COMIC BINGE: Moon Knight, Vol. 1: From the Dead & Rocket Raccoon, Vol. 1: A Chasing Tale

I happened upon a new comic series the other day that I had no idea existed. A character that I’ve long been a fan of since I was a kid, Moon Knight has his own title. Not only that, but it’s written by the wizard himself, Warren Ellis. For those who are unfamiliar with Ellis’ work, he is held in high regard as a writer due to his hit series Transmetropolitan. He’s often found by me to be kind of similar to Grant Morrison, in that his theories and writings are just so far beyond regular human understanding. Transmetropolitan has a very meta vibe to it, and reads like a futuristic Hunter S. Thompson satirizing “modern” politics and society. It’s a tough, long read to slog through if you’re not ready for it, but I think it’s brilliant. I have read a lot of Ellis work elsewhere in the comics world, but this was the first time I remember seeing him attached to a particular character for a whole book. With that said, he nails the first volume of Moon Knight. But, he did it in a way I didn’t think possible, and that was through simplicity. The writing was surprisingly minimal, which I really enjoy. When I can sit and focus on the artwork in a book without losing the flow of a story, it’s a very good thing. Moon Knight does that to the best of its ability, and really shines as a good-looking book. Artist Declan Shalvey does an excellent job of making what could have been a predominately black and white book, a full color experience. Marc Spector’s struggle with identity is really interesting, and his matter of fact purpose as Moon Knight to protect travelers of the night was just bad ass. Moon Knight was a bad ass, and Marc Spector is a total mess but it’s interesting to watch his identity shift throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the introductory pages of each issue, as it gave it a really cinematic feel. A highly recommended read from Marvel NOW!, which is rare, so go pick it up immediately. You won’t regret seeing Moon Knight battle green ghosts of punk rock!

RATED : ( PG-13 )
STORY : ( 8 / 10 )
ARTWORK : ( 9 / 10 )
COVERS : ( 8 / 10 )
AWESOME : ( 10 / 10 )
FINAL RATING : ( 9 / 10 )

The other book I got to read this week was the first volume in the new Rocket Raccoon series. Another series which is getting more hype than it would have 2 years ago, because of the large success of Guardians of the Galaxy. However, I was surprised by this book’s content, as I expected it to appeal to a more youthful audience. The art proved this theory, but the writing did not, and that is actually what made it readable. The art was very cartoony, and looked like the general illustrations you would find in a children’s graphic novel that was adapted from some show. But instead of using the show’s animation, they try to make it all “cool” but kiddy and fail. This book has that look, but it kind of fits with Rocket’s larger than life personality and his boyish appearance. What was off-putting at first, eventually became one of the book’s highlights, which was the writing. There was a lot of cursing, and by that I mean there were a lot of symbols in between the words in the lines for everyone’s new favorite hero. For me, that’s totally okay, and it gave the book that little extra spice it needed to be funny. There was one moment in particular where Rocket is telling Starlord about having to walk through a tunnel of $#!+, to which Starlord continuously replies with a question as to why he was in a tunnel of $#!+. I really enjoyed this banter, and I felt the like the disguised adult language really gave the book its flavor. After the artwork and seemingly cash grab concept, I didn’t have high hopes for this book. There is also one issue where Groot tells a story to Rocket and some kids, and I’m sure you know how that goes. Hard to tell a story when your vocabulary is limited, so it was funny for a minute but for 18 pages it was a bit much. A cool book worth reading but not buying, so find some time to check this one out at your local library if you can! Skottie Young did a pretty good job in making this book his own, so that it’s not too much tied into the movie and can be its own thing. Keep up the good *&@$#*! work sir! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed two Marvel NOW! books in the same week. This is awesome!

RATED : ( PG-13 )
STORY : ( 7 / 10 )
ARTWORK : ( 4 / 10 )
COVERS : ( 6 / 10 )
AWESOME : ( 6 / 10 )
FINAL RATING : ( 6 / 10 )

P.S. – If you haven’t watched Netflix’s Marvel’s Daredevil show, you are truly missing out. Comic book fan or not, you are missing out. Daredevil is must-watch TV. Must. Watch. TV. Do it. Now.

NOW!