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Characters & first appearances

What is the first appearance of Moon Knight?

Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Short answerMoon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32, cover-dated August 1975, created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin as a silver-clad mercenary hired to capture the werewolf Jack Russell. He returned in #33, was given his own backup and try-out stories, and starred in Moon Knight #1 in November 1980 with Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz.

Werewolf by Night #32

The issue is a two-parter with #33: the Committee hires Marc Spector to bring in the werewolf, and the silver costume and crescent darts are explained by the target. Moench's Moon Knight was an antagonist first; the Egyptian god Khonshu, the multiple identities and the rest were built in Marvel Spotlight #28–29 (1976) and the 1980 series.

Collecting

Werewolf by Night #32 was a mid-tier Bronze Age key for decades and moved into the top tier with the 2022 series. It contains a Marvel Value Stamp; check that it is intact. A CGC 7.5 is in the store.

  • Werewolf by Night #33 (September 1975) — second appearance, concluding the story.
  • Marvel Spotlight #28 (June 1976) — first solo story.
  • Moon Knight #1 (November 1980) — first issue of his own title; origin.

See the Moon Knight character page and Bronze Age horror revival.

Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.

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Marvel Comics · Bronze Age

Werewolf by Night #32

CGC 7.5 · Universal Blue

First appearance of Moon Knight

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$1,449.49
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