Taking It To The Ring — Reviewing ‘Moon Knight: Fist Of Khonshu’ #5

When fighting an opponent, sizing them up and determining the extent of their capabilities seems to be a key tactic. To do otherwise puts you at a disadvantage if there is a proverbial ace up their sleeve.

An ace such as being part of a species that is stronger, faster, and sturdier than humans. That sort of thing.

Tough times are head for Marc Spector as Jed MacKay, Devmalya Pramanik, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Cory Petit throw him into the ring for Moon Knight: Fist Of Khonshu #5. A major revelation tips the balance of power in this punch and blood-filled issue.

Emotions are flowing quite freely within this story, as we bounce between characters. The last issue was a spotlight on Mark (with Grant and Steven) dealing out his anger and deciding on his big move. Shifting gears here means giving Pramanik more to delve into and all the characters to play with.

There is such depth and tightness found within the paneling. Keeping us right on the characters at the right moment ensures their emotions, movements, and reactions are more impactful. Moon Knight has lots of rough edges as does the artwork bringing him to life. Just enough of that roughness to convey the mood and tone but not too much. Plenty of softer and smoother elements to round out the visual experience.

I really love the dashes of exaggeration that Pramanik sprinkles into panels, going for the big impact and dynamic pose or moment over sticking to shades of reality- especially since most of the characters are deep in fights here with outlandish or fantastical scenarios.

Each of the color choices plays into this feeling as well. Filtered colors that really give a pop to scenes are a hallmark of this series. Rosenberg delivers a dense and mixed color palette issue after issue. She really plays into the darker tone of the series with heavier shadows and darker shades of the colors. Each of the characters brings more vibrance to the page with their flashy costumes, personalities, and elements.

How the two focuses of the story dovetail speaks to how well MacKay handles this series. Intricately laid out to really maximize the character growth and moments. Those of us who have been along for this ride through his three volumes can see it so much, with how these formerly separated characters have become not just a group but a family. Currently a family divided in many ways as their world was ripped from them, but they’re still a family.

Even without that long journey under the belt it’s not hard for someone to follow this story. MacKay’s strength is in character writing, making the plots flow and work because of the character richness. That allows us to feel for the characters and where they are going. It gives the overall plot a stronger push and boost along the way.

Giving those characters even more of a voice is Petit. Always able to impart the right emotional energy to each and every letter upon the page. Baking in some of the same visual roughness as the rest of the art. Creating the depth and richness that MacKay is putting down in the script and then some.

Moon Knight: Fist Of Khonshu #5 is now available from Marvel Comics.