Moon Knight’s Scars Reveal Brutal Truth About Khonshu’s Resurrections

NEW YORK — In the latest issue of Marvel’s *Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu* #5, the titular hero’s scars take center stage, revealing a chilling truth about his relationship with his patron deity, Khonshu. Written by Jed MacKay and illustrated by Devmalya Pramanik, the comic explores the physical and emotional toll of Moon Knight’s resurrections, as well as the brutal philosophy behind Khonshu’s refusal to fully heal his servant.

As Marc Spector prepares for battle against New York‘s most dangerous drug dealer, he reflects on the scars that mark his body. Each one, Khonshu explains, is a lesson. “Every scar is a failure,” the god declares, emphasizing that these wounds serve as constant reminders of Moon Knight’s past defeats. Khonshu resurrects Spector after each death, but he leaves the scars intact to ensure his disciple learns from his mistakes and remains subservient.

This revelation underscores the complex and often toxic dynamic between Moon Knight and his deity. Khonshu, a god known for his madness and cruelty, demands absolute loyalty from his followers. While he grants Spector the power to fight as Moon Knight, he also ensures that the hero bears the physical and psychological weight of his failures. “He wants Marc to remember that he will only be allowed to live as Moon Knight,” the comic explains.

Moon Knight’s willingness to endure pain and sacrifice himself has long defined his character. Taskmaster, a recurring antagonist, once compared him to a bullet—willing to destroy himself in the process of taking down his enemies. This self-destructive tendency has made Moon Knight a formidable hero, but it has also left him scarred, both physically and mentally.

The comic also draws parallels between Moon Knight and other scarred heroes, such as Batman. However, unlike Batman, Moon Knight’s scars are not just the result of battles—they are also the remnants of deaths he has suffered and been resurrected from. Khonshu’s refusal to erase these marks serves as a stark reminder of the god’s harsh expectations and the price of serving him.

*Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu* #5 will be available on February 12, 2025, from Marvel Comics.