Werewolf by Night #33
Published and © by Marvel, September 1975
Title: “Wolf-Beast vs. Moon Knight”
Synopsis: Following a brutal battle, the mercenary Moon Knight delivers the werewolf to the Committee – then has a change of heart.
Writer: Doug Moench
Artists: Don Perlin with Howard Perlin
Review: Moon Knight’s second appearance is pretty much a rerun of his debut (see review of Werewolf by Night #32), featuring an overview of the characters abilities and gadgets by way of an extended fight scene with the werewolf. The only real change is the hero-or-heel question, with the new character shifting allegiances (so much for any mercenary code of honor!) That was likely writer Doug Moench’s plan all along, but it seems a little moot given the moral murk of this brutal book; no one can really lay claim to being a hero in Werewolf by Night.
Grade: C+
Cool factor: Moon Knight is still a raw concept in this outing, but his potential coolness is undeniable.
Not-so-cool factor: The representation of Haitians and voodoo have not aged well.
Notable: The “Weremail by Night!” letters page includes an LoC from future Eclipse publisher Dean Mullaney.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there a 9p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “You guys dragged me into this werewolf deal because you said it would be good for the economy –!” – Hicks, a generic bad guy who just might be echoing Marvel’s publishing strategy from this era
Editor’s note: This review was written March 31, 2022.
