MOON KNIGHT #189
Writer: Max Bemis
Penciller: Jacen Burrows
Colorist: Mat Lopes
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 11/29/17
Rating: T+
Plot: Moon Knight deals with a mind controlling super villain called Truth. Truth’s victims turn cynical to the point where they harm innocent victims. Meanwhile, Patient 86 contacts Mark Spector’s old enemy, Bushman.
Story: This issue’s story is pretty simple and accessible for new readers. It shows the reader how Mark Spector controls his multiple personalities. The issue also shows us how Mark operates on a day-to-day basis. Despite Mark’s control, Khonshu is the issue’s narrator. Khonshu’s narration provides the reader with basic information about Mark Spector and his other personalities. Plus if Mark were narrating it would be difficult to understand if he shifted to another personality.
Speaking of Spector’s other personalities, Max Bemis sets up Jake Lockley for a bigger role. While Mark and his other personalities have a certain purpose for his Moon Knight activities, Jake Lockley is mostly a wild card. During this issue’s fight scene, Mark only shifts to Jake when he needs an extra edge. While Khonshu talks about Mark and Stephen Grant in detail, he barely talks about Jake in his narration. Also Max Bemis does an excellent job writing a different voice whenever Mark changes personalities.
My only problem with this issue is the reintroduction of Bushman. Bushman is Moon Knight’s only recurring villain. When this arc was solicited it promised a new enemy for Moon Knight. This villain, Patient 86, had a great introduction last issue. Unfortunately the inclusion of Bushman feels repetitive and less original.
Art: This issue’s artwork is awesome. Jacen Burrows and Mat Lopes create some visually stunning scenes. This makes the fight scenes striking and dynamic. Plus there’s a cool visual when Mark changes personalities. Whenever Mark changes the previous personality becomes non corporeal almost like a ghost leaving a body. This is a great way to show the changes if the reader has difficulty following the dialogue.
The only strange artwork is when we see Patient 86 searching for Bushman. While 86 interviews people, he’s always colored bright orange. While this could represent his connection to Amon Ra, the sun god, it could confuse readers if they did not read the previous issue.
Verdict: Max Bemis writes a great story that’s new reader friendly. Also he does a great job showing the differences between Moon Knight’s various personalities. Plus the artwork from Jacen Burrows and Mat Lopes creates awesome images. However the inclusion of Bushman makes the story feel more repetitive and less original. Overall, this issue was an average read.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars