Could the New Moon Knight Series “Fix” the Character?

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor When I heard that Moon Knight was being relaunched this summer (followed in a month or two by my favorite Jungle Lord, Ka-Zar), I was filled with excitement but also with much […]

Comics Unlimited Reprints PM Library Glut Interview

My interview with Donald Glut was reprinted in the latest issue of Comics Unlimited! If you haven’t read this new bi-monthly yet, it’s one of the best comic mags I’ve enjoyed since Comics Journal was on the shelves years ago. […]

INTERVIEW: Jim Zub’s Conan #19 Coming Out March 10

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: It has been no secret that I have had issues with Marvel’s relaunch of Robert E. Howard’s Conan. The one bright spot has been the writing of Jim Zub. I was a fan before he took up the […]

EDITORIAL: Ka-Zar’s Death? Sorry, No Apology Is Due

“This editorial is full of spoilers for all three issues of Empyre: Avengers. If you haven’t read them or had your fill of modern comic book plots that have been beaten to death, go read the comics and come back […]

EDITORIAL: Please Don’t Break The Toys in the Sandbox

“As children, we all grew up and played together. Sometimes we even shared our toys, our bicycles, and our skateboards. But the cardinal rule was to take care of the toys or bicycle that you borrowed. Woe unto the kid […]

 

EDITORIAL: Smith-Thomas Run Revisited, COVID-19 & More

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to Musings from the Monk, a semi-regular column written by the chief archivist and comic nut who organizes Paint Monk’s Library. Expect bloviations on many topics here, from comic books, pop culture and current events to reviews, random thoughts, and sometimes, things that are even relevant.)

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

Welcome to Musings from the Monk! If you’ve made it this far, then I’m off to a rousing start. This is the space where I’ll keep everyone informed with news, snippets and what’s going here at the monastery library. Sometimes it will be a short little update, other times I plan to ramble like I will today.

Your thoughts, opinions, and insights are always welcome. You can comment on any article here at Paint Monk’s Library using your Facebook or Google accounts. I look forward to hearing from you, … (Read More)

REVIEW: Red Sonja #15 Offers Mix of Politics & Swordplay

“TO CUT AND TO BLEED! The epic continues. Sonja The Red can save her kingdom…by abdicating her throne.

If she agrees to lead a man’s army, and kill indiscriminately, then her people will be fed.

By MARK RUSSELL (DC’s Year Of The Villain) and BOB Q (Captain America).

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

It’s no secret that I love Howard’s Hyborian Age, and while the character only marginally could be considered a creation of the Texas-born author, Red Sonja fits into the landscape beautifully.

Roy Thomas was very skilled at adapting characters and repurposing them into Conan’s world. Sonja is no exception. Part Dark Agnes, part Sonya
of Rogatino, Red Sonja, metal bikini notwithstanding, is a strong female character that can stand toe-to-toe with the best sword and sorcery icons in comics.

Which is why I have been such a fan of Dynamites current Red Sonja … (Read More)

REVIEW: Moon Knight Tale Backs Up Hulk! Magazine #11

(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 REYNALDO G. – Guest Writer

Overall, the Moon Knight back-up story, “Graven Image of Death” in The Hulk! Magazine #11 proves to be an entertaining read, evenly complemented by both writing and art. 

There are shortcomings in the writing, and often there are too many elements shoved in. The dialogue of Moon Knight and the supporting cast are consistent and satisfactorily varied. The plot may be over baked, but the story itself … (Read More)

REVIEW: Spidey, Moony Vs. Cyclone in Peter Parker #23

(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 REYNALDO G. – Guest Writer

It’s always great to see Moon Knight step out of the shadows and team up with other heroes in the Marvel Universe, and this romp with Spider-Man is no exception.

Picking up where Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #22 left us, this installment – “Guess Who’s Buried in Grant’s Tomb” – has plenty to offer. Not only do we learn more about Moon Knight and his place among … (Read More)

REVIEW: Moon Knight vs Spidey in Peter Parker #22

(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 JOSH FIELDING – Guest Writer

Today we’re looking at the next installment in Moon Knight’s chronology – Peter Parker: Spectacular Spider-Man #22. This issue features the first meeting of Moon Knight and Spider-Man. It’s a perfect storm of talent, with the legendary Bill Mantlo writing and Mike Zeck delivering dynamic art.

Synopsis: Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #22 

The set-up is simple but classic. Moon Knight stakes out a gangland hit, watching … (Read More)

COVID-19 & The Monk: Temporary Changes to the Library

Friends and readers, by now you all have been affected in some way by the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic that is shutting down just about everything across the globe.

I hope and pray for everyone’s safety and health during this trying time.

As a religious worker, I have found that my time in ministry is even busier now than before; I had wrongfully assumed that I would have ample time during these shutdowns to focus on bringing the Library up to date with new articles, features and reviews.

Each of my days is spent tending to our seniors, taking the elderly to doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping, and trying to minimize other’s contact with the outside world. When I’m not doing that, I’m delivering meals to school children now at home who would otherwise go without their school-sponsored lunchtime. Unfortunately, since I am middle-aged myself with COPD and respiratory issues, … (Read More)

REVIEW: Moon Knight Cameo in Defenders #51 Still Crucial

(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 … (Read More)

REVIEW: Ablaze Premiere of QotBC #1 Has Highs and Lows

“By Crom! For the first time, Robert E. Howard’s Conan is brought to life uncensored! Discover the true Conan, unrestrained, violent, and sexual. Read the story as he intended! Pursued for killing a judge, Conan finds refuge on a merchant ship. But soon after setting sail, the Cimmerian and his new companions face a threat: the legendary Bêlit, self-proclaimed Queen of the Black Coast!  Bonus Material:  The original Robert E. Howard short story is included!”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Copyright. Public Domain. Cease & Desist. Not the words one would normally think to associate with a battle featuring Conan of Cimmeria and yet here we are. Now that the smoke has cleared, Ablaze is finally able to deliver translated versions of French Glénat’s Conan comics.

Let me see if I can sum it up succinctly. In Europe, most of Robert E. Howard’s works are in … (Read More)

REVIEW: The End of Scorpio as The Defenders Battle Zodiac

(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

I like to think that Moon Knight’s experience with The Defenders in this issue prepared the Fist of Khonshu for what would happen years down the road when he joins the West Coast Avengers. If one needed some kind of a “primer” for working with a team of super-powered individuals, fighting alongside the Defenders in their prime isn’t a bad place to start!

On another level, it would … (Read More)

REVIEW: D&D Meets The Hyborian Age in Conan #14

“THE DEADLY TRAP IS SPRUNG AS “INTO THE CRUCIBLE” CONTINUES! CONAN, equipped with only his strength and wits, must survive the deadly traps of the Great Crucible! With a cadre of contestants against him, and only a local boy named DELIAN to translate, can anyone or any THING be trusted?! Who is really playing who…? “

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Can we just get the negative out of the way first so I can enjoy waxing over what a fun comic this is? Do you mind? I absolutely loathe the standard cover for this issue. Understand, I am a E.M. Gist fan. His paintings, from classic Universal Monsters to Kolchak, Planet of the Apes, and more, all showcase brilliant work. But his Conan? Nope. Not working for me, even a little bit. Of course, my comic shop didn’t have the Tommy Lee Edwards variant cover, but … (Read More)