Moon Knight Reading Order: Why Backwards Is The Best Way

Hey guys! Let's dive into a comic book opinion that might raise some eyebrows but hear me out – I think the best way to experience Moon Knight is by reading his comics...backwards! Yeah, you read that right. Before you grab your pitchforks, let's break down why this seemingly crazy approach actually makes a lot of sense, especially for new readers trying to understand the chaotic and fascinating world of Marc Spector. Moon Knight, for the uninitiated, is one of Marvel's most complex and intriguing characters. He's a mercenary, a vigilante, and possibly insane, imbued with powers connected to the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. He operates with multiple identities – Steven Grant, Jake Lockley, and Marc Spector being the primary ones – each with their own distinct personalities and skills. This multifaceted nature, while making him incredibly compelling, also makes him a bit…challenging to jump into. That's where the backwards reading order comes in. Modern Moon Knight comics, particularly the runs by writers like Jeff Lemire, Warren Ellis, and Brian Michael Bendis, often embrace the character's psychological complexity and unreliable narration. They delve deep into his fractured psyche, leaving readers questioning what's real and what's a delusion. These stories are incredibly engaging, but they work best when you have a solid foundation of who Moon Knight is. Starting with these mind-bending narratives can be overwhelming and potentially confusing if you're not familiar with the core elements of the character. This is where the backwards approach shines. By starting with the more recent runs and working your way back to the older material, you gradually uncover the layers of Moon Knight's history and motivations. You begin with the character at his most complex and psychologically challenging, and then you slowly peel back the layers to reveal the origins of his madness and his connection to Khonshu.

Why Backwards? Let's Break It Down

Think of it like this: imagine watching the sequel to a movie before the original. You might get some of the plot points, but you'll miss the context and the emotional weight of the story. You won't understand the characters' relationships or the significance of certain events. Similarly, diving into the newer Moon Knight comics without understanding his history can leave you feeling lost and disoriented. Starting with the modern runs and working backwards allows you to appreciate the evolution of the character. You see how writers have built upon the existing mythology and expanded on his psychological complexities. You gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between his different identities and his connection to Khonshu. Let's talk about some specific runs. The Jeff Lemire run (2016) is a masterpiece of psychological storytelling. It throws you headfirst into Marc Spector's fractured mind, making you question what's real and what's not. It's brilliant, but it can be a tough entry point for new readers. Similarly, the Warren Ellis run (2014) is a collection of one-shot stories that showcase Moon Knight's unique brand of street-level justice. It's stylish and action-packed, but it also hints at the deeper psychological issues that plague Marc Spector. These runs are fantastic, but they're more rewarding if you have some background knowledge of the character. Now, let's consider the older Moon Knight comics. The original Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz run (1980s) is a classic. It establishes the core elements of the character: his mercenary background, his connection to Khonshu, and his multiple identities. It's a more straightforward superhero story, but it lays the groundwork for everything that comes after. By reading this run after the more recent material, you can appreciate how the character has evolved over time. You can see the seeds of his psychological issues being planted and how they've blossomed into the complex character we know today. Another key aspect of reading backwards is the gradual reveal of Khonshu's role in Moon Knight's life. Khonshu, the Egyptian moon god, is a powerful and mysterious figure who grants Marc Spector his abilities. However, Khonshu's motivations are often unclear, and his influence on Moon Knight can be both a blessing and a curse. In the modern runs, Khonshu's presence is often ambiguous. Is he a real god, or is he a figment of Marc Spector's imagination? The older comics provide a more concrete depiction of Khonshu, but even then, his intentions remain shrouded in mystery. By experiencing Khonshu's story in reverse, you can appreciate the gradual unraveling of his enigmatic nature. You start with the ambiguity and then slowly uncover the layers of his influence.

The Benefits of a Reverse Moon Knight Journey

So, what are the specific advantages of reading Moon Knight backwards? Firstly, it enhances your appreciation for the character's evolution. You see how writers have built upon the existing mythology and expanded on his psychological complexities. You gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between his different identities and his connection to Khonshu. Secondly, it makes the more complex stories more accessible. The modern Moon Knight comics can be challenging to understand if you're not familiar with the character's history. By starting with these stories and working backwards, you gradually build a foundation of knowledge that allows you to appreciate the nuances of the narrative. Thirdly, it provides a fresh perspective on the character. Reading backwards allows you to see the story unfold in a different way. You start with the present and then slowly uncover the past, which can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Imagine watching a mystery movie where you already know the ending. You might think that would ruin the suspense, but it can actually enhance your appreciation for the storytelling. You'll be paying closer attention to the clues and the foreshadowing, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations. Similarly, reading Moon Knight backwards can give you a new perspective on the character and his story. You'll be looking for the seeds of his psychological issues in the older comics, and you'll be able to appreciate how the writers have built upon the existing mythology. Another benefit of reading backwards is that it allows you to see the character through different lenses. Each writer has brought their own unique perspective to Moon Knight, and reading the comics in chronological order can sometimes make it difficult to appreciate these different interpretations. By reading backwards, you can focus on each writer's vision in isolation and then compare and contrast them. For example, the Doug Moench run is a classic superhero story, while the Jeff Lemire run is a psychological thriller. By reading these runs in reverse order, you can appreciate the differences in tone and style and gain a deeper understanding of the character's versatility. Finally, reading Moon Knight backwards can simply be a fun and engaging way to experience the character. It's a unique approach that can surprise you and challenge your expectations. It can also lead to some interesting discussions and debates with other Moon Knight fans.

My Recommended Backwards Reading Order

Okay, so if you're sold on the backwards approach, where do you start? Here's a suggested reading order that I think works well:

1. Jeff Lemire Run (2016): This is the ultimate mind-bending Moon Knight story. It's a great place to start because it throws you into the deep end of Marc Spector's fractured psyche.
2. Warren Ellis Run (2014): This run is a stylish and action-packed introduction to Moon Knight's street-level adventures. It also hints at the deeper psychological issues that plague Marc Spector.
3. Brian Michael Bendis Run (2011): This run is a bit more controversial, but it's still worth reading. It features Moon Knight operating in Los Angeles and introduces some interesting new elements to the character.
4. Charlie Huston Run (2006): This run is a gritty and violent take on Moon Knight. It explores the darker aspects of his personality and his struggles with mental illness.
5. Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz Run (1980s): This is the classic Moon Knight run that established the core elements of the character. It's a must-read for any fan.
6. Various One-Shots and Mini-Series: There are a number of other Moon Knight stories that are worth checking out, such as "Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu" and "Moon Knight Special Edition." These stories can help you fill in the gaps in your knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for the character.

This is just a suggestion, of course. Feel free to adjust the order to your liking. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey. I know it might sound unconventional, but trust me, reading Moon Knight backwards is a truly rewarding experience. It allows you to appreciate the character's complexity and evolution in a whole new way. You'll gain a deeper understanding of his psychological issues, his connection to Khonshu, and his place in the Marvel Universe.

Give it a Try, You Might Be Surprised!

So, next time you're looking for a new comic book series to dive into, consider giving Moon Knight a try – backwards! You might just discover your new favorite way to read comics. What do you guys think? Am I totally off my rocker, or does this backwards reading order make sense? Let me know in the comments! I'm curious to hear your thoughts and if anyone else has tried this approach. Maybe we can start a backwards Moon Knight revolution! At the very least, it's a fun way to shake things up and experience a beloved character in a fresh and exciting way. And who knows, maybe you'll even gain a new appreciation for the character's history and evolution. Happy reading (backwards)!