Moon Knight’s Arch Nemesis: Unraveling the Fierce Rivalry

One of the most enduring villains in the Moon Knight series is Raoul Bushman. The mercenary and former partner of Marc Spector (Moon Knight) has been a significant adversary throughout the comic book saga. Their intense and often psychological battles reflect the darker aspects of Marc's past as a mercenary. This article explores the story, significance, and rivalry between Moon Knight and his arch nemesis, Raoul Bushman, as well as the emergence of a new threat, Subject 86.

The Birth of Raoul Bushman

The Moment of Turning Point

The 1980 issue #1 of Moon Knight marked a pivotal moment in Marc Spector’s life when he saw the true nature of his partner in crime. Bushman's sadistic behavior and his willingness to use any means, including his sharp teeth, to achieve his goals, led Marc to try and stop him. However, it was not an easy task. Bushman quickly overpowered Marc, knocking him unconscious, and ordered his henchmen to abandon him in the desert. This tragic event resulted in Marc being found by Egyptian citizens and nursed back to health in Khonshu’s temple. Here, he experienced a profound vision, where the God of Vengeance, Khonshu, chose him as his avatar.

The 2006 issue #2 of Moon Knight highlights the deep-rooted hatred Moon Knight feels towards Bushman. This battle is more than just a physical confrontation; it represents Moon Knight’s struggle with his identity and the moral complexities of his role as an avenger. The 2006 series, particularly issue #4, further emphasizes the significant impact of Bushman on Marc's life. Moon Knight views Khonshu as having Bushman's appearance, symbolizing the thin line between them—both beings are representations of vengeance and justice.

The Thinning Line Between Good and Evil

Moon Knight’s conflict with Bushman delves deep into the existential journey of the avatar of Khonshu. Marc not only sees the world through the lens of vengeance but also grapples with the fear and hatred towards Bushman. This duality is summarized in the 2006 issue #4, where Marc's vision of Khonshu and Bushman highlights his internal conflict. Both beings are manifestations of the conflicting aspects of justice, and the line between them is indeed very thin. Marc admits to blaming both Khonshu and Bushman for his current state of existence.

The Emergence of a New Threat: Subject 86

The Asylum Encounter

The 2016 issues, particularly issue #188, introduce a new character, Subject 86, a patient in the same asylum as Marc. Initially, his psychiatrist thought it would be a good idea to expose Subject 86 to Egyptian mythology, which seemed to be working favorably. However, the nature of these new insights actually exacerbated his condition, as if the cure had worsened the disease. Subject 86's journey reveals that he is the avatar of Amon Ra, Khonshu's father, making him a polar opposite to Moon Knight.

Issues #190, #191, and #192 further develop the conflict between Moon Knight and Subject 86. Subject 86 is not just a threat to Marc's loved ones but also to Moon Knight himself and everything Moon Knight stands for. This new villain represents the most fundamental challenge Moon Knight must face, as he embodies the very essence of the moon, which is directly opposed to the sun (Amon Ra).

Issue #193 concludes by stating that both Bushman and Subject 86 are forces that Moon Knight must confront, either individually or as a combined threat. The comparison and contrast between these two adversaries highlight their unique positions in the grand narrative of Moon Knight's story, making them both essential elements in understanding the deep complexities of his character and his ongoing struggle.

Conclusion

From Bushman to Subject 86, the stories of Moon Knight and his arch-nemeses paint a vivid picture of moral debt and cosmic conflict. These characters not only challenge Moon Knight's physical and psychological endurance but also force him to confront the very essence of what he stands for. The rivalry with Bushman and the emergence of Subject 86 underscore the enduring appeal of the Moon Knight series, as they continue to explore themes of identity, morality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.