Right, hello everyone it's me, Decoy Elite the ultimate distraction, once again bringing you a new weekly RT rip-off. The focus of this one? Characters.
And today's character is Marvel's very own Batman rip-off non-powered(sometimes) hero Moon Knight.
But first let's have our talkers introduce themselves.
Illum: Illuminatus here. I've read a hodgepodge of Moon Knight books, and have really started becoming an obsessed fanboy of sorts when it comes to Mr. Spector.
K4tz: *breaks into the thread*
Hello, I'm your friendly neighborhood k4tzm4n. I'm a big fan of the one they call Moon Knight. I've read a good deal of classic ongoings and have read all of his modern runs (2006 one should have survived, damn it!). However, I haven't read past issue 2 of Bendis's take on the character. That's likely because the drastic change in his mental state upsets me and, like illuminatus, I'm a fanboy. But, I'm sure we'll dive into that shortly.
IV: Oh, hi there. I didn't hear you come in. I didn't hear you kill my security guard. You're mighty obsessed. I'm InnerVenom123. Hi there.
06 MK should have stuck. The first arc of Vengeance never got a follow up. For shame.
Q1: What about Moon Knight makes him work as a hero and a character?
IV: I've only read the 06 run, so it's how he's an underdog but keeps fighting no matter what.
Illum: I think it has quite a bit to do with his life as a whole. Marc hasn't lived an easy one, similar to many superheroes, and I believe that it helps the reader connect with him as a character and a hero on several levels. Also, he's incredibly unique in the sense that, for some time, he utilized both his military training/technology, and his mystical abilities. I always found that interesting, and would appreciate it if a competent writer could develop a story where he finds a new source of power.
K4tz: What doesn't work for him? He has a decent origin story, the cash to provide an interesting arsenal and equipment, a fairly unique side cast and his developments over the years have always kept me entertained, despite lacking of a significant rogues gallery (which is actually rather essential for me since I tend to like villains more). He's far from one dimensional and it has showed over the years. While I'm personally not a fan of the direction Bendis is taking, it just goes to support that Spector has enough in his history and personality to dig into and provide solid content.
Q2: Right, so k4tz mentioned the direction Bendis is taking Moon Knight, what's are your opinions on that?
Illum: It's just ridiculous. Why even incorporate such an asinine idea into a character who already has enough trouble keeping his books on the shelves? Normally, I would say, "Sure, add to Marc's mental instability. Just don't try to capitalize on it by giving him the personalities of Marvel's three biggest heroes at the moment." Bendis needs to hand the character over to Rememder for damage control, in my opinion.
IV: The new direction is a bit insulting to the character. "You're not good enough to sell without Avengers in the book." Not to mention it's a gimmick and just lame writing. Also Moon Knight isn't actually crazy.
K4tz: As someone who has regularly defended Marc's mental state, I can't say I'm very pleased with the direction I've seen so far. Originally Marc created the personalities for a tactical advantage. One to obtain information on the street level and another as a cover for how he obtained such wealth (as a mercenary). Jumping between identities did take a toll on his mind, but he was always in control. The worst mental state I saw was in West Coast Avengers, and even then he told the different personalities in his head to shut up and he was in total control of them. I don't recall him ever legitimately thinking he was someone else (aside from the 3), and so far I haven't seen any explanation as to why Marc's mental health went off the deep end. Honestly, I think they just want the stereotype of "Marc is flat-out crazy" to be accepted. I'd be more than happy to have Bendis prove me wrong and later provide a reason as to why he's gone coo coo for Cocoa Puffs, though.
Q3: Well since the overall opinion of Bendis's stuff is low, what stuff would you all recommend people who want to get into Moon Knight read(Runs or even specific stories)?
K4tz: First and foremost, I'm sure everyone will recommend the 2006 ongoing. It's excellent stuff and consists of some of the most watershed events in Marc's life. However, many who are limited to this suffer the "MARC WILL TAKE HITS THEN CUT OFF YOUR FACE" mindset. He's not just some brutal anti-hero, and I'd advise reading the first two "essential" collections Marvel created. This way they can get a look at his earliest stories and how he was established before diving into the awesomely violent and dark 06 series.
Illum: I have to agree with k4tz. The 2006 ongoing is unquestionably brilliant, and it is part of the reason why I'm so fascinated with the character. However, I do think one needs to be prepared for the level of grittiness the material exudes.
IV: Basically what K4 said. In 06, sh*t gets real.
Illum: Also, check out InnerVenom's Moon Knight fan-fiction.
Q4: Assuming Bendis gets his claws off Moon Knight, where would you like the to see writers go with the character?
Illum: I would love to see Remender or Brubaker legitimately tackle the character. A government-enlistment storyline by Remender would be interesting, or perhaps a return of Khonshu written by Brubaker. I've always thought that Marc finding a new "Moon-god" would be interesting as well.
IV: I really want Marc to just wake up, and for things to be set back up in the brilliant status quo that VOTMK established with its first arc. All the crappy tie ins, the Deadpool issues, none of that happened. Avenger-man was a bad dream Marc had after eating too much spicy food. That's just me. Because that first arc of VOTMK was absolutely brilliant and I wish it had a proper follow up instead of the.... less than par stuff that followed.
K4tz: Two words: Mike Benson. The man wrote #14-30 of the 2006 run and the character really took off under his pen (well, keyboard). He proved he can write a variety of cameos well (laced with characters in the 06 run, also wrote a variety of individuals in Suicide Kings). Honestly, I don't care where he takes the character as long as it's done with respect to his history and of course, written well. I have faith Benson could accomplish that.
Alright, one last question. Q5: What, if any, character would you like to see Moon Knight team up with or fight?
IV: He needs to team up with The Punisher. They've crossed paths, but really, that's all. And it's a damn shame. I also liked how the 06 version of Khonshu pined over Punisher, since he would have been a better avatar. But at the same time, they paid homage to Ennis's "voice"(Or "The Tyger") from "Born", by saying "Alas... he belongs to another". Really cool stuff.
And he needs to fight Bushman again.
Illum: I would like to see a sudden team-up with current T'Challa. I think their fighting styles would blend well together, and they operate in a similar fashion.
K4tz:Team Up: Cardiac, Hawkeye, Punisher (despite seeing this a few times), Daredevil, Prowler, Black Panther
Fight: Crossbones, Taskmaster (just kidding :P ), Gladiator (DD foe), Batroc, Chance, Scorcher, Paladin, Solo, Kingpin
Alright great info guys, I'm sure we'll be getting Moon Knight fan boys in no time!
Anyway, say goodbye to the folks at home.
IV: Now that I've answered your questions... get out of my house. You monster.
K4tz: Thanks for having the patience to suffer through this read and hopefully a few of you learned something or are now inspired to go read more of Moon Knight's history!
Illum: Goodbye, folks at home. And don't forget, if you want to be awesome like me, all you have to do is play hopscotch in the middle of a highway!
(ED: We here at Character Talk are at fault for any damage caused by listening to our discussions.)
IV: ....
*Grabs chalk and a rock*
Challenge accepted, Illuminatus. Challenge accepted.
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