Midnight Man is a fictional character appearing in

American comic book An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'' ...

s published by

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...

. Anton Mogart appeared in the

Marvel Cinematic Universe The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appear in American comic books published by ...

series '' Moon Knight'' (2022), portrayed by

Gaspard Ulliel Gaspard Thomas Ulliel (; 25 November 198419 January 2022) was a French actor. He was known for having portrayed the young Hannibal Lecter in ''Hannibal Rising'' (2007), fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in the biopic '' Saint Laurent'' (2014 ...

Publication history

Midnight Man first appeared in '' Moon Knight'' #3 (January 1981), and was created by

Doug Moench Douglas Moench (; born February 23, 1948) is an American comic book writer notable for his ''Batman'' work and as the creator of Moon Knight, Deathlok, Black Mask, '' Electric Warrior'' and '' Six from Sirius''. He is also known for his critica ...

and

Bill Sienkiewicz Boleslav William Felix Robert Sienkiewicz ( ; born May 3, 1958) is an American artist known for his work in comic books—particularly for Marvel Comics' ''New Mutants'', '' Moon Knight,'' and '' Elektra: Assassin''. Sienkiewicz's work in the 198 ...

. The character subsequently appears in ''Moon Knight'' #9–10 (July–August 1981).

Fictional character biography

Early life

Nothing is known about Anton Mogart's past before he started stealing great works of art, jewels and such from locations all around the world, the thefts taking place promptly at midnight, which earned him the name Midnight Man. He lived in an opulent

New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware ...

mansion and stole these things simply to own them, not for the money.

Moon Knight

On the 22ed day of a theft spree in New York City, Mogart stole a rare Monet oil painting from the Ramadan Art Gallery. He was later stopped by Moon Knight and fell into the river and was presumed drowned. In actuality he was carried by the current to New York and the mouth of a drainage viaduct. There the wastes in the sewer melted his face leaving him deformed. Hiding in the sewers for three days he returned to his home to find the police had taken all his stolen goods. Blaming Moon Knight for this and his deformity, he vowed vengeance. Driven insane he lived in the sewers and started collecting trash instead of treasure. He worked with Raoul Bushman who lured Moon Knight into a flooding sewage chamber with Midnight Man in it. Moon Knight was able to chisel an escape route in the brick and Midnight Man was once again washed down a river.

Death

Later learning that he was dying from cancer, Mogart tracked down his illegitimate son Jeff Wilde. Mogart then taught Wilde his trade secrets, but begged him not to become a criminal. Mogart then challenged Moon Knight for one last time and apparently died as a result. After he died Wilde took the alias Midnight and tried to become the sidekick of Moon Knight, but instead ended up as a villain. Later after a battle with the Secret Empire,''Moon Knight'' (vol. 3) #19–21. Marvel Comics. Jeff Wilde was transformed into a cyborg by the Secret Empire's scientists. He went out on a killing spree to get Moon Knight's attention. Moon Knight beat Midnight Man in a brutal fight.

Powers and abilities

* Master Thief: Anton was an accomplished art thief, escaping from authorities across the globe. * Martial Artist: He was able to hold his own against Moon Knight in a fight.

Weapons

Midnight Man uses a handgun and a dagger, the latter of which is a part of his stolen art collection.

In other media

Anton Mogart appears in the

television series '' Moon Knight'' episode " The Friendly Type", portrayed by

, who died before the series was released, with the episode being dedicated in his memory. This version is an antiquities collector and an acquaintance of Layla El-Faouly's.

References

{{Moon Knight Characters created by Bill Sienkiewicz Characters created by Doug Moench Comics characters introduced in 1981 Fictional professional thieves Marvel Comics martial artists Marvel Comics supervillains