4. Arguably the first superhero to suffer from a clearly defined mental illness, Moon Knight is one of the most unique and visually interesting comic book characters ever invented
First appearing in “Werewolf by Night #32”, Moon Knight was created in 1975 by Doug Moench and Don Perlin. A U.S. Marine turned mercenary, Marc Spector, left for dead at an archaeological dig in Egypt, is offered the chance by the moon god Khonshu to return to life as the deity’s avatar on Earth. Becoming the Moon Knight, Spector returns to the United States to dispense justice on behalf of his supernatural benefactor. Disguising himself with multiple alter egos, most commonly a taxi driver to blend into the background, as Moon Knight the character becomes a central figure in storylines ranging from Spider-Man to the X-Men.
Benefiting from being assigned to some of the most imaginative writers and artists at Marvel Comics, offering Moon Knight one of the most distinctive appearances of any superhero from any publisher, his storylines are among the most unique in the genre. With his powers altering depending on the phase of the Moon, as the lifestyle of a superhero begins to take its toll Spector gradually loses his grasp on reality. Unable to determine who he is anymore, Moon Knight is perhaps the first mentally ill superhero, suffering from disassociative identity disorder as well as becoming semi-addicted to pain.
