battle. In issue #5 of Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
, he is attacked by 'Deadites', reanimated versions of many of the dead humans. Wanting revenge, these Deadites seemingly tear Moon Knight apart. He presumably escapes, as he is seen in the first issue of the regular Marvel Zombies
series, which is set after Army of Darkness. He is later killed by the Silver Surfer
in self defense, when Moon Knight attempts to attack and devour the herald among the other Marvel Zombies. A zombified Moon Knight is seen in the series 'Marvel Zombies: Return: Avengers'.
A former Navy SEAL, Ultimate Moon Knight is the product of a Super Soldier experiment gone wrong. Prior to becoming Moon Knight, he worked for the Roxxon Corporation as Paladin. It is also noted that he has a form of dissociative identity disorder
. Within the comic, the "personalities" of Steven Grant, Marc Spector, Moon Knight, an unnamed red-headed little girl, and Ronin interact through internal monologue. He lives with his girlfriend Marlene. She displays knowledge of his Moon Knight identity.
Ultimate Moon Knight first appears in Ultimate Spider-Man
#79 during the Warriors story-arc. He is an active participant of a gang war waged by the Kingpin and newcomer Hammerhead.
During the battle, he is impaled by the assassin Elektra. Although gravely wounded, Moon Knight subdues Elektra with a moon-blade to her head before slipping into a coma. Upon waking up, Moon Knight escapes from custody and engages in a fight with the Punisher, Spider-Man, and Daredevil. After the battle, Daredevil invites Moon Knight to join an organization of superheroes with the goal of bringing down the Kingpin.
As part of this group, Spector adopts the identity of Ronin to infiltrate the Kingpin's ranks. The idea of turning 'Ronin' into the main persona is made by the Steven Grant and Marc Spector personalities, who oppose the Moon Knight persona and the concerns of the small girl persona. In doing so, they create a far more ruthless personality who the Kingpin would find suitable. Moon Knight himself is angered by this decision, but is seemingly destroyed by the Ronin personality.
The Kingpin discovers that Ronin is working for Daredevil and orders his execution. He survives, however, and after regaining consciousness goes to the police claiming that the Kingpin ordered his execution. This provides a charge for the police to arrest the Kingpin, but he has to reveal his secret identity for a charge to be placed. It also seems that the Moon Knight persona is still alive after the Ronin persona decides to wake him up.
who watches the Earth from his base on the moon.
line from Diamond Select Toys. This version of the figure comes with a rubber cape and rubber crescent dart accessories, as well as a Khonshu Statue. The figure is painted a Greyish color, with a black head, white arm bands and boots. Moon Knight has also appeared in a recent series of the Marvel Legends
line. This figure is painted black, with white gloves, boots, and cape. It comes with both a nunchuck and staff accessory, and its cape is made of rubber as well. It also has a printed cardboard background. This figure also had a rare variant version. The variant was identical in that the costume was shiny silver instead of black. Most recently, Moon Knight has been released in the 3 3/4" Marvel Universe line. In this line, Moon Knight is white with a black face, and comes with a rubber cape, a crescent shaped throwing dart and staff.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
, a mercenary-turned-superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
appearing in comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
s published by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. The character exists in the Marvel Universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
and was created by Doug Moench
Doug Moench
Douglas Moench , better known as Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok.-Biography:...
and Don Perlin
Don Perlin
Don Perlin is an American comic book artist and occasional writer best known for Marvel Comics' Werewolf by Night, The Defenders, and Ghost Rider...
. He first appeared in Werewolf by Night
Werewolf by Night
Werewolf by Night is a fictional character, an antiheroic werewolf in the Marvel Comics universe. The Werewolf by Night first appeared in Marvel Spotlight vol...
#32 (August 1975).
Publication history
The character debuted in the title Werewolf by NightWerewolf by Night
Werewolf by Night is a fictional character, an antiheroic werewolf in the Marvel Comics universe. The Werewolf by Night first appeared in Marvel Spotlight vol...
#32 (August 1975), written by Doug Moench
Doug Moench
Douglas Moench , better known as Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok.-Biography:...
with art by Don Perlin
Don Perlin
Don Perlin is an American comic book artist and occasional writer best known for Marvel Comics' Werewolf by Night, The Defenders, and Ghost Rider...
, as an enemy of the title character in a two part story continuing in issue #33. The character proved popular with readers, and was granted a solo spot in Marvel Spotlight
Marvel Spotlight
Marvel Spotlight is the name of several comic book series published by Marvel Comics as a try-out book for new characters. The first series ran for 33 issues from November 1971 to April 1977...
#28-29 (1976), written by Doug Moench with art by Don Perlin.
He then had appearances in Spectacular Spider-Man issues #22 and #23, both written by Bill Mantlo
Bill Mantlo
Bill Mantlo is an American comic-book writer, primarily at Marvel Comics, best known for his work on two licensed toy properties whose adventures occurred in the Marvel Universe: the Eagle Award-winning Micronauts and the long-running Rom. An attorney, he also worked as a public defender...
with art by Mike Zeck
Mike Zeck
Mike Zeck is an American comic book illustrator.-Biography:Zeck was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania to Michael and Kathryn Jean Zeck...
on #22 and Jim Mooney
Jim Mooney
James Noel "Jim" Mooney was an American comic book artist best known as a Marvel Comics inker and Spider-Man artist, and as the signature artist of DC Comics' Supergirl, both during what comics historians and fans call the Silver Age of comic books...
on #23; Marvel Two-in-One
Marvel Two-in-One
Marvel Two-In-One was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics that featured the Fantastic Four member, the Thing, in a different team-up each issue with a different character. The series continued from the team-up stories starring the Thing in the final two issues of Marvel...
#52, written by Steven Grant
Steven Grant
Steven Grant is an American comic-book writer best known for his 1985-1986 Marvel Comics mini-series Punisher, with artist Mike Zeck and for his creator-owned character Whisper.-Biography:...
with art by Jim Craig
Jim Craig
James Donald Craig is a former American ice hockey goaltender who is most notable for being the goaltender for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the Olympic gold medal at the Lake Placid Winter Games. Craig had a standout Olympic tournament...
; and Defenders
Defenders (comics)
The Defenders is the name of a number of Marvel Comics superhero groups which are usually presented as a "non-team" of individualistic "outsiders," each known for following their own agendas...
#47-50. Moon Knight then gained a backup strip in the Hulk! Magazine in issues #11-15, #17-18, and #20, as well as Marvel Preview #21 (on which he was the cover feature), all written by Doug Moench. Art was done by Gene Colan
Gene Colan
Eugene Jules "Gene" Colan was an American comic book artist best known for his work for Marvel Comics, where his signature titles include the superhero series, Daredevil, the cult-hit satiric series Howard the Duck, and The Tomb of Dracula, considered one of comics' classic horror series...
in #11, Keith Pollard
Keith Pollard
Keith Pollard is an American comic book artist. Originally from the Detroit area, Pollard is best known for his simultaneous work on the Marvel Comics titles Fantastic Four, Thor, and The Amazing Spider-Man in the late 1970s-early 1980s.Pollard made his professional comics debut in 1974 with...
in #12, and Bill Sienkiewicz
Bill Sienkiewicz
Boleslav Felix Robert "Bill" Sienkiewicz [pronounced sin-KEV-itch] is an Eisner Award-winning American artist and writer best known for his comic book work, primarily for Marvel Comics' The New Mutants and Elektra: Assassin...
on the rest. These were reprinted in Moon Knight Special Edition #1-3.
A new ongoing series was then launched, titled Moon Knight, which also had writing by Doug Moench and art by Bill Sienkiewicz. With issue #15, Marvel pulled the series from newsstand distribution, resulting in it being only available through direct market purchase at comic book stores. The series continued until #38, at which point the comic was cancelled. A six-issue miniseries, Moon Knight - Fist Of Khonshu by Alan Zelenetz and Chris Warner followed the cancellation to try and establish a new status quo, but it was cancelled after six issues. Afterwards, the character was incorporated into the pages of West Coast Avengers from issue #21 through issue #41 and Annuals #1-3. After an appearance in Punisher Annual #2 in 1989, the character was once more given an ongoing series, this time titled Marc Spector: Moon Knight. At the time, Moon Knight also had a major guest star role in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
, as The Amazing Spider-Man #353-358 served as the conclusion to an ongoing storyline in the pages of the character's title, as far as the character's war with the Secret Empire
Secret Empire
-Fictional organization history:This subversive organization has been headed by a number of different leaders, always known as “Number One,” with each iteration's goals following the desires of its current leader. The Secret Empire was originally founded by a scientist who felt like an anonymous...
. The series was ultimately canceled with issue #60 (March 1994); the last six issues of the series were drawn by Stephen Platt, who was hired by Image Comics based on the strength of his work on the series. Two one-shots were published during the run of the title, (Marc Spector: Moon Knight Special Edition #1 and Moon Knight: Divided We Fall) were published, followed in January 1998 and January 1999 by two further four-issue limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
, which resurrected the character as the 1989 series had ended with the character's death.
A Moon Knight ongoing series was launched in April 2006, written by Charlie Huston
Charlie Huston
Charlie Huston is an American author of crime novels and superhero comic books. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the actress Virginia Louise Smith...
with art by David Finch. As of issue 14 of this series, Mike Benson took over writing duties with Huston acting as story-outline adviser according to Benson in an interview with Marvel published as a one-page excerpt in various Marvel comic books throughout late 2007 and early 2008. Peter Milligan
Peter Milligan
Peter Milligan born in London, a British writer, best known for his comic book, film and television work.-Early career:Milligan started his comic career with short stories for 2000 AD in the early 1980s. By 1986, Milligan had his first ongoing strip in 2000AD called Bad Company, with artists Brett...
also wrote a 2008 seasonal one-shot "Moon Knight: Silent Knight" with artist Laurence Campbell
Laurence Campbell
Laurence Campbell is a British comics artist best known for his work in 2000 AD, but he has also recently received attention from his work for Marvel.-Biography:...
.
A short-lived series titled Vengeance of the Moon Knight began in September 2009, written by Gregg Hurwitz
Gregg Hurwitz
Gregg Hurwitz is a writer of crime novels and comics.-Biography:Gregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, internationally bestselling author of The Tower, Minutes to Burn, Do No Harm, The Kill Clause, The Program, Troubleshooter, Last Shot, The Crime Writer, and Trust No One...
and drawn by Jerome Opena. After Vengeance of the Moon Knight was canceled, Moon Knight was placed in the team book Secret Avengers and a 2010 relaunch of Heroes for Hire in preparation for the then-upcoming Brian Bendis/Alex Maleev relaunch.
Origin
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, Marc Spector is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rabbi
Rabbi
In Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
's wayward son. As an adult, Spector spends time training Felix to be a heavyweight boxer, a U.S. Marine, and a mercenary
Mercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
. He becomes a skilled combatant and befriends the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
pilot
Aviator
An aviator is a person who flies an aircraft. The first recorded use of the term was in 1887, as a variation of 'aviation', from the Latin avis , coined in 1863 by G. de la Landelle in Aviation Ou Navigation Aérienne...
Jean-Paul DuChamp, whom he calls "Frenchie
Frenchie (comics)
Jean-Paul DuChamp, typically referred to as "Frenchie", is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe. He is primarily seen as the pilot and sidekick to Moon Knight.-Publication history:...
." While the pair work for the African mercenary Raoul Bushman
Bushman (comics)
Raoul Bushman is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Universe. He is the oldest nemesis of Marc Spector, whose secret identity is Moon Knight...
in Egypt, the group stumbles upon an archaeological
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
dig whose crew includes Dr. Peter Alraune and his daughter Marlene. The dig had uncovered an ancient temple where artifacts included a statue of the Egyptian
Egyptian mythology
Ancient Egyptian religion was a complex system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals which were an integral part of ancient Egyptian society. It centered on the Egyptians' interaction with a multitude of deities who were believed to be present in, and in control of, the forces and elements of nature...
moon god Khonshu. Intent on looting the dig, Bushman kills Dr. Alraune. In response to Alraune's murder, Spector challenges Bushman to personal combat but is beaten nearly to death and left to die in the sub-zero temperatures of the desert night.
Roaming Egyptians who worship the ancient Egyptian gods find Spector and carry him to their temple. Helpless before the statue of Khonshu, Spector's heart stops. Khonshu appears to him in a vision
Vision (religion)
In spirituality, a vision is something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy, especially a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation.Visions generally have more clarity than dreams, but traditionally fewer psychological connotations...
, offering Spector a second chance at life if he becomes the god's avatar on earth. Spector awakens, wraps himself with the silver shroud that covers Khonshu's statue, and again confronts Bushman. He defeats Bushman and returns to America with Marlene Alraune
Marlene Alraune
Marlene Alraune is a fictional human character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Marlene is in the Sudan with her father, archaeologist Dr. Peter Alraune Sr., when he is killed by the mercenary Raoul Bushman. Another mercenary, Marc Spector, saves Marlene's life, but Bushman...
, Frenchie, and the statue of Khonshu. Deciding to become a crime-fighter, Spector creates a silver cloaked costume, based on the silver shroud, and becomes the Moon Knight.
After his return to the United States, Spector invests the money that he had accumulated as a mercenary and develops a small fortune. To distance himself from his mercenary past he creates the identity of millionaire entrepreneur Steven Grant, using this identity to purchase a spacious estate. To remain in contact with the street and criminal element he also creates the identity of taxicab
Taxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
driver Jake Lockley. As Lockley, he has acquired civilian allies such as Bertrand Crawley
Bertrand Crawley
Bertrand Crawley is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Publication history:Crawley first appeared in Moon Knight issue one, in 1980. He became a recurring character in that series., as well as appearing along Moon Knight in other series such as Iron Man...
and Gena Landers and her sons.
In the character's first appearance, the criminal organization the Committee
Committee (comics)
-Publication history:The Committee first appeared in Werewolf by Night #10 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Tom Sutton.The organization subsequently appears in Werewolf by Night #11-14 , #17-20 , #32-33 , Spider-Woman #19 , Marvel Team-Up #93 , Moon Knight #4...
supplies Marc Spector with the name Moon Knight, his costume and weapons (using silver) to hunt down Jack Russell
Werewolf by Night
Werewolf by Night is a fictional character, an antiheroic werewolf in the Marvel Comics universe. The Werewolf by Night first appeared in Marvel Spotlight vol...
. In Los Angeles, Moon Knight captures the Werewolf for the Committee, but then frees him and halts the Committee's plans, fighting Russell again and getting bitten (giving him moon cycle-based strength). He battles Conquer-Lord
Conquer Lord
Conquer-Lord is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Marvel Spotlight #28 and was created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin.-Fictional character biography:...
, teams up with Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
to fight Cyclone, and fights Lupinas, and Randall, the Hatchet-Man.
His true origin—being "created by The Committee" is explained as a ruse set up by Frenchie so Marc can shut the Committee down. He then first encounters the Midnight Man
Midnight Man (comics)
Midnight Man is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Midnight Man first appeared in Moon Knight #3 , and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz....
and returns to his Chicago to prevent the poisoning of its water supply by a group called the Werewolves, encounters Morpheus
Morpheus (Marvel Comics)
Morpheus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Morpheus first appeared Moon Knight #12 , and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz. The character subsequenly appeared in Moon Knight #22-23 , Moon Knight Vol...
and teams with Daredevil
Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
and fights the Jester. He then first encountered Stained Glass Scarlet. Later, he battled the Werewolf once again. He battled Bora, and met the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
and the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
. He then encountered Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
.
Fist of Khonshu
Spector abandons his Moon Knight, Grant, and Lockley identities after the effects of Russell's bite (lunar cycle-based strength). and functions as an independently wealthy man opening art galleries around the world, with the help of art historian Spence. Spector's estranged relationship with Marlene ends when she finally leaves him for her ex- husband when he becomes Moon Knight again.The cult of Khonshu telepathically
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
summons Spector to Egypt and supplies him with a new arsenal of moon
Moon
The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...
-themed projectile weaponry, originally designed by a time-traveling Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
in ancient Egypt. Khonshu himself appears to Spector and enters his body, giving him the same lunar abilities he had previously.
As the agent of Khonshu, he aids the West Coast Avengers
West Coast Avengers
The West Coast Avengers is a fictional group of superheroes that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. The team first appear in The West Coast Avengers #1 and was created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall.- Publication history :...
, but at the cost of alienating Frenchie and further distancing Marlene. He time travels to 2940 BC to rescue the Avengers, where he learns of his weapons' design by Hawkeye. He officially joins the West Coast Avengers and enters a relationship with Tigra
Tigra
Tigra is a fictional American comic book superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe. Introduced as the non-superpowered crime fighter The Cat in Claws of the Cat #1 , she was co-created by writer-editor Roy Thomas, writer Linda Fite, and penciller Marie Severin...
for his remaining tenure on the team.
While investigating the Phantom Rider
Phantom Rider
The Phantom Rider is the name of several fictional characters, Old West heroic gunfighters appearing in comic books in the Marvel Comics universe...
with Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:He first appeared in Ghost Rider Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics...
, Moon Knight and the Avengers are attacked by soldiers working for Khonshu's rival Seth who is invading Asgard
Asgard (comics)
Asgard is a fictional realm within the Marvel Comics universe based on the Asgard of Norse mythology and is home to the Asgardians and other beings of Norse mythology...
. Khonshu abandons Moon Knight to battle Seth after explaining it was his, not Spector's, wish to join the team. Moon Knight resigns the team and reunites with Marlene and Frenchie, only to die and be resurrected by Khonshu once more.
Marc Spector: Moon Knight
This volume introduces Moon Knight's teenage sidekick Jeff Wilde, also known as "Midnight
Midnight (Jeff Wilde)
Jeff Wilde is a comic book character in Marvel Comics.-Fictional character biography:He is the son of Midnight Man. After Moon Knight encountered Black Cat and Wilde, Wilde partnered with Moon Knight and took the name Midnight. While training his new sidekick, Moon Knight was targeted by the Secret...
." Wilde is actually the son of Midnight Man
Midnight Man (comics)
Midnight Man is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Midnight Man first appeared in Moon Knight #3 , and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz....
, a villain from the first volume. Moon Knight first encountered the Black Cat
Black Cat (comics)
The Black Cat is a fictional character, a superheroine in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Keith Pollard, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 ....
and Midnight. Midnight makes a few appearances until issue #24. Turned into a cyborg by the Secret Empire
Secret Empire
-Fictional organization history:This subversive organization has been headed by a number of different leaders, always known as “Number One,” with each iteration's goals following the desires of its current leader. The Secret Empire was originally founded by a scientist who felt like an anonymous...
, Midnight is seemingly killed in the "Round Robin" story arc of Amazing Spider-Man, spanning issues #353-#358. Midnight later reappears in Moon Knight volume 4 where Moon Knight apparently finishes him off for good.
Alongside the Punisher
Punisher
The Punisher is a fictional character, an anti-hero appearing in comic books based in the . Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr., and Ross Andru, the character made its first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 .The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder,...
, he battled ULTIMATUM
Ultimatum (comics)
ULTIMATUM is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel Comics universe. It was founded by the Flag-Smasher in his attempts to destroy nationalism...
. During the "Acts of Vengeance
Acts of Vengeance
"Acts of Vengeance" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through several titles published by Marvel Comics from December 1989 to February 1990.-Publication history:...
", he battled Killer Shrike
Killer Shrike
Killer Shrike is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain. He first appeared in Rampaging Hulk #1 and was created by John Warner and John Buscema-Fictional character biography:...
, Coachwhip
Coachwhip (comics)
Coachwhip is a fictional character. She is a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe, most notably as a member of the Serpent Society.-Publication history:...
, and the second Ringer. He then encountered Silver Sable
Silver Sable
Silver Sable is a fictional character from Marvel Comics, a female mercenary, hunter of war criminals, the leader of the Wild Pack, and CEO of Silver Sable International...
, Sandman
Sandman (Marvel Comics)
Sandman is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. A shapeshifter endowed through an accident with the ability to turn himself into sand, he eventually reformed, and became an ally of Spider-Man...
, and Paladin
Paladin (comics)
Paladin is a Marvel Comics character, a mercenary. While he claims that Paladin is his real name, he often goes by the name Paul Denning . Though not precisely a supervillain, his mercenary activities often bring him into conflict with superheroes.-Publication history:Paladin first appeared in...
. As Marc Spector, he was tried for murder in Bosqueverde, South America. He teamed with Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
and the Punisher against the Secret Empire
Secret Empire
-Fictional organization history:This subversive organization has been headed by a number of different leaders, always known as “Number One,” with each iteration's goals following the desires of its current leader. The Secret Empire was originally founded by a scientist who felt like an anonymous...
.
While fighting with his brother Randal Spector over who is destined to carry the mantle of Moon Knight, Marc discovers Khonshu is not the god of vengeance but the god of justice.
Starting with issue #38, Moon Knight appears in adamantium armor rather than his Kevlar costume. In the comic storyline it is explained that Moon Knight needs the armor to hold his body together after being infected by the then-possessed Hobgoblin. The disease is revealed to be the villain known as Demogoblin
Demogoblin
Demogoblin is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared as Demogoblin in Web of Spider-Man #86 , and had previously appeared as an unnamed demon in Spectacular Spider-Man #147....
trying to possess him. With the help of Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
and Mister Fantastic
Mister Fantastic
Mr. Fantastic is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the Fantastic Four. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #1 ....
, the Demogoblin parasite is removed. In issue #50, Moon Knight seemingly severs his ties to the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
by burning his membership ID card after being brought in by Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
to answer charges in regard to his illegal actions against Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom
Victor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
. By the end of the series, Moon Knight is killed violently, sacrificing himself to save his loved ones from a computerized villain called Seth and his "Zero Hour" program.
Resurrection War
In 1998, writer Doug MoenchDoug Moench
Douglas Moench , better known as Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok.-Biography:...
, artist Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards was a singer and songwriter. His biggest-selling record was with the multi-million-selling song, "It's All in the Game."-Career:...
, and inker Robert Campanella brought the deceased hero back in a four-part miniseries. In 1999, Moench and artist Mark Texeira
Mark Texeira
Mark Texeira is an American comic book artist. Classically trained as a painter, Texeira broke into the comics field in the early 1980s.-Career:Mark Texeira was born and raised in New York City...
worked together on another four-part series called "High Strangeness" which was nominated for the Comics Buyer's Guide
Comics Buyer's Guide
Comics Buyer's Guide , established in 1971, is the longest-running English-language periodical reporting on the American comic book industry...
Fan award for Favorite Limited Series. The title of the story was mistakenly given as "High Strangers" on the covers of the limited series. The correct title of the story, "High Strangeness," appeared on the title page of each issue.
Minor appearances
In 1998 Spector uses his KaEgyptian soul
The ancient Egyptians believed that a human soul was made up of five parts: the Ren, the Ba, the Ka, the Sheut, and the Ib. In addition to these components of the soul there was the human body...
to help a critically injured Black Panther
Black Panther (comics)
The Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller-co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52...
through the Kingdom of the Dead. In 2001 and 2002 Moon Knight joins the "Marvel Knights" non-team. After making a brief appearance in the "Avengers Disassembled
Avengers Disassembled
"Avengers Disassembled", referred to in some participating series as "Disassembled", is a crossover event between several Marvel Comics series. The general idea is that the major heroes are assaulted, not just physically, but emotionally...
" story-arc, he makes a minor return in the 2005 Marvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up is the name of several American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series featured two or more Marvel characters in one story...
miniseries, fighting alongside Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, Daredevil
Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
, and the Punisher.
Moon Knight (2006)
The first arc of the 2006 re-launch by writer Charlie HustonCharlie Huston
Charlie Huston is an American author of crime novels and superhero comic books. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the actress Virginia Louise Smith...
and penciller David Finch, titled "The Bottom", explores Marc Spector's return to crime-fighting following his self-imposed exile. His retirement comes after a brutal battle with Bushman
Bushman (comics)
Raoul Bushman is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Universe. He is the oldest nemesis of Marc Spector, whose secret identity is Moon Knight...
. Although his body is broken after a tremendous fall, Moon Knight finally defeats Bushman
Bushman (comics)
Raoul Bushman is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Universe. He is the oldest nemesis of Marc Spector, whose secret identity is Moon Knight...
by carving off his face with a crescent moon dart. The series highlights Spector's supposed spiritual connection to the moon god as well as his own psychologically damaged state of mind. After returning to his role as Moon Knight, Spector continually receives guidance by what he believes to be Khonshu in the form of a faceless Bushman. This storyline also updates Marc Spector's timeline, suggesting he fought in the Gulf War and that his time as a mercenary was during the 1990s. It is also revealed that Frenchie is in love with Marc Spector; he indicates this is why he stuck around for so long.
In the second issue, Huston introduces the Profile, an amoral character analyst whom the Committee brings in to help them entrap Moon Knight. He escapes after the plan collapses, and later becomes a reluctant source of information for Spector himself.
The next arc, "Midnight Sun", takes place during the Civil War
Civil War (comics)
Civil War is a 2006-2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time...
and follows Moon Knight as he investigates a string of murders perpetrated by Midnight, his former sidekick. This arc also depicts Moon Knight's first contact with other Marvel heroes since his return. Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
attempts to contact Moon Knight but is rebuked. Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
pays him a visit to deliver a warning and in return the two quarrel. The Punisher
Punisher
The Punisher is a fictional character, an anti-hero appearing in comic books based in the . Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr., and Ross Andru, the character made its first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 .The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder,...
and Moon Knight have a lengthy conversation both about the nature of their vigilantism and their shared past. Moon Knight is forced into a final confrontation with his former sidekick Jeff Wilde (a.k.a. Midnight), seemingly killing him for good.
Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
also investigates Moon Knight's activities by placing him under close surveillance. Finding his mental condition unstable, Iron Man decides that arresting Moon Knight under the Registration Act might make his mental instability worse. However, Moon Knight is identified as one of the 142 registered superheroes appearing on the cover of Avengers: The Initiative
Avengers: The Initiative
Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series from Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage with artwork initially by Stefano Caselli, Steve Uy and Harvey Tolibao, the series dealt with the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War crossover Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series...
#1.
Moon Knight begrudgingly applies for registration after much prodding from Khonshu, not wanting the law to keep him from his work. The law requires him to submit to a psychiatric exam. The psychiatrist controlling the exam, along with the government and Tony Stark, have no intention of granting Marc Spector approval for registration. After speaking with Spector's repressed alter egos Jake Lockley and Steven Grant, the psychiatrist begins the process of officially turning him down, suggesting possible future imprisonment. Spector breaks the doctor's will by speaking in the voice of Khonshu and pointing out the doctor's own antisocial
Anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is behaviour that lacks consideration for others and that may cause damage to society, whether intentionally or through negligence, as opposed to pro-social behaviour, behaviour that helps or benefits society...
tendencies, told to him by the Profile. The psychiatrist not only approves his application, but bows to worship him as well. However, later on, Marc meets the Profile with their dialogue suggesting that the personalities above were just an act to be approved for registration.
In the subsequent arc, "God and Country", writer Mike Benson and artist Mark Texeira
Mark Texeira
Mark Texeira is an American comic book artist. Classically trained as a painter, Texeira broke into the comics field in the early 1980s.-Career:Mark Texeira was born and raised in New York City...
take over the series, with Charlie Huston
Charlie Huston
Charlie Huston is an American author of crime novels and superhero comic books. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the actress Virginia Louise Smith...
still co-plotting. This arc centers itself on Moon Knight's ability (or lack thereof) as a "registered hero" and Marc Spector's ability (or lack thereof) to hold on to the people around him. This arc sees the return of the classic Moon Knight villain Black Spectre. In this story Carson Knowles, recently released from prison, falls back into his ways as the Black Spectre and yet again attempts to destroy Moon Knight and hurt the city. In issue #19, the finale of "God and Country", Moon Knight pushes Knowles off a building apparently to his death. This arc also features a large role for Tony Stark, as the head of the initiative, and lead dissenter of Moon Knight's vigilantism.
In issue #21, a new story arc began, titled "The Death of Marc Spector." This arc is written by Mike Benson, and it involves the Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts (comics)
The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
, led by Norman Osborn, who are now on the hunt for Moon Knight. Tony Stark and his second-in-command Maria Hill
Maria Hill
Maria Hill is a fictional character of the Marvel Universe. She was the former director of the planetary defense/intelligence service S.H.I.E.L.D..-Introduction:...
argue with a man named Sikorsky, who represents the CSA
Commission on Superhuman Activities
The Commission on Superhuman Activities is a fictional government group from the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
and desperately wants for Moon Knight to be apprehended with extreme prejudice. Marc Spector himself busts up a drug deal while wearing an entirely black costume, while going through an internal monologue about how crime-fighting is much easier without the burden of his reputation and 'costume recognition.'
Several weeks later, after barely surviving an altercation with the Thunderbolts, Spector pleads for Khonshu's forgiveness for turning his back on him and for the god's renewed assistance. Khonshu appears and informs Spector he doesn't need him anymore, as he now has other worshippers. Spector returns to his Moon Knight costume to aid Frenchie DuChamp in gaining revenge on the Whyos
Whyos
The Whyos, a collection of the various post-Civil War street gangs of New York, was the city's dominant street gang during the late 19th century. The gang controlled most of Manhattan from the late 1860s until the early 1890s, when the Monk Eastman Gang defeated the last of the Whyos...
gang for attacking his restaurant and injuring Frenchie's lover Rob, only to find the Whyos' attack was designed to draw Spector into another conflict with the Thunderbolts when he is ambushed by Venom. After a brief fight Moon Knight is captured, but escapes when S.H.I.E.L.D. shows up. Frenchie agrees to help Spector, and Ray joins the reformed team as well. Bullseye
Bullseye (comics)
Bullseye is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.A psychopathic assassin, Bullseye uses the opportunities afforded by his line of work to exercise his homicidal tendencies and to work out his own personal vendetta against Daredevil.Although he possesses no...
is released to kill Moon Knight, as Spector prepares to go out with a bang.
Moon Knight is next seen battling Bullseye in the streets of NYC. He eventually leads Bullseye to a bunker/warehouse where he has planted several explosives. Bullseye narrowly escapes as Moon Knight ignites the explosives and escapes through a secret passage in the floor. Later that day two press conferences are held: one by Norman Osborn to announce the Thunderbolts' success and Moon Knight's death and the other held by Tony Stark who denounces the methods used by the Thunderbolts. At the end of the issue it is revealed that Moon Knight has faked his death and is hiding in Mexico. It is also revealed that the Marc Spector persona has "died" and that Jake Lockley is now in control.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight
Moon Knight returns to New York after faking his death with Jake Lockley as his dominant personality, but still struggles against his violent nature and is hounded by Khonshu in the form of a small imaginary tormentor resembling a man in the Moon Knight costume with a bird skull who goads him to kill.While trying to walk the path of a hero he makes a bold return taking on many criminals but killing none of them; now the people of New York begin to see him as a hero and not a murderous vigilante much to Norman Osborn's disdain. Jake's personality has been one of struggle against the inner demon trying to get him to kill while juggling sobriety. Soon he is met by the Sentry who asks him "Who do you think you are, a hero?"
Later the Sentry
Sentry (Robert Reynolds)
The Sentry is a fictional character in the . The character first appears in The Sentry #1 and was created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, with uncredited conceptual contributions by Rick Veitch.-Creation:...
takes Moon Knight across the city while he saves people and stops crimes telling Lockley that eventually he will be tested and that he will fail to which Moon Knight replies "So will you". They stare each other down for a moment before Moon Knight eventually leaves.
Norman Osborn summons The Hood and The Profile to take down Moon Knight, so The Profile shows The Hood where the body of Bushman lies. The Hood uses his power of resurrection to bring Bushman back to life. Bushman resumes to gather an army by enlisting Scarecrow to break into Ravencroft Asylum, where they lobotomize the prisoners to make them more compliant.
Meanwhile, Jake Lockley tries to make amends to Marlene and Frenchie for his previous behavior and mental breakdown. Under the Jake Lockley persona, he is regarded as more sane; Marlene mentions that his "eyes are clear." Bushman's army soon attacks New York by blowing up a gasoline line. Moon Knight comes to subdue the asylum inmates until Scarecrow's crows descend upon the battlefield.
Bushman himself manages to escape, only to be confronted later by Moon Knight near some docks. A growing Khonshu screams for vengeance, yet Moon Knight manages to defy him and spare Bushman's life.
At the conclusion, Bushman winds up in jail, Jake Lockley begins to start a new life with Marlene, and The Profile visits the statue of Khonshu in Egypt with a startling revelation.
Secret Avengers
Moon Knight is a team member of The Secret Avengers (May 2010). This series is authored by Ed BrubakerEd Brubaker
Ed Brubaker is an Eisner Award-winning comic book writer and cartoonist. Brubaker first early comics work was primarily in the crime fiction genre with works such as Lowlife, The Fall, Sandman Presents: Dead Boy Detectives and Scene of the Crime...
and features Steve Rogers
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, War Machine
War Machine
War Machine is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton...
, Valkyrie, Beast
Beast (comics)
Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
, Nova
Nova (comics)
Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic...
, as well as the redemption thirsty Moon Knight.
Shadowland
During the ShadowlandShadowland (comics)
"Shadowland" is a 2010 Marvel Comics storyline centering around Daredevil and other "street level" superheroes in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The storyline included a number of tie-in limited series and one shots...
storyline, Moon Knight ends up fighting Profile who was sent by Daredevil
Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
. During Moon Knight's fight with Profile, it is revealed that the second Avatar of Khonshu who is working with Profile is none other than Moon Knight's brother Randall Spector in the alias of Shadow Knight. While Moon Knight is able to best him, it was at the cost of gaining his Marc Spector personality back.
Relaunch (2011)
It was announced at the New York Comic Con that 2011 will see the launch of a new Moon Knight series by Brian Michael BendisBrian Michael Bendis
Brian Michael Bendis is an American comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim for his self-published, Image Comics and Marvel Comics work, and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics, with his books selling consistently highly for over a...
and Alex Maleev
Alex Maleev
Alex Maleev is a Bulgarian-born comic book illustrator, best known for the Marvel Comics' series Daredevil , collaborating with writer Brian Michael Bendis.-Career:...
, which Bendis has described as a "complete reinvention of the character on every conceivable level". Spector is shown in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
as the creator of a TV show based on his origin and superheroics dubbed "Legends of the Khonshu". Later on as Moon Knight, he intercepts a delivery of an Ultron
Ultron
Ultron is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers #54 , and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema...
robot body. Spector has also developed three new multiple personalities based on Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
, and the original Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
who help guide him. Moon Knight gets the head of the Ultron, and attacks a strip club as Spider-Man in order to get to the mystery L.A.Kingpin. Moon Knight beats the club leader Snapdragon
Snapdragon (comics)
Snapdragon is a Japanese supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe. She first appeared in Marvel Fanfare vol. 1 #12 and was created by Ralph Macchio and George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
, but gets shot by a guard before getting answers. It was the superhero Echo who saved him, but she lost her cover in the process.
Character analysis
Charlie HustonCharlie Huston
Charlie Huston is an American author of crime novels and superhero comic books. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the actress Virginia Louise Smith...
, writer of the 2006 re-launch of Moon Knight, attempted to answer the criticism that Moon Knight is an ersatz
Ersatz
Ersatz means 'substituting for, and typically inferior in quality to', e.g. 'chicory is ersatz coffee'. It is a German word literally meaning substitute or replacement...
Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
in an interview with Comixfan. The interviewer noted that the comparison is not baseless, as both Moon Knight and the Dark Knight are wealthy, "normal" humans that use gadgetry to fight crime.
Huston accepted that the two characters had their similarities, but went on to contrast the two by noting in particular differences in origin, motives, and personality. "Bruce Wayne", he said, "fights crime to avenge the murders of his parents", whereas Moon Knight "beats up whoever has it coming because he believes he is the avatar of the Egyptian god of vengeance and it helps him to feel better about all the people he killed when he was a mercenary." Thus, while Batman is motivated by vengeance for wrong done to his parents, Marc Spector is motivated by vengeance as a concept. Huston further notes that Bruce Wayne, Batman's alter ego, takes on other personalities merely to aid in his fight. However, Moon Knight has three alter egos which aid him as much in dealing with personal demons as fighting law-breakers, and which have taken a further psychological toll of causing dissociative identity disorder
Dissociative identity disorder
Dissociative identity disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis and describes a condition in which a person displays multiple distinct identities , each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment....
. In the question of his sanity, Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
remarked "Moony. Rhymes with looney."
Powers and abilities
Over the course of his life as a boxer, U.S. MarineUnited States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, C.I.A. operative, mercenary
Mercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
, and costumed superhero, Marc Spector has become an expert at commando hand-to-hand combat techniques and various martial arts. He is an Olympic-level athlete and a skilled acrobat and gymnast, and excels as a combat strategist. He employs a variety of weapons over the course of his career, including throwing darts, nunchaku, and a truncheon
Club (weapon)
A club is among the simplest of all weapons. A club is essentially a short staff, or stick, usually made of wood, and wielded as a weapon since prehistoric times....
. He is skilled with most weapons, and an expert with throwing weapons. He is a superb driver and can pilot a helicopter.
After his first appearance, but before the beginning of his first ongoing series, Moon Knight is said to have superhuman strength derived from the bite of a werewolf interacting with the silver in his armor (although characters in the story express some disbelief at this story). He is said to be as strong as ten men under the full moon, though his strength is normal under a new moon or an eclipse.
At one point, Moon Knight is given special weapons by the cult of Khonshu, including bolas
Bolas
Bolas are a throwing weapon superficially similar to the surujin, made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, designed to capture animals by entangling their legs...
, golden throwing crescent-darts shaped like scarabs, an ivory boomerang, throwing irons, and a golden club in the shape of an ankh
Ankh
The ankh , also known as key of life, the key of the Nile or crux ansata, was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read "eternal life", a triliteral sign for the consonants ʻ-n-ḫ...
that glowed in the presence of danger that can be used as a throwing weapon or bludgeon. These items are replaced with duplicate weapons crafted by Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
. He later retires these items to his personal museum after abandoning the "Egyptian" motif in favor of updated versions of his original styled-gear, including a truncheon/staff/nunchucks combo, and a compound bow. He has also used an axe-shaped lasso-grapple.
During the third series, Moon Knight's silver-white costume includes adamantium, and he acquires an array of high-tech weaponry including an adamantium staff, a truncheon capable of firing a cable line, and gauntlets that fire crescent darts. He has also been depicted using spiked knuckles, worn on the left hand.
Later on, Moon Knight's costume uses carbonadium as armor, and has joint-locking functions, allowing him to support weights far greater than what he can normally lift. Moon Knight makes use of this at one point to leave his costume supporting a building while defending himself in his underwear. Additionally, Moon Knight can 'suit up' by use of a remote control device which assembles the individual pieces of his armor onto his body, similar in fashion to Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
.
For transportation, Moon Knight employs a variety of sophisticated aircraft. These include the Mooncopter and Angelwing, featuring VTOL (vertical take-off and landing), a rope ladder, and 20 mm cannons.
Enemies
While Moon Knight fights villains such as Bullseye and Taskmaster which are enemies of other heroes as well, he has also accumulated his own rogues gallery. Villains include:- Black SpectreBlack SpectreBlack Spectre is the name a fictional organization in the Marvel Universe which first appeared in Daredevil #108.It is also the name of a fictional supervillain who first appeared in Moon Knight #25.-Black Spectre :...
- Bluebeard
- BoraBora (comics)Bora is a fictional mutant character in the Marvel Comics Universe. Her first appearance was in Moon Knight vol. 1 #35.- Fictional character biography :...
- Raoul BushmanBushman (comics)Raoul Bushman is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Universe. He is the oldest nemesis of Marc Spector, whose secret identity is Moon Knight...
- The CommitteeCommittee (comics)-Publication history:The Committee first appeared in Werewolf by Night #10 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Tom Sutton.The organization subsequently appears in Werewolf by Night #11-14 , #17-20 , #32-33 , Spider-Woman #19 , Marvel Team-Up #93 , Moon Knight #4...
- Midnight ManMidnight Man (comics)Midnight Man is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Midnight Man first appeared in Moon Knight #3 , and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz....
- MorpheusMorpheus (Marvel Comics)Morpheus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Morpheus first appeared Moon Knight #12 , and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz. The character subsequenly appeared in Moon Knight #22-23 , Moon Knight Vol...
- The Profile
- Shadow Knight
- Stained Glass Scarlet
- The WerewolfWerewolf by NightWerewolf by Night is a fictional character, an antiheroic werewolf in the Marvel Comics universe. The Werewolf by Night first appeared in Marvel Spotlight vol...
Reception
Moon Knight was ranked by WizardWizard (magazine)
Wizard or Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop Culture was a magazine about comic books, published monthly in the United States by Wizard Entertainment from July 1991 to January 2011...
magazine as the 149th greatest comic book character of all time. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
also listed Moon Knight as the 89th greatest comic book character stating that the Moon Knight is more or less the concept of what would happen if the Batman would suffer a multiple personality disorder.
2099
The one-shot 2099: Manifest Destiny (March 1998) introduced a female Marvel 2099Marvel 2099
Marvel 2099 is a Marvel Comics imprint, started in 1992, that explores one possible future of the Marvel Universe. It was originally announced by Stan Lee in his "Stan's Soapbox" column as a single series entitled The Marvel World of Tomorrow, which was being developed by Lee and John Byrne...
version of Moon Knight, fighting crime in the lunar city of Attilan
Attilan
Attilan is a fictional city in the that houses the Inhumans. It first appeared in Fantastic Four #47 . It has also been known as the Great Refuge and New Attilan.-Fictional history:...
. Manifest Destiny was the last comic published in Marvel's 2099 line and the character has not reappeared since. Her identity, abilities, and motivations were never revealed.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
In April 2010 S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 features an Egyptian version of Moon Knight. This version is similar in appearance to the Khonshu statue that Marc Spector worshiped in the past. He can be seen holding a staff that has a crescent moon at the top.House Of M
Moon Knight appears in House of MHouse of M
House of M is an eight-issue comic book limited series and crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics in 2005. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, its first issue debuted in June 2005 as a follow-up to the events of the Planet X and Avengers Disassembled...
as part of Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
's Sapien Resistance against Earth's rulers, the House of Magnus (Magneto
Magneto (comics)
Magneto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the central villain of the X-Men comic, as well as the TV show and the films. The character first appears in X-Men #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
and his children, Quicksilver
Quicksilver (comics)
Quicksilver is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
, Polaris
Polaris (comics)
Polaris is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the X-Men family of books. Created by Arnold Drake, Don Heck, Werner Roth and Jim Steranko, Polaris first appeared in The X-Men #49...
, and the Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional comic book character that appears in books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
), although he is not wearing his costume in this timeline. He also appears in House of M: Avengers wearing his costume. A little more of his back story is uncovered as well, still following Khonshu and still suffering from multiple personalities.
Marvel Zombies
In Marvel ZombiesMarvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is a five-issue limited series published from December 2005 to April 2006 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips and covers by Arthur Suydam. It was the first series in the Marvel Zombies series of related stories...
, Moon Knight is one of the superheroes infected by the zombie plague. He is in his living form in the one shot issue, Marvel Zombies: Dead Days as part of the resistance organized by Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
but presumably turned into one of the zombies in a later battle. In issue #5 of Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness is a five-issue 2007 comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in association with Dynamite Entertainment, an intercompany crossover in which Ash Williams, hero of the popular Evil Dead film and comic book, finds himself in the Marvel Zombies...
, he is attacked by 'Deadites', reanimated versions of many of the dead humans. Wanting revenge, these Deadites seemingly tear Moon Knight apart. He presumably escapes, as he is seen in the first issue of the regular Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is a five-issue limited series published from December 2005 to April 2006 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips and covers by Arthur Suydam. It was the first series in the Marvel Zombies series of related stories...
series, which is set after Army of Darkness. He is later killed by the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
in self defense, when Moon Knight attempts to attack and devour the herald among the other Marvel Zombies. A zombified Moon Knight is seen in the series 'Marvel Zombies: Return: Avengers'.
Ultimate Moon Knight
Dissociative identity disorder
Dissociative identity disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis and describes a condition in which a person displays multiple distinct identities , each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment....
. Within the comic, the "personalities" of Steven Grant, Marc Spector, Moon Knight, an unnamed red-headed little girl, and Ronin interact through internal monologue. He lives with his girlfriend Marlene. She displays knowledge of his Moon Knight identity.
Ultimate Moon Knight first appears in Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man was a superhero comic book series that was published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2009. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint...
#79 during the Warriors story-arc. He is an active participant of a gang war waged by the Kingpin and newcomer Hammerhead.
During the battle, he is impaled by the assassin Elektra. Although gravely wounded, Moon Knight subdues Elektra with a moon-blade to her head before slipping into a coma. Upon waking up, Moon Knight escapes from custody and engages in a fight with the Punisher, Spider-Man, and Daredevil. After the battle, Daredevil invites Moon Knight to join an organization of superheroes with the goal of bringing down the Kingpin.
As part of this group, Spector adopts the identity of Ronin to infiltrate the Kingpin's ranks. The idea of turning 'Ronin' into the main persona is made by the Steven Grant and Marc Spector personalities, who oppose the Moon Knight persona and the concerns of the small girl persona. In doing so, they create a far more ruthless personality who the Kingpin would find suitable. Moon Knight himself is angered by this decision, but is seemingly destroyed by the Ronin personality.
The Kingpin discovers that Ronin is working for Daredevil and orders his execution. He survives, however, and after regaining consciousness goes to the police claiming that the Kingpin ordered his execution. This provides a charge for the police to arrest the Kingpin, but he has to reveal his secret identity for a charge to be placed. It also seems that the Moon Knight persona is still alive after the Ronin persona decides to wake him up.
Universe X
In Universe X, Moon Knight is locked in a never ending battle with the Sons of Set, over the statue of Khonshu. It's actually stated that Marc Spector has been dead from the beginning, and just as the moon reflects light, Spector has been "reflecting" the form of a living man, making him effectively immortal. Moreover, it is also suggested that the original inspiration for the moon god Khonshu was the Watcher UatuUatu
Uatu, often simply known as The Watcher, is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and designed by artist Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Fantastic Four #13 ....
who watches the Earth from his base on the moon.
Television
- While a Moon Knight TV series was announced, very little to nothing has been mentioned since late 2006. Writer Jon CookseyJon CookseyJon Cooksey is a writer/producer living and working in Vancouver. He works both solo and jointly with his wife, Ali Marie Matheson; Jon & Ali together were the creators of “The Collector ”, on which they served as executive producers, showrunners and head writers, and they’re currently writing two...
(RugratsRugratsRugrats is an American animated television series created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain for Nickelodeon. The series premiered on August 11, 1991, and aired its last episode on June 8, 2004....
, The CollectorThe Collector (TV series)The Collector is a Canadian Supernatural drama television series about a man attempting to help save people who have bargained their souls with the Devil...
, ReBootReBootReBoot is a Canadian CGI-animated action-adventure cartoon series that originally aired from 1994 to 2001. It was produced by Vancouver-based production company Mainframe Entertainment, Alliance Communications, BLT Productions and created by Gavin Blair, Ian Pearson, Phil Mitchell and John Grace,...
) confirms that he is currently in development of the Moon Knight television series. Jon Cooksey has since confirmed that the six scripts written were not picked up and the rights have returned to Marvel. - Marc Spector's name is mentioned in passing in the pilot episode of Blade: The SeriesBlade: The SeriesBlade: The Series is a 2006 American live-action television program based on the Marvel Comics character and film series. It premiered on Spike on June 28, 2006...
(starring Kirk JonesKirk JonesKirk Jones also referred to as Sticky Fingaz or Sticky, is an American rapper, actor, and a member of the hip-hop group Onyx...
). Spector is described as an expert in werewolves. Marc is also said to be a colleague of Professor Melvin Caylo, a specialist in vampires. The character of Spector did not appear in the series before it was cancelled.
Video games
- Moon Knight is one of the playable characters on the next-genHistory of video game consoles (seventh generation)In the history of video games, the seventh generation of consoles is the current generation , and includes consoles released since late by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony...
versions of Marvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action role-playing game developed for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox and Xbox 360 by Raven Software and published by Activision. The game was simultaneously ported to the PlayStation Portable and Wii by Vicarious Visions, and to Microsoft Windows by Beenox...
voiced by Phil LaMarrPhil LaMarrPhillip "Phil" LaMarr is an American actor, comedian and voice actor. One of the original cast members on the sketch comedy series MADtv, he is also known for his small, but memorable role as Marvin in Pulp Fiction...
. He can wear his Classic, Ultimate, and Khonshu costumes. He is also a default character in the Next-Gen Consoles (WiiWiiThe Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
, Xbox 360Xbox 360The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, and PlayStation 3PlayStation 3The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
) version of the game. A modMod (computer gaming)Mod or modification is a term generally applied to personal computer games , especially first-person shooters, role-playing games and real-time strategy games. Mods are made by the general public or a developer, and can be entirely new games in themselves, but mods are not standalone software and...
available for the PC, PS2, PSP, and Xbox version of the game unlocks him as a playable character, adding a fourth costume which is labeled as 'Modern' which closely resembles his action figure costume with the arm and leg gauntlets, previously black body suit 'Retro'. - In the Ultimate Spider-ManUltimate Spider-Man (video game)Ultimate Spider-Man is a video game based on the comic book of the same name by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. The game was released for most sixth generation consoles, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and Microsoft Windows, as well as a mobile phone...
video game, while racing against the Human TorchHuman TorchThe Human Torch is a fictional character and superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, he is a member of the superhero team the Fantastic Four, debuting in The Fantastic Four #1...
, Spider-ManSpider-ManSpider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
will taunt his opponent by saying "Moon Knight is faster than you!" - Moon Knight appears in Spider-Man: Web of ShadowsSpider-Man: Web of ShadowsSpider-Man: Web of Shadows is a video game title encompassing three versions: a full-3D action game for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360; a 2.5D sidescrolling beat em up action game for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2 , and a 2.5D side-scrolling brawler/platformer for...
voiced by Robin Atkin DownesRobin Atkin DownesBorn in London, England, Robin Atkin Downes is an English actor who is one of the most prolific voice-over actors in Los Angeles. He is well known for his work in film, television and voice acting...
. Spider-Man first encounters him in his Mooncopter at the top of Spector Tower when Black Cat makes her escape and Spider-Man defeats Kingpin's forces. He and VultureVulture (comics)The Vulture is the name of six comic book supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. The best known Vulture in the Marvel Universe is Adrian Toomes, an elderly enemy of Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in The Amazing Spider-Man #2 .-Golden Age Vulture:In Young Men #26, a scientist...
argue about the idea of Spider-Man busting TinkererTinkererThe Tinkerer is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics Universe...
out of Ryker's IslandRyker's IslandRyker's Island is a fictional prison facility for both conventional criminals, and superhuman criminals in the Marvel Universe. It first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #4 called simply "Island Prison"....
when it came to the symbiotes' invasion, yet still gives Spider-Man a ride to the facility if he chooses the red suit path. He later helps S.H.I.E.L.D. in fighting the symbiotic invasion. After the defeat of Symbiote-Vulture, Moon Knight flies Spider-Man to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier that Venom and his symbiotes are attacking if the player has a Red Suit alignment. Artwork shown on the end credits of the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii versions depict a Symbiote-Moon Knight, but this concept was not used in the actual game. In the PSP version, he is an assist character who will use his lunar attacks on enemies. - Moon Knight appears in Hawkeye's ending for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. After the events of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami disrupted the development schedule for downloadable content for the original game, the additional content was made into a...
as a member of his West Coast Avengers.
Action figures
Moon Knight has had five figure renditions over the years (six including a variant in the most recent figure). The first figure was an exclusive mail-away figure in the "Marvel Gold" Line. It was a simple figure based on a ToyBiz base sculpt, with a thin latex-like cape and belt (reminiscent of the costume style employed by artist Stephen Platt). The figure was painted white, with a black head. Moon Knight's second figure was from the 10" Marvel Universe Line. This figure was a repaint of a base sculpt (used for Spider-Man, Daredevil, and many others) and included a cloth cape. The figure was painted white, had yellow arm bands, and a black head. More recently Moon Knight has been included in the Marvel SelectMarvel Select
Marvel Select is a line of action figures based on superheroes and supervillains from the Marvel Universe that has been designed and released by Diamond Select Toys since 2002...
line from Diamond Select Toys. This version of the figure comes with a rubber cape and rubber crescent dart accessories, as well as a Khonshu Statue. The figure is painted a Greyish color, with a black head, white arm bands and boots. Moon Knight has also appeared in a recent series of the Marvel Legends
Marvel Legends
Marvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the scale, with spin-off lines in the , , and scale.-History:...
line. This figure is painted black, with white gloves, boots, and cape. It comes with both a nunchuck and staff accessory, and its cape is made of rubber as well. It also has a printed cardboard background. This figure also had a rare variant version. The variant was identical in that the costume was shiny silver instead of black. Most recently, Moon Knight has been released in the 3 3/4" Marvel Universe line. In this line, Moon Knight is white with a black face, and comes with a rubber cape, a crescent shaped throwing dart and staff.
Collected editions
- Essential Moon Knight Vol. 1 (collecting Werewolf By Night #32-33; Marvel Spotlight #28-29; Spectacular Spider-Man #22-23; Marvel Two-In-One #52; Hulk Magazine #11-15, 17-18, 20-21; Marvel Preview #21; Moon Knight (Vol. 1) #1-10. ISBN 0785120920)
- Essential Moon Knight Vol. 2 (collecting Moon Knight (Vol. 1) #11-30. ISBN 978-0-78512729-1)
- Essential Moon Knight Vol. 3 (collecting Moon Knight (Vol. 1) #31-38 (Vol. 2) #1-6, Marvel Fanfare #30, #38-39, Solo Avengers #3, Marvel Super-Heroes #1)
- Moon Knight Vol. 1: The Bottom Premier Hardcover (collecting Moon Knight volume 4, #1-6)
- Moon Knight Vol. 2: Midnight Sun (collecting Moon Knight volume 4, #7-13, annual 2007)
- Moon Knight Vol. 3: God & Country (collecting Moon Knight volume 4, #14-20)
- Moon Knight Vol. 4: Death of Marc Spector (collecting Moon Knight volume 4, #21-25, annual 2008)
- Moon Knight Vol. 5: Down South (collecting Moon Knight volume 4, #26-30)
- Vengeance of the Moon Knight Vol 1: Shock and Awe (Collects Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1-6)
- Vengeance of the Moon Knight Vol 2: Killed, Not Dead (Collects Vengeance of the Moon Knight #7-10)