Phase 1: The Early Years

Werewolf by Night

Issues 32, 33, 37 (Aug., Sep. 1975, Mar. 1976): Introduced during Doug Moench's term as writer for this series, MK was brought in as a "villain" for the main character in a two-part story. His look was provided by artist Don Perlin. In #37, it's technically not really MK in this, which explains why it was not included in collections such as Essential Moon Knight Volume 1 or Moon Knight Omnibus Volume 1. [Issue 32 was reprinted in Sep. 2021 as a facsimile edition, but both #32 & 33 were reprinted in issue 20 of the 2006 Moon Knight series, making that the better buy.]

When Doug introduced the Moon Knight, he was simply Mark [later changed to Marc] Spector, soldier-of-fortune, and was "given" his Moon Knight persona and costume by "the Committee," who hired him because of his impressive background: marine commando for 8 years ("prior to beating a lieutenant within an inch of his life"); prizefighter; weapons expert; practitioner of all martial arts; former CIA agent; mercenary (veteran of 3 African wars & 5 South American revolutions). He is rarely shown without the costume on, and when he is, it is only as a shadowy figure. Frenchie, whose appearance is shown, provides backup and air support.

Marvel Spotlight

Issues 28, 29 (Jun., Aug. 1976): With Moench writing and Perlin still providing the art, we are introduced to the Steven Grant and Jake Lockley personalities (and finally given a face for the hero), as well as supporting players Gena [who originally had a little girl in addition to her two boys!], Crawley, Samuel [later changed to Samuels], and the ever-important Marlene Fontaine [later changed to Alraune]. (Frenchie had already been introduced in WBN.)

The Defenders

Issues 47-51 (May-Sep. 1977): Written this time by David Kraft (John Warner in #47), MK fights alongside the Defenders without actually joining them (although all Defenders were officially non-members of a non-team anyway). At this point, the team was made up of the incredible Hulk, the high-flying Nighthawk, the vibrant Valkyrie, and the happy-go-lucky Hellcat (and no, I did not come up with those prefixes!). MK is called "Mooney" by Hellcat.
 
Though it's not Doug's writing, it offered early fans five months of the character's exploits and portrayed him in a positive light. In my opinion, it should have been included in Essential Moon Knight Volume 1 (the way it was included in Moon Knight Omnibus Volume 1).

Marvel Treasury Edition

Issue 16 (1977): Reprints previous stories from The Defenders, none of which have MK in them. He only appears on a pin-up page, shown fighting alongside the team.

Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man

Issues 22, 23 (Sep., Oct. 1978): Bill Mantlo wrote this two-parter, which features MK's first encounter with the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

​Another opportunity to hype up interest in the character before giving him his own spot. Important in that it shows how "White-Eyes" met Spidey, whom he will encounter many times in his crime-fighting career.

The HULK!

Issues 11-15, 17, 18, 20 (Oct. 1978 - Apr. 1980): All written by Moench, these tales (except the two-parter in #11-12) are reprinted in Moon Knight Special Editions 1-3. These back stories are separate from the Hulk's main feature section, with MK as the main character, and only once does he cross paths with the jolly green giant. Not counted as an appearance, but in issue 10 Moon Knight is shown in an ad at the back that announces his being added to the magazine starting with the next issue.

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Essential reading for Moon Knight fans! Some fantastic work here, but operates under the premise that MK has heightened abilities stemming from his encounter with the Jack Russell werewolf (NOT Khonshu, who hasn't yet been added to his backstory). Not to be missed is the dramatic encounter with the Hatchet-Man, Marc's very own brother, Randall Spector, who puts Marlene in intensive care and very nearly kills her! (And who will turn up time and again to plague Marc.)

Marvel Two-in-One: The Thing and Moon Knight

Issue 52 (Jun. 1979): Written by Steven Grant (no foolin'!), the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing fights alongside MK ("Mooney" to the Thing), and we learn that Spector trained under William Cross (now the criminal known as "Crossfire") in the CIA and was taught by him how to resist torture and brainwashing techniques.

Marvel Preview

Issue 21 (Mar. 1980): Just prior to leaving his spot in The Hulk! and getting his own series, MK is given a hard-hitting suspense story guaranteed to earn him his own title. Written by Moench, naturally! Learn all about why Spector left the CIA (referred to in this simply as either "the company" or "the agency") after only two years. [Reprinted in Moon Knight Special Edition #3.] One of my personal favorites. There is also a Shroud tale at the back of this issue (written by Mark Gruenwald and Steven Grant), which is naturally not included in Moon Knight-dedicated reprints.

Captain America

Issue 245 (May 1980): Written by Roger McKenzie, this story features (as described in "The Many Phases of Moon Knight" at the back of Moon Knight Vol. 1 #18) "a humorous cameo . . . in which cabbie Jake Lockley gave the Cap an off-the-meter lift into Brooklyn." The Jake Lockley persona has a small appearance in the beginning but does not really play a role in the story. Your call as to whether or not you think it's worth buying; whereas it is not a "Moon Knight" appearance, it shows one of the character's personas interacting with another hero outside of his own series, out there in the Marvel universe. For me, any appearance from his "early years" is of particular interest. It is also surprising to have a non-MK appearance at a time (before his first series begins) when not many people are probably even aware of his alternate identities. (Although it is odd seeing Jake eating at Slim's Diner instead of Gena's, his usual hangout!)