Nerds That Geek Comic Book Review: ‘Moon Knight’ (2017) #196

Written by Joel T. Lewis

Let’s talk about the 2 issue arc for a moment. One-shot storylines, when executed effectively, can be a refreshing palate cleanser placed between two larger arcs to re-establish a baseline for the series or in some cases to remind you why you like the titular characters. But more often than not the single-issue story can feel like a tedious departure, or ‘filler’ issue. The two-issue arc on the other hand, actively resists this trend and delivers a bite-sized story in a more satisfying package; effectively whetting the appetite without merely delaying the meal like watered down salsa. These mini-arcs are fewer and further between nowadays but Moon Knight’s Max Bemis concludes one hell of a satisfying arc with issue 196.
 
When we left Marc and company last issue, the four members of Moonie’s psyche had entered the massive cerebral expanse of their newest foe, the amalgamous mass known as the Collective. Recruited by the Collective originator Maurice to act as a sort of less sinister thought-police, Marc and company set about soothing the psychological ails of the Collective’s unconscious mind in the hope that inner peace will be reflected in a much needed outer peace. But before the four psyches we know and love began they set about conjuring a host of whacky variations on a particularly lunar theme to assist them with the collective psychological baggage of the fleshy behemoth set on destroying Manhattan. In a comic chock full of just gorgeous splash pages Artist Paul Davidson treats us to a two-page spread unlike any other tucked between the covers of a Moon Knight title. Upon seeing this spread for the first time I was compelled to contact Davidson via Twitter, asking if he was able to reveal Max Bemis’ script notes for the page in question and was lucky enough to receive the following generous response, ‘Floating midair are an Avengers of variant Moon Knights. It’s like the Moon Knight Corps.’ It’s spectacular and is in the running for one of my favorite Moon Knight pages of all time.
 
This Lunar Legion proceeds to lash out over the proverbial frontal lobe of the Collective, matching wits with the oedipal complex, angst, false masculinity, and self-destructive thought. Each of these neuroses are brought to brilliant life as carnage and metaphor meet under the delicate pencil of Paul Davidson. Our Lunar Legion quickly discover the true cause of the Collective’s bodily chaos in the real world to be Maurice’s closeted narcissism. The multitude of Moon Knights cross swords and crescent darts with Maurice’s narcissistic horde and the whole sticky situation is ended with a well-earned fist to the face courtesy of good old Jake Lockley.
 
As Maurice is finally driven away in back of a squad car Bemis continues his tradition in this series of teasing the return of his contributions to Moonie’s rogue’s gallery. The issue concludes with Maurice sporting an eerily familiar bird-like skull implying the lingering effects of a cerebral connection with Khonshu. The Collective will return, and I pray to Khonshu that Paul Davidson comes with him. Splatters, cerebellum-scapes, periscope views of reality from the inside of the Collective’s hive mind; Davidson’s art is matchless in its imagination, vibrance, and execution. Matt Lopes’ color work on this issue is superb as well. Panels reach out from the pages and captivate as vibrant pinks blend effortlessly with the crisp cream textures given to the jumble of jet and silver avengers.
 
This two-issue arc delivers. Plain and simple. Moon Knight has never been so variable, colorful, gross, imaginative, or nearly as much fun as this issue. If you want to try out Moonie for 2 issues I can’t recommend this arc more highly. Until Next Time, Geek On!

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