Does the fact that this series is ending mean something bad is coming Moon Knight's way?
The Good
In the beginning, it felt as if Moon Knight was dealing with just an average, almost small-time problem. Someone wanted to become the Kingpin of L.A. Sure that could lead to bad things but it was the fact that an Ultron head was thrown into the mix that shook things up a little. We were thrown for a bit of a loop when we discovered which other Avengers were and were not fighting along side Moon Knight.
Last issue, the story got pretty insane. Some of the developments were pretty drastic and there was a lot of stuff hitting the fan. Unfortunately the fact that this series is ending makes me wonder what that means for the character. It most likely doesn't mean anything. Bendis has stated that this was simply the end of the story he had to tell. But that distraction almost takes away from what's happening in this issue.
The great thing is seeing Moon Knight in action with his new fighting style. Last issue it felt as if he was going to completely cut loose but there is a little more reasoning going on here. This is what Moon Knight should be about. He has this big threat and gets in there and does whatever it takes to take care of it. He might not always use the best reasoning but it's seeing these sort of damaged heroes that adds varieties to the countless other superhero titles on the shelves. You definite have a feeling that anything can happen.
The Bad
I have a love/like relationship with Maleev's art. Most of the time I really dig it but there were times here I felt it fell a little. In a couple of the action scenes, it was a little difficult to tell if anyone was getting shot or stabbed or if they were managed to avoid harm.
Eleven issues in, I'm still unsure how I felt about Count Nefaria as the big villain. I can respect what he means in terms of power levels in the Marvel Universe. We'll have to see if he's out of the game or not. Nefaria isn't the villain here but I would have loved to see Moon Knight up against others not related to his character. There is some resolution in this issue which leaves me completely wondering what the next (and final) issue will have. Then again, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
The Verdict
Last issue I was both angry and happy at what Bendis did to Moon Knight and his associates. This issue didn't pack quite the punch as the last. There is still plenty of great action involving Moon Knight and really makes you sad that we won't be seeing more of this in a couple months. Maleev's art captures the feel of the story but there were a couple moments I felt it fell a little. It's hard to say what's going to happen in the next issue. There's a lot riding on it and I have some pretty high expectations. Based on what Bendis and Maleev have been doing, there shoudn't be any doubt that they will end the series with an explosive finish.