As Moon Knight fans know, some shows and movies like to add little references to past works or the origins of their own stories throughout their runtimes. Maybe an old prop from a classic film will make its way into the background of a scene. Or, if somebody’s feeling bold, they might cast a famous actor in a cameo scene who shows up to deliver an extremely unsubtle callback to their catchphrase from another movie.
Then there’s Marvel Studios’ occasionally creepy Disney Plus series Moon Knight, which stuffed a whole entire comic book issue in its debut episode. No, that doesn’t mean the director found a copy of a comic book and tossed it onto an out-of-focus set for a laugh. There’s an actual, readable comic book hiding in plain sight that viewers can access in its entirety. The thing is, it’s the kind of Easter egg that wouldn’t have even worked a decade or so ago.
Discovered by Reddit user Goalless, a scene in the museum during the first episode of Moon Knight features a QR code that happens to be more than meets the eye. While QR codes leading to supplemental reading materials are commonplace in museums and similar establishments, this one is a bit more meta. Rather than linking to a museum map or an ad for an overpriced membership, this one actually allows viewers to access a full version of Werewolf By Night #32, which just so happens to be Moon Knight’s first comic book appearance. The code can be seen next to the sarcophagus that Oscar Isaac’s lovable Steven Grant points out to a little girl early in the episode, so get those phones out quick. (Or just check out the direct link here.)
Remember, however, that this is Marvel. So rather than simply adding a link to a random pdf file of the comic, they also included a promo code for a discount on their Marvel Unlimited digital comic book service. Sure, fans can simply read Werewolf By Night #32 and be done with it. But the company just had to tweak it into an advertisement. The QR code is one way to tell that this is a truly modern take on Easter eggs. But the fact that it’s a whole dang ad really brings things into the present. Hey, to be fair, it’s hard not to be impressed by their commitment to the hustle.
Moon Knight stars Isaac as the aforementioned Steven Grant, a seemingly unremarkable everyman who deals with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Unfortunately for him, while most people with DID only have to contend with different personalities, his disorder shoots a little higher thanks to a blessing/curse by the Egyptian Moon God, Khonshu. The poor museum worker is thrust into situations brought on by his other identities, forcing him to willingly give up control just to survive.
After only one episode, Moon Knight seems to have snagged the curiosity of many a viewer. So this little Easter egg is a great way to inspire new fans to check out the character’s history, even if the producer says viewers don’t need any previous MCU knowledge to enjoy the show. Sure, it might technically be an ad. But who among these tired masses wouldn’t take an opportunity to plug their wares to such a wide audience? Probably a lot of people, granted. But even so, at least Marvel is clever about it.
Moon Knight releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney Plus.
Source: Goalless/Reddit, Marvel
