Moon Knight's three must-have runs are theMoench/Sienkiewicz (1980-1984)which defines the character, theEllis/Shalvey (2014)who reinvents it in six perfect numbers, and theLemire/Smallwood (2016)which explores his fractured psyche like never before.
Moon Knight is one of the most fascinating Marvel characters for discerning collectors. Since his first appearance in Werewolf by Night #32 (1975), Marc Spector — aka Steven Grant, aka Jake Lockley — has had runs of remarkable quality, supported by creators who knew how to exploit the complexity of his fragmented personality and his Egyptian mythology.
This ranking lists the best Moon Knight series to form a coherent collection. Each run brings a distinct take on the character, and the ratings for these issues have exploded since the Disney+ series. Here is our expert selection of the essential runs to own.
Top 1 — Doug Moench & Bill Sienkiewicz (Moon Knight #1-38, 1980-1984)
Screenwriter:Doug Moench |Designer:Bill Sienkiewicz |Numbers:#1-38
The founding run. Moench establishes the mythology of Marc Spector while Sienkiewicz develops an increasingly experimental graphic style as the issues progress. This is where Moon Knight goes from simple vigilante to psychologically complex character with her multiple identities.
Key numbers:#1 (first solo series, $80-250), #25 (first Black Spectre), #35-38 (Sienkiewicz's artistic peak). The complete series in good condition sells for between $400 and $1200 depending on the grade.
Top 2 — Warren Ellis & Declan Shalvey (Moon Knight vol.7 #1-6, 2014)
Screenwriter:Warren Ellis |Designer:Declan Shalvey |Numbers:#1-6
Six numbers. Six complete stories. A masterclass. Ellis reinvents Moon Knight as an ultra-violent spectral figure with an immaculate white costume that has become iconic. Each episode is a perfectly constructed standalone story, with Shalvey at the top of his game.
Key numbers:#1 (new iconic costume, $15-50), #5 (the raid of a building in a single sequential shot). The complete run #1-6 can be found between $60 and $150 in high quality.
Top 3 — Jeff Lemire & Greg Smallwood (Moon Knight vol.8 #1-14, 2016-2017)
Screenwriter:Jeff Lemire |Designer:Greg Smallwood |Numbers:#1-14
Lemire plunges the reader into the broken mind of Marc Spector with a story where reality and hallucination merge. Smallwood adapts its graphic style to each personality, creating a unique visual experience. The best treatment of mental illness in a mainstream comic.
Key numbers:#1 (launch of the series, $10-30), #5 (major revelation), #14 (conclusion). Full run: $50-120.
Top 4 — Charlie Huston & David Finch (Moon Knight vol.5 #1-13, 2006-2007)
Screenwriter:Charlie Huston |Designer:David Finch |Numbers:#1-13
A brutal and dark return after years of absence. Huston, a noir novelist, brings raw violence while Finch delivers hyper-detailed scenes. Moon Knight is at his lowest there — drugged, broken, rebuilt by Khonshu for bloody vengeance.
Key numbers:#1 (highly sought-after Finch variant, $10-40), #6 (confrontation with Bushman). Full run: $40-100.
Top 5 — Jed MacKay & Alessandro Cappuccio (Moon Knight vol.9 #1-30, 2021-2023)
Screenwriter:Jed MacKay |Designer:Alessandro Cappuccio |Numbers:#1-30
The definitive modern run. MacKay creates the Midnight Mission, a refuge for "night travelers", and develops a Moon Knight who protects his community. The worldbuilding is excellent and the relationship with Khonshu reaches a new maturity. Boosted by the Disney+ series.
Key numbers:#1 (multiple printings, $5-25), #3 (first Hunter's Moon), #25 (oversized). Full run: $80-200 in first prints.
Top 6 — Doug Moench & Bill Sienkiewicz (Marvel Spotlight #28-29 + Hulk Magazine, 1976-1980)
Screenwriter:Doug Moench |Designer:Bill Sienkiewicz / Don Perlin |Numbers:Marvel Spotlight #28-29, Hulk Magazine #11-15, 17-20
The origins before the ongoing series. The backup in Hulk Magazine offers a mature Moon Knight in black and white magazine format. These episodes lay the foundations — Marlene, Frenchie, multiple identities — and are essential for the completionist.
Key numbers:Marvel Spotlight #28 (solo debut, $40-150), Hulk Magazine #11 (extended story). Complete set: $100-350.
Top 7 — Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev (Moon Knight vol.6 #1-12, 2011-2012)
Screenwriter:Brian M. Bendis |Designer:Alex Maleev |Numbers:#1-12
A controversial but fascinating run: Moon Knight settles in Los Angeles and his multiple personalities take the form of Spider-Man, Wolverine and Captain America. Maleev brings a chilling visual realism. Divisive among fans, but a bold read and a good accessible entry point.
Key numbers:#1 (Maleev cover, $5-15). Complete run easily found: $20-50.
To delve deeper into the Moon Knight universe, consult our guides onMoon Knight key numbersand theeditorial history of the character.
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