Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Moon Knight #2
Marvel Comics
Ellis & Shalvey
The second issue of Moon Knight is much different than the first issue but is just as good as number one. The comic's design is what makes the book stand out and the execution of the story elements support this unique design. It's a fast read as there are plenty of silent panels and pages within the book. The artwork provides a near flawless flow to the story that helps the silent portions tell the unsaid. This is definitely a book worth picking up.
The issue begins with eight square panel layouts per page. Each panel focuses on a different character. Each character is going through their end of the work day routines as they prepare to end their meetings, shut down their computers and walk out of their places of employment. This goes on for several pages and one by one each of the eight are taken out by a sniper. As each of the characters is killed off their square is replaced by white space, sometimes with text from the narrator, until all eight are dead.
The design a wonderful way to begin this comic book about a sniper looking to take out the nine people who he sees as having wronged him in his past. With one still on the loose, Moon Knight intervenes.
The silent portion of the book is actually when Moon Knight enters the picture and not really with the eight characters being replaced by white space. Moon Knight tracks the sniper and has a full fight with the character over the last few pages of the book.
The comic is tremendously entertaining. The uniqueness of the opening makes for an unclear read at first but as the pages turn the setup becomes clever and very engaging. The scenes at the end definitely help to punctuate the overall reading experience.
The artwork is tremendous. This goes for the background tones, the contrasting colors and the detailed pencils. The comic has a great fluid motion to it at the end and the depiction of Moon Knight is fantastic against the backdrop provided. The book is definitely enhanced by the artwork.
Moon Knight is definitely shaping up to becoming a must-read book in Marvel's catalogue. It's clear that Ellis doesn't plan to follow any sort of predictable path issue to issue and so far, both issues have been self-contained ones. This is definitely an issue to pick up.
4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
