(EDITOR’S NOTE: Paint Monk’s Library, in collaboration with the enthusiastic staff over at the Into the Knight Podcast, is tackling the Moon Knight chronology! Each week we’ll take an in-depth look at the Fist Of Khonshu in a series of reviews, all in order of character appearance! These reviews will appear on Monday each week until we’ve covered them all, or until the enthusiastic Loonies get too exhausted to write. Whichever comes first!)

By JUSTIN OSGOOD – Guest Writer

Even though Moon Knight has a minimal cameo at the beginning of this issue, it’s important. The Fist of Khonshu appears to recount the exact details of his escape from Scorpio’s trap back in Defenders #48. I’d like to think that Marc Spector somehow learned the trick of using the air in a beer can back in his days a marine, or perhaps during his time as a mercenary.

Or possibly someday, a Moon Knight writer might put that particular scene into a flashback sequence.

Mini-Review: Defenders #51

As Moon Knight tells Nighthawk about his escape, a delightful two-page spread shows the rest of The Defenders picking up the pieces in the aftermath of their battle with Scorpio’s LMD Zodiac. Hellcat is seen receiving medical care following her deadly battle with Leo.

One particular high note in this issue is the art. Keith Giffen is joined by Klaus Janson on inks, and it’s truly an ideal combination – I personally prefer it over the art of the previous three issues. I almost wish Janson had inked all of those (perhaps I would have liked the art better)!

As to Moon Knight and Night Hawk – the pair worked very well together in this story. It almost seemed like they had the beginning of a friendship that was never fleshed out. Admittedly, I’m not that familiar with Nighthawk, but I do know of his ties to the Squadron Supreme and that he was rumored to be Marvel’s version of Batman (which, as most Moon Knight fans know, is the comparison that constantly gets thrown at our own Lunar Avenger himself!)

I’m not certain if these two characters have joined forces again in recent years, but if not, I think it would make an interesting idea for an alliance, even if only for a single story.

Only five pages of this issue were reprinted in the Moon Knight: Bad Moon Rising Epic Collection, as Moon Knight departs after describing his escape. Interested readers might still check out the complete issue, if only for the quality art from Giffen and Janson.