Comic Book Reviews: Magneto #6 and Moon Knight #5

Magneto issue 6 and Moon Knight issue 5 reviews by Joe David Thompson

Even though there’s slim pickings this week (thanks holiday weekend), I’ve have two book picks this week (surprise! They’re not from Image!). Buried in the blitz of Guardians of the Galaxy related books this week are Magneto #6 and Moon Knight #5.

Magneto issue 6

Writer Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun) has crafted an excellent and morally complex take on the character of Magento. It’s not exactly news that the X-Men comics work as a commentary on discrimination in our culture. Traditionally, Magneto’s role in this world is as an antagonistic force, one that seeks revenge on humans for crimes against mutantkind. Gunn retains this as a character motivation, while carefully peering a little deeper into Magneto’s grey morals, crafting the character into an anti-hero of sorts.

But don’t be afraid. 

The book isn’t all Erik brooding and long monologues. With his powers weak, Erik has been on a violent vigilante kick that extends to mutant on mutant crime this issue, aided by his mysterious new helper with her own axe to grind. Erik begins to craft a plot to create a “team” of his own, manipulating the Marauders.

Javier Fernandez pencils a meticulous reality, capturing both conversational scenes and big fight sequences in stunning detail. The color palette of Dan Brown is perfectly subdued to match the tone of the book. As Magento’s larger arc begins to develop, I’m excited to see where this book is headed.

Moon Knight issue 5

Warren Ellis is a name you’re probably familiar with already. Planetary and Global Frequency are two of my favorites of his work and are must reads by all human beings.

Mr. Ellis has been breathing a stellar new life into Marvel’s Moon Knight. In his fifth issue on the title, Ellis crafts "Scarlet," a story as only he can, sending the rising protector of the streets of New York City into a kidnapping rescue. Moon Knight heads into an abandoned hotel where the victim is being held, leaving in his wake a sea of blood and broken bones.

Delcan Shalvey is a excellent collaborative fit for Ellis, able to render the fights big and the subtle touches of character in equal measure. This issue is light on dialogue, although the lines present are filled with Ellis’ trademark wit. Instead, Ellis lets Shalvey shine on every page.

This is Ellis’ and Shalvey's penultimate issue on Moon Knight and they’ve had a great run. After issue six in August, Ellis and Artist will be replaced by Brian Wood and Greg Smallwood, another great choice that tells me Marvel is committed to keeping the book going.

Joe David Thompson has been doing media reviews for websites such as Red Carpet Crash and the 405 Music Blog. For any questions or comments for Joe David Thompson, you can email him at jovid52@me.com and follow him on twitter @jovid52