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A review by billyjepma
Moon Knight by Jeff Lemire
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A pretty stellar series, front to back. It struggles to overcome the usual issues I have with Lemire's writing, which focuses on plot over character. However, the thematic and mythic underpinnings are so rich and the art so consistently captivating that it still landed for me in a big way.
Lemire excels at wild, intellectually satisfying plots, and that's very much the case with his run on Moon Knight. Other than the first episode of the new TV series, this is my first real exposure to the character, which, in hindsight, might not have been the best choice, considering how much of the emotional payoffs seem to hinge on your understanding of the character's history. Regardless, this had me hooked from the first issue. Lemire's decision to never let the reader feel comfortable pays off. You're left guessing whether the story you're reading is happening or the fabrication of a man's fractured and fracturing psyche. Not all of it landed for me, and parts of the middle volume felt either underbaked or rushed. But the unsettling mythological elements baked into the series does a lot to keep things going, especially when Greg Smallwood does the art.
All of the artists are stellar—I loved seeing Francavilla make an appearance for a couple of issues—and bring a unique artistic verve to the pages that feels right in line with the story Lemire is telling. Having Marc / Jake / Steven / Moon Knight's stories crossover from page to page—each with a different artist drawing the change in perspective—is an inspired choice that elevates the series into something special. Smallwood is the star, though, and rightfully so, because the man is a genius. His layouts are stunning, and his ability to meld otherworldly spectacle with gritty realism is a frequent standout. Lemire's scripts are good, but Smallwood's artwork makes the series great.
The mental health elements don't come to the forefront as much as I expected. Still, the series handles the subject well, especially its conclusion, which pulls off a genuinely thoughtful, touching, and cathartic resolution. I wish Lemire had invested in the cast more, as I didn't quite reach the level of investment I wanted the series to give me, but yeah, this remains a primarily outstanding series.
Lemire excels at wild, intellectually satisfying plots, and that's very much the case with his run on Moon Knight. Other than the first episode of the new TV series, this is my first real exposure to the character, which, in hindsight, might not have been the best choice, considering how much of the emotional payoffs seem to hinge on your understanding of the character's history. Regardless, this had me hooked from the first issue. Lemire's decision to never let the reader feel comfortable pays off. You're left guessing whether the story you're reading is happening or the fabrication of a man's fractured and fracturing psyche. Not all of it landed for me, and parts of the middle volume felt either underbaked or rushed. But the unsettling mythological elements baked into the series does a lot to keep things going, especially when Greg Smallwood does the art.
All of the artists are stellar—I loved seeing Francavilla make an appearance for a couple of issues—and bring a unique artistic verve to the pages that feels right in line with the story Lemire is telling. Having Marc / Jake / Steven / Moon Knight's stories crossover from page to page—each with a different artist drawing the change in perspective—is an inspired choice that elevates the series into something special. Smallwood is the star, though, and rightfully so, because the man is a genius. His layouts are stunning, and his ability to meld otherworldly spectacle with gritty realism is a frequent standout. Lemire's scripts are good, but Smallwood's artwork makes the series great.
The mental health elements don't come to the forefront as much as I expected. Still, the series handles the subject well, especially its conclusion, which pulls off a genuinely thoughtful, touching, and cathartic resolution. I wish Lemire had invested in the cast more, as I didn't quite reach the level of investment I wanted the series to give me, but yeah, this remains a primarily outstanding series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Kidnapping and Gaslighting
Minor: Car accident