The character debuted in "Werewolf by Night" #32 (August 1975), written by Doug Moench with art by Don Perlin, as a villain hired by the Committee to capture the title character for them in a two-part story continuing in #33. He finds out that the Committee wanted to use the Werewolf as a weapon and helps the Werewolf escape, briefly fighting alongside him. Moon Knight later returned in the form of a demonic apparition taking on his appearance in #37 (March 1976) to battle the Werewolf once again. Editors Marv Wolfman and Len Wein liked the character, prompting them to grant him a solo spot in "Marvel Spotlight" #28–29 (June/August 1976), again written by Doug Moench with art by Don Perlin. The story, along with the Bill Mantlo-penned "Spectacular Spider-Man" #22 and #23 (September/October 1978), recast Moon Knight as a hero and his villainous first appearance as a cover to infiltrate the Committee. Subsequent appearances came in "Marvel Two-in-One" #52, written by Steven Grant with art by Jim Craig and "The Defenders" #47–51, which had him briefly join the Defenders during their war against the Zodiac Cartel.