Review: Moon Knight: Black, White & Blood #1

Given the success of the complex, interesting Moon Knight streaming show it’s a treat having a new anthology series like Moon Knight Black White & Blood on the stands. It is a rare opportunity to have so much creativity in such rapid fashion. The storytelling here vacillates widely between chaos and order but always remains interesting.

The first story features a bit too much chaos with Jonathan Hickman diving right into strong mythological elements involving a child Priestess of Khonshu, Moon Knight and a dog. Hickman’s big picture style benefits from an artist that brings clarity to the reader. Chris Bachalo’s beautiful, chaotic, wandering art style does not provide that clarity. This story is incredibly interesting but the combination of this creative team is just a bit too challenging to be enjoyable.

The second story is a straightforward comic piece with Moon Knight having to navigate Spider-Man. Murewa Ayodele and Dotun Akande. Spidey teases Moon Knight about always having Egyptian themed missions, helps him obtain a crimson scarab being used to control Anubis. Moon Knight grants Spidey’s request and lets him borrow his Mr Knight costume right before Deadpool arrives asking for the same. This is a fun, light story with absolutely obvious story-telling and clean art. The contrast between the stories is fascinating and exactly what we’d want from a book of this sort.

The final story of this issue is a revelation. The story begins at the end of a bloody battle and works it’s way backwards. It’s an incredible treat of a story perfectly utilizing the colors of this series with incredible, kinetic artwork as Moon Knight helps a mob boss’s accountant escape mercenaries as she tries to reach the courthouse to testify. It is the type of story one must read both forward and backwards, repeatedly cherishing every moment of this excellent tale by Marc Guggenheim and Jorge Fornes. This book is a must have for the sheer variety of creative genius, showing us the power of these story-tellers and the range within the character of Moon Knight.

Writing: 4 of 5 stars
Art: 4.5 of 5 stars
Colors: 5 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.5 of 5 stars

Writers: Jonathan Hickman, Mutewa Ayodele, Marc Guggenheim
Art: Chris Bachalo, Dotun Akande, Jorge Fornes
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.