Warning! Spoilers for Moon Knight #1 ahead!
With Marvel's Moon Knight series set to debut on Disney+ next year, the five core identities of the character have been confirmed in Moon Knight #1. Oscar Isaac is committed to star in the titular role and is sure to have an opportunity to put his acting chops on display when he plays the multi-dimensional character Moon Knight.
Moon Knight is unlike any other hero. Born Marc Spector, he was a mercenary with a conscience who died at the foot of a statue of the Egyptian god Khonshu. The deity resurrected Marc to fight in his name eventually leading Marc to become Moon Knight, the Fist of Khonshu. What really sets the character apart, however, is that Marc has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). His various personalities sometimes vie for control of his mind and create problems in both his personal life and his superhero career. There have also been questions about whether or not his different identities are the result of mental illness or have a more mystical explanation.
Ahead of his impending entry into the MCU, Marvel has launched a new Moon Knight series. The series serves as a great introduction to the character, especially for MCU fans looking to learn more about the hero before his live action debut. Moon Knight #1 by writer Jed MacKay and artist Alessandro Cappucio provides an excellent overview of the character, even craftily reviewing his origin story and touching on major recent plot points. As a shadowy antagonist looks at pictures of each of Moon Knight's personalities, the issue also manages to provide clarity and confirm Moon Knight's five core identities.
Marc Spector is the character's identity before becoming Moon Knight or developing any of his other identities. He was a boxer, marine, CIA operative, and mercenary before his death and resurrection. Even as a mercenary, Marc showed he had a conscience when he confronted his fellow mercenary who went too far.
Steven Grant is the identity that funds Moon Knight's expensive crime fighting adventures. Soon after his inception, Steven Grant played Wall Street to turn Marc's modest savings into a fortune. Grant is comfortable as a millionaire. He remains well dressed and is likely to be seen at a gala or fundraiser.
Jake Lockley is a street-smart cabbie who keeps his ears to the ground and communicates with informants. The intel he uncovers is essential to Moon Knight's vigilante efforts.
Mr. Knight is the character's newest identity. Introduced in 2014 during writer Warren Ellis and artist Declan Shalvey's six-issue run on Moon Knight, the character has quickly become a fan favorite. This is most likely due to the identity's unique, fashion statement design that stands out on any colorful comic page. Mr. Knight sports white from top to bottom. He always wears a crisp, all white bespoke suit with a white shirt, white tie, and white shoes. He wears white gloves and a white mask with the outline of a crescent moon on his forehead. Mr. Knight plays a major role in the new series as he is the identity that communicates with his psychiatrist and with civilians seeking his protection from threats in the night.
Moon Knight is also included in the pictures of the character's identities, confirming that Moon Knight is his own individual identity and not just one of the others in superhero garb. Moon Knight is very much like Batman but in all white and moon-themed instead of bat-themed. Moon Knight also commands an arsenal of moon-themed gadgets. What separates his vigilante fighting style from Batman, though, is that instead of lurking in the shadows he wears all white so his opponents see him coming. The look and combat style will be interesting to see in live action.
The issue does a good job of setting up each of Moon Knight's distinct personalities. It will be interesting to see how they interact as the story moves forward. Fans who don't want to wait until next year to see Oscar Isaac playing Moon Knight's many identities should check out the first issue, available now.