Moon Knight #23
- Writer:
- Jed MacKay
- Artist:
- Alessandro Cappuccio
- Letterer:
- VC's Cory Petit
- Cover Artist:
- Rachelle Rosenberg
- Publisher:
- Marvel
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-05-03
- Colorist:
- Rachelle Rosenberg
Previously, Moon Knight defeated the vampire society, the Structure, that threatened New York City and beyond. Now a whole new enemy, Sarnak, is prowling the streets, using sound to drive people to madness. At the same time, young Dylan Brock, the bereaved son of the now deceased Eddie Brock and inheritor of his symbiote has appeared on his doorstep, desperate for help. Moon Knight is not one to turn away a stranger in need–especially one with a common enemy.
Written by Jed McKay, with art by Alessandro Cappuccio, colors by Rachelle Rosenberg and lettering by VC's Cory Petit, Moon Knight #23 kicks off a fresh new arc for the Fist of Khonshu -- and a fiery new alliance between two of Marvel Comics's most accomplished anti-heroes. With Dylan being hunted by mercenaries, Moon Knight gets a chance to protect the son of a trusted ally, and take a step closer towards unraveling Sarnak's secret.
Moon Knight #23 wastes no time getting the ball rolling, throwing Marc Spector directly into the deep end of the newly-ignited Sarnak arc. After the previous arc -- an emotionally fraught rollercoaster wrought with vampires, secret societies, Marc having to repair his relationships with his friends, allies, loved ones and even his alternate personalities -- the Sarnak arc began with a bang. This makes Dylan Brock's introduction, if only for this issue, seamless and natural. He provides a much-needed outside perspective and information vital to moving the plot forward. Although he gets double billing in this issue, Venom's presence doesn't detract form Moon Knight's role. The two heroes play off together quite nicely, with the older, more experienced Moon Knight being given slightly more eminence.
Dylan and Venom aren't slouches as far as guest stars go. Dylan's predicament, having lost his father, inherited his Symbiote, faced horrible experimentation and now hiding from assassins, works well not only to endear him to readers, but to Moon Knight as well. In recent issues and arcs, Marc has matured, reckoning and reconstruction, confronting, facing up to and rectifying his past mistakes and worst vices. Moon Knight #23 continues this upward trend, in contrast to other arcs portraying a steadier and starker decline. The normally ruthless Fist of Khonshu is more in touch with his human and nurturing, protective side in this issue. Although Venom fights alongside with as a respected and formidable equal, Dylan's youth and vulnerability are excellent catalysts for Moon Knight to demonstrate his considerable character growth, kindness and protectiveness.
From this series' inception to now, Moon Knight #23 further proves this series is in good hands, specifically those of artist Alessandro Cappuccio and colorist Rachelle Rosenberg. Cappucio's line art is a standout among other Marvel Comics' releases, a distinctly and artistically, almost painterly style with inks that alternately flow and scratch across the page, with faces and negative space made dimensional through clever use of light, shadow, and black placement. This almost film noir approach of three-dimensional space, light, and depth are further emphasized by Roserberg's use of color and cel-shading, softened by watercolor and airbrush-like textures, and moody color washes of sunset golds and frigid blues, teals and greens. Most impressive is the rendering of Venom, who even in a predominantly shadowy issue manages to stand out and cut an impressive figure, providing stunning contrast against Moon Knight's stark white silhouette.
Although their team-up is presumably temporary, Moon Knight #23 makes great use of this elusive pairing, bringing depth to both characters and to the ever-developing new arc, and bodes well for future Marvel guest appearances for the following issues.