Werewolf by Night #32
Published and © by Marvel, August 1975
Title: The Stalker Called Moon Knight
Synopsis: An injured werewolf finds himself under attack from a silver-clad mercenary known as Moon Knight.
Writer: Doug Moench
Artists: Don Perlin with Howard Perlin
Review: The first appearance of a famous character can be tricky to review in hindsight, as it’s hard not to evaluate the issue based on what a character has become. Key elements of the Moon Knight mythos are already present in this debut: The Mark (sic) Spector persona, Frenchie, the costume and gear. But there are no hint of Khonshu or multiple personalities, core elements of the character’s unique identity. Still, Moon Knight makes a great foil for the werewolf. Don Perlin’s journeyman art leaves much to be desired aesthetically, but the Moon Knight costume is striking from the get go.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: “Acceptable.” – Adrian P. Snowdon, FantaCo’s Chronicle’s Series Annual #1, 1983 … “(Werewolf by Night) #31-33 by Doug Moench achieve mediocrity. Further compliments are impossible.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: Moon Knight looks cool …
Not-so-cool factor: … but he’s still a pretty generic mercenary at this point.
Notable: First appearance of Moon Knight.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there a 9p British variant of this issue, as well as a 2021 facsimile edition. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “ I’ve never been celibate when it comes to curiosity …” – Jack Russell, like a dog (or wolf) with a bone
Editor’s note: This review was written March 6, 2022.
