When Marc Spector was given a second chance at life thanks to the moon god Khonshu, he became his eternally indebted servant as Moon Knight, but their relationship has become anything but positive over the years. Because of this, it's no surprise that Spector shed the presence of the Egyptian god when he finally got the chance, but the result of their separation was truly shocking.
Marvel's depiction of Moon Knight's relationship with Khonshu has varied over the years, with the ancient god suggested as everything from ally to abuser to a symptom of mental illness. However, what remains true is that he sees Marc Spector as a vessel of his will - one in a long and ancient line of Moon Knights who have served the god since humanity first worshiped the moon. Marc may have been given a second chance at life by Khonshu, but it is a life lived as the fist of a cruel and vengeful god.
In Moon Knight: Black, White and Blood #2's 'The Empty Tomb,'' by Benjamin Percy and Vanesa R. Del Rey, Marc Spector is desperate to rid himself of Khonshu for good, no matter what the consequences. Tired of the torture of Khonshu in his mind, constantly talking in Marc's head and using him to do his Godly bidding, he reaches out to Doctor Strange for a way to expel the Moon god for good. Despite warnings from Strange that following through with his plan might leave him as nothing more than a husk, Marc uses a mystic scarab to break his bond with Khonshu. As it turns out, the result is worse than even Strange could have predicted: Spector is left hospitalized in a catatonic state, unable to move or even speak coherently. Despite this, Marc is pleased with the result, happy to finally "enjoy the quiet."
The lengths that Marc went to in order to part with Khonshu, and the results, show just how devastating their deal has been for the Moon God's avatar. Despite knowing the risks, he chooses to go through with separating from Khonshu for good. Marc even admits that the decision is somewhat selfish, noting that his suffering has greatly lessened the suffering of others, and that he would have died a long time ago if not for Khonshu's interference. Even so, Marc has been so fully broken and abused by Khonshu he sees no other option. His conversation with Strange is especially heart-breaking. As he tells the sorcerer his plan, Stephen looks in his tired, bloodshot eyes and knows he can't be talked out of it.
In the end, Marc's decision to rid himself of Khonshu despite the devastating cost is one that all too many people can relate to. While this fictionalized world shows a man dealing with the despicable whims of a god, at its roots, it shows someone being broken by a serial abuser. Marvel giving fans a glimpse into this harrowing decision shows the toll it can take to lose one's sense of independence and agency, and how at his core, Marc Spector is willing to sacrifice everything but that freedom to finally end his career as the Moon Knight.
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