Moon Knight by Lemire and Smallwood: the Complete Collection
By: Marvel Comics
Marc Spector (a.k.a. Moon Knight/Jake Lockley/Steven Grant) has been fighting criminals and keeping New York City safe for years... or has he? When he wakes up in an insane asylum with no powers and a lifetime's worth of medical records, his whole identity (indentities) are called into question. Something is wrong, but is that something Marc Spector himself? Jeff Lemire (EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN) and rising star Greg Smallwood are calling everything you know about Moon Knight into question! COLLECTING: Moon Knight (2016) 1-14
AI Overview
Title: Moon Knight by Lemire and Smallwood: The Complete Collection
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Publication Date: March 8, 2022
ISBN-13: 9781302933630
Pages: 320
Age Range: 13 - 18 Years
Plot Summary
The book collects the entire 14-issue run of the 2016-2018 Marvel Comics series "Moon Knight" written by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Greg Smallwood. The story revolves around Marc Spector, a.k.a. Moon Knight, a complex and multifaceted character with multiple identities: Marc Spector (a mercenary), Jake Lockley (a taxi driver), and Steven Grant (an archaeologist). The series delves into themes of identity, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
Marc Spector, a former mercenary, becomes the avatar of the Egyptian god Khonshu, who grants him the powers of Moon Knight. The series explores Marc's struggles to maintain his various personas while battling supernatural threats and confronting his own demons. The narrative is rich in mythological and psychological depth, making it a unique and captivating read.
Key Themes
- Identity: The series explores the multiple identities of Marc Spector, highlighting the complexities of his psyche and the challenges of maintaining different personas.
- Morality: Moon Knight often finds himself in situations where he must confront the moral ambiguities of his actions, questioning what is right and wrong.
- Reality vs. Fantasy: The story frequently blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, adding to the psychological complexity of the narrative.
- Mythology: The series incorporates elements of Egyptian mythology, particularly through the character of Khonshu, adding a mythological layer to the story.
Critical Reception
Positive Reception:
- Artistic Praise: The collection has been praised for its beautiful and aesthetically pleasing artwork. Greg Smallwood's illustrations are highlighted for their detailed and expressive style, which brings the characters and settings to life.
- Coloring: Jordie Bellaire's color work is particularly noted for its impact on the series, helping to define the visual identity of Moon Knight and adding depth to the narrative.
- Storytelling: The series has been praised for its engaging and mythological storytelling, which creates a grand and epic narrative experience.
Overall:
- The collection is described as a highlight reel of Greg Smallwood's work, showcasing his ability to create visually stunning and engaging comics.
- The reviewer from TheComicBookReport praises the series for its elevated narrative point of view, psychological depth, and fantastic artwork, making it a delightful read.
Conclusion
"Moon Knight by Lemire and Smallwood: The Complete Collection" is a compelling and visually stunning comic book series that delves into the complexities of identity, morality, and reality. With its rich mythological themes and engaging narrative, it is a must-read for fans of superhero comics and those interested in psychological storytelling. The critical reception highlights the exceptional artwork and storytelling, making it a standout collection in the Marvel Comics universe.