This week's post will feature Moon Knight #1, X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1, and Fear Itself #2.
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Moon Knight #1
Disclaimer: I understand that many people out there aren't aware of who Moon Knight is, and as a result, I've grabbed a piece of this book to explain in as little a time as possible.
So, with that out of the way, let's get to the issue. The issue begins with a party among several television producers, cheering the success of their newest title: Legend of the Khonshu. The executive producer is, in fact, Marc Spector himself. At this point, Spector gets a call and heads to the roof. Arriving there, he finds Captain America (in the Steve Rogers uniform... I'll get to that in a minute), Spider-Man, and Wolverine. They tell him that there's been chatter in the supervillain community. Seems that they've finally gotten it through their heads that most superheroes live on the East Coast, and have tried to take over the West Coast. They task Moon Knight to find out what he can.
Moon Knight dons his costume and heads to the docks, where he finds two very scared low-tier criminals discussing their rotten luck for drawing this particular assignment. He attempts to listen in, but the criminals are interrupted by the arrival of their contact: Mr. Hyde. Hyde demands his payment, but the two criminals have no idea what he's talking about. Less than impressed, Hyde quickly dispatches both of them, but is interrupted by Moon Knight. The fight goes poorly for Moon Knight, but he makes a valiant comeback, and discovers the cargo that Hyde was attempting to sell: a dead Ultron. Moon Knight grabs Ultron's head, before the barge he is on is cast into the sea. From his vantage point, he sees Hyde arguing with his client over the undue attention he has drawn, before he is seemingly killed. With this knowledge, and the head of an Ultron, Moon Knight reports back that there is already a Kingpin of LA...and he has powers. When the other superheroes ask Moon Knight what he feels the correct course of action should be, the reader sees that Moon Knight has in fact... been talking to an empty room.
Well, I have a few thoughts on this issue. First, despite normally loving Maleev's art, there were definitely points in this book where it faltered. Secondly, I really liked the idea of having the villains realize that all the heroes are all clumped together, and decide to seek their fortunes elsewhere. Thirdly, I really like the "Who is the Kingpin of LA" plot. By giving him powers, you differentiate this character (new or old is not revealed yet) from Wilson Fisk, and we're establishing a villain for this run. Finally, by referencing Moon Knight's derangement in the opening paragraph, the final page reveal of the empty room felt that much better. We aren't just dealing with a crazy hero, we're dealing with a crazy hero trying to do good, and I love it.
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X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1
I cannot in good conscience review this issue properly. The ENTIRE issue revolved around the X-Men saying "I can't believe this is happening", but NEVER ONCE explain to the reader what "this" is. Here's the problem guys, I've not been reading X-Men since the end of the Five Lights story. I have no idea what's happening, and as a result I really didn't like this book. Hopefully, I'll figure it out in the days to come.-----------------
Fear Itself #2
This issue opens up with Odin and his fellow Asgardians returning to Asgard. While there, he "explains" that Earth is already lost, and the force that has risen there will soon threaten Asgard, so they must be ready. The scene shifts the Thunderbolts training facility, where Juggernaut is training. One of the Hammers of the Worthy strikes the facility. Juggernaut picks it up and is transformed into Kuuruth, Breaker of Stone. Similarly, accross the world, the Hulk is transformed into Nul, Breaker of Worlds.
As the same fate befalls others across the planet, the Avengers split into groups to try and quell the chaos. At the same time, Skadi is readying her troops for an attack, while the Serpent gives a speech which encapsulates the overall goal of his crusade: to claim the throne of Asgard, and force all others to feel Fear. With a thunderous cheer of "Hail The Serpent! Hail The All-Father!", Skadi's troops launch an assault... on Washington D.C.
This book is exceptional. I don't know what it is, but the line-designs on the newly revamped Worthy is really eye-catching and amazing. But to be fair, in terms of plot, not much happened in this issue aside from the rise of the Worthy. But you know what? Until I re-read this issue for this review, I didn't notice at all. This is the hallmark of a good book: I'm craving for more, all the while accepting what I've been given. Cannot wait until issue 3.
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