Spoilers ahead for Moon Knight #3!
Marvel has created the perfect set-up for a Moon Knight and Blade crossover. In Moon Knight #3, on sale now in print and digital, Moon Knight learns of a connection between vampires and his patron god Khonshu—one that not only deepens the connection between vampires and the Marvel Universe, but also sets the stage for a showdown with Blade.
After appearing in “The Age of Khonshu” story that ran in last year’s Avengers title, Moon Knight has taken up a new crusade. His patron god, Khonshu, protected those who traveled at night, and Moon Knight is fulfilling that in his new Midnight Mission. In the first issue, Moon Knight investigated vampiric activity in the Mission, and met Reese, a young woman who had been turned into a vampire; Moon Knight would later offer her a job at the Mission. While Moon Knight continues Khonshu’s work, someone with a motif similar to Moon Knight’s is on the loose. Moon Knight confronts this pretender, named Hunter’s Moon in Moon Knight #3, leading to a revelation about Moon Knight’s relationship with vampires. The issue is written by Jed MacKay, with art by Alessandro Cappuccio, colors by Rachelle Rosenberg and letters by Cory Petit.
Hunter’s Moon feels Moon Knight has lost his way, that he has strayed from the path of Khonshu. As they fight, Hunter’s Moon explains that vampires were one of Khonshu’s original enemies, as they preyed upon those who traveled at night. Khonshu’s “Fists” through the ages have taken responsibility for hunting vampires; Hunter’s Moon is aghast that Moon Knight is now harboring a vampire in the Mission, and vows to make Moon Knight see the error of his ways. Hunter’s Moon heads to the Mission to kill Reese and the rest, but Moon Knight is able to overpower him, telling the broken Hunter’s Moon that he will be merciless if he sees him again.
Hunter’s Moon establishes that the Fists of Khonshu have been mortal enemies of vampires for centuries—but Moon Knight has broken with tradition and allied himself with one. This move has drawn the ire of Hunter’s Moon—and it could bring the wrath of Blade down on Moon Knight as well. Blade is Marvel’s premier vampire hunter and was recently appointed sheriff of the newly formed Vampire Nation. Blade and the Fists of Khonshu are united in their hatred of vampires, but how will Blade react to Moon Knight apparently breaking his code and harboring Reese in the Midnight Mission? Are the vampires in the Mission connected to the Vampire Nation?
Vampires have made serious moves across the Marvel Universe, so it is a possibility. If there is a connection, this could draw Blade to the Midnight Mission, and in the path of Moon Knight.