Written by: Jed MacKay
Art by: Alessandro Cappuccio
Colors by: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover art by: Stephen Segovia, Rachelle Rosenberg
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: June 22, 2022

Moon Knight #12 forces Marc Spector and Tigra through a tunnel of death to make it back to NYC in time before Zodiac enacts his place to kill everyone.

Was It Good?

Moon Knight #12 is what you would call a “let down” or a “failure to stick the landing.” Whatever turn of phrase you choose, the net result is an ending to the current conflict against Zodiac where you’re likely to say, “That’s it?”

Let’s start with the positives. Cappuccio’s art is gorgeous in this issue. When last we left Moon Knight, he struck a deal with Khonshu to give him a “shortcut” back to NYC in time to stop Zodiac. We pick up with MK and Tigra racing through a netherworld inhabited by the souls of former Moon Knights who aren’t too happy about having their rest disturbed. The chase scene is high-energy and full of white-knuckled urgency, and the art team shows off plenty of creative gumption in imagining an in-between dimension ruled by Khonshu.

As far s the writing goes, the pacing is excellent, the dialog feels natural, especially when a different MK personality emerges, and the action is well-designed for how the final battle plays out. In isolation, as an action setpiece, this is a fine issue.

Where the issue falters is in the conclusion against Zodiac. Of course, the hero saves the day, but Zodiac’s personal defeat is too easy, and we get no information about Zodiac’s motivations. What’s missing is the Scooby-Doo moment where we find out Zodiac’s true nature and his grand plan. It’s as unsatisfying a victory as you can get because you get nothing other than the good guy defeating the bad guy. After a 12-issue arc and nearly a year of wondering, to end on such a weak note is inexcusable.

Final Thoughts:

Moon Knight #12 ends the year-long arc and conflict against Zodiac with great art, great dialog, and plenty of urgency to race readers to the final battle. However, the main villain is defeated too easily, and nothing is revealed about his plan or motivations for a completely dissatisfying ending. This issue was supposed to be the big payoff, but all you get is a few pennies and pocket lint.

6/10