Moon Knight stands out as an exceptionally unconventional figure, so much so that some enthusiasts question his status as a hero altogether. While his dissociative identity disorder is often highlighted as his defining feature, the true distinction lies in his unwavering allegiance to the ancient deity Khonshu. This god demands a steep price from his champion, and now the moment has arrived for the debt to be settled.
In “Vengeance of the Moon Knight #9,” penned by Jed MacKay with artwork by Devmalya Pramanik, the narrative explores the repercussions of Moon Knight’s recent resurrection and the debt he owes to Khonshu.
Khonshu, ever the manipulator, demands a life for Marc Spector’s revival—specifically, the life of Max Coleridge. Fully aware of his commitment to take a life to save his friends, Moon Knight is ready to obey his divine master. This unquestioning loyalty to Khonshu raises doubts about whether Moon Knight can truly be a hero.
Moon Knight Is No Marvel Superhero; He’s Merely Khonshu’s Instrument
“Vengeance of the Moon Knight #9” – Written by Jed MacKay; Art by Devmalya Pramanik; Colors by Rachelle Rosenberg; Lettering by Corey Petit
For countless ages, Khonshu and Ra have orchestrated battles between their avatars, the Moon Knights and Sun Kings. Marc Spector, as Khonshu’s most loyal servant, is crafted to fulfill the God of Vengeance’s capricious desires.
When Marc Spector pledged his loyalty to Khonshu while bleeding at the feet of the god’s statue, he joined a long lineage of devoted avatars named Moon Knight. While he may be the most faithful, Marc is not the first. Around 1,000,000 BCE, the “Stone Age Avengers” were formed—a prehistoric team including the Phoenix, Odin, Agamotto, the first Black Panther, the first Iron Fist, a Ghost Rider, and a Starbrand. Khonshu, envious of his exclusion, created the first Moon Knight.
A cult soon emerged around the Moon God, producing a succession of Moon Knights as Khonshu’s earthly avatars. Khonshu, being a jealous and selfish deity, manipulated the Moon Knights to extend his influence and defy his Elder God father, Amon Ra. Khonshu and Ra have for ages pitted their avatars against one another, including manipulating Marc Spector into being Khonshu’s most devoted servant, designed to enact the God of Vengeance’s fleeting whims. Unfortunately for Marc, and every other Moon Knight, their will is Khonshu’s.
Moon Knight vs Moon Knight Will Decide Whether New Hero or Original Keeps the Codename
Khonshu Demands the Death of the “False Moon Knight,” Forcing Marc Spector to Confront His Successor
“Vengeance Of The Moon Knight #9” – Available September 11 From Marvel Comics
To Khonshu, Max was not a true disciple; he was a pretender assuming the role of Moon Knight during Khonshu’s absence.
In the current timeline, Marc Spector, along with his alters Steven Grant and Jake Lockley, have proven to be Khonshu’s most loyal and easily manipulated avatars, ready to follow their “father’s” every command. Despite his instinct to act on what he believes is right, Marc has garnered a reputation as an unpredictably violent zealot. As early as the Avengers’ Civil War, Moon Knight was seen as a threat to both factions, even surpassing the Punisher on the “most wanted” list.
With Marc’s resurrection and Khonshu’s liberation from Asgard, the time has come for Moon Knight to fulfill his debt: a life. Specifically, the life of Max Coleridge, a mentally unstable anti-hero empowered by Darkforce energy from a death cult, who assumed the role of Moon Knight after Marc’s demise. To Khonshu, Max was not a true follower, but an impostor who took on the Moon Knight mantle during Khonshu’s absence; now, Khonshu demands the “False Moon Knight’s” death, and Marc Spector is tasked with delivering it.
Moon Knight Can Never Be a Hero While Serving Khonshu
The Fists Of Khonshu Are Merely Instruments of Their God’s Will
Unfortunately for Marc Spector, as long as he remains Moon Knight, a title he fervently clings to, he can never achieve heroism.
There lies the dilemma in labeling Moon Knight a hero; he simply can’t be one. Marc and his alters may possess heroic qualities, but it is irrelevant. Moon Knights aren’t heroes; they are the Fists of Khonshu. If commanded to protect, the Moon Knight protects. If told to kill, the Moon Knight kills. Moon Knight can never exhibit more heroism than Khonshu permits, and the God of Vengeance is notoriously unreasonable and unheroic.
Regrettably for Marc Spector, as long as he is Moon Knight, a role he fervently desires to maintain, he will never be a hero. Marc Spector has been, is, and will always be an instrument of Khonshu’s will. Consequently, he is inherently unpredictable and untrustworthy. Beneath his many personas, the beloved erratic “Protector of the Night’s Travelers” is neither a hero nor Marc Spector, Steven Grant, or Jake Lockley; he is merely Khonshu’s devoted Moon Knight.
“Vengeance of the Moon Knight #9” will be available on September 11, 2024, from Marvel Comics.
