Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Battlefield 6 Classes - Support trailer image

    Battlefield 6 Really Wants You To Play Support (But Knows You Won’t)

    07/31/2025
    Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Reveal promotional image

    Battlefield 6 Classes, Maps, And More: Everything You Need To Know

    07/31/2025
    A glimpse at all the upcoming Star Wars stories coming to the galaxy

    Star Wars Stories: What We Learned At SDCC 2025

    07/25/2025
    Blindspot episode still

    It’s been 5 years since ‘Blindspot’ ended. Why haven’t you watched it yet?

    07/24/2025
    Strange Scaffold

    Strange Scaffold Summer Showcase Delivers Bizarre And Brilliant Games

    07/22/2025
  • Fantasia Festival
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
But Why Tho?
Home » Marvel Comics » REVIEW: ‘Beta Ray Bill,’ Issue #1

REVIEW: ‘Beta Ray Bill,’ Issue #1

Charles HartfordBy Charles Hartford04/03/20213 Mins ReadUpdated:04/30/2021
Beta Ray Bill #1 - But Why Tho?
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Beta Ray Bill #1 - But Why Tho?
Beta Ray Bill #1 is published by Marvel Comics, with writing and art by Daniel Warren Johnson, colors by Mike Spicer, and letters by Joe Sabino and Daniel Warren Johnson. The King in Black’s interstellar rampage has arrived on Asgard. Though Thor is currently on Earth, Beta Ray Bill prepares the defense of the realm eternal. But all is not right in the hero’s mind.

Self-worth is a complicated concept. We can be fully aware of all that we are, all that we have accomplished, and all the things we yet plan to do, while still managing to see ourselves as unworthy of what is rightfully ours. Somehow, we can see past all the good and spot that one aspect of ourselves we don’t like and make it the only thing that matters. It is a frustrating and agonizing situation to be in. And it seems Asgard’s resident Korbinite knows the feeling all too well. 

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Beta Ray Bill #1 begins with Asgard coming under siege by Knull’s forces, led by the magical dragon Fin Fang Foom. Deprived of his favored weapon Stormbreaker, which was previously destroyed by Thor, Bill has his hands full with the oversized enemy. But despite his disadvantage, Bill doesn’t give up. Though it isn’t till Thor’s return that Agard’s safety is assured and Bill’s efforts are quickly forgotten.

Even before Bill is lost in Thor’s shadow, it is clear that his heart is deep in turmoil. Losing Stormbreaker not only diminished his abilities in battle but also deprived him of the ability to transform back to his natural state. And this perhaps is Bill’s biggest struggle. 

I’ll be honest. When I learned Beta Ray Bill #1 was coming, I didn’t expect it to be the start of a story about self-image and our struggles with how we value ourselves. But it’s what I got. And I’m thoroughly intrigued by where Johnson’s story will go from here. 

Having only ever seen Bill in the hammer-swinging, proud warrior ready to take on the universe mode, this much more somber tale is a new look for him. And it is exactly because of his usual demeanor that it hits so well. Even one such as Bill can struggle with his sense of self. Despite all he has accomplished. 

Johnson’s art in Beta Ray Bill #1 does an excellent job of bringing his story to life. The action hits hard, and the drama hits harder. As Bill struggles through this issue, Johnson’s art delivers every beat with clarity and emotion. 

The colorwork by Spicer further brings out the story’s energy. This is especially true during the opening battle sequence. Spicer’s use of dramatic lighting does a great job of bringing out the danger of the moments here. 

Delivering the final touches to this book are the letters. The lettering goes all out with the sound effects throughout the opening battle. The style, size, and placement of these sounds drive the action perfectly. Their heightened effect pushes these moments over the top, allowing the reader to almost feel the hits. 

When all is said and done, Beta Ray Bill #1 delivers an excellent, well-rounded beginning. This unexpected take on a classic character has me thoroughly intrigued to see where it takes its star next. 

Beta Ray Bill #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.

Beta Ray Bill #1
4.5

TL;DR

When all is said and done, Beta Ray Bill #1 delivers an excellent, well-rounded beginning. This unexpected take on a classic character has me thoroughly intrigued to see where it takes its star next. 

  • Buy via ComiXology

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘DARQ: Complete Edition’ Delivers Dreamlike Psychological Horror (Switch)
Next Article REVIEW: ‘King in Black: The Return of the Valkyries,’ Issue #4
Charles Hartford
  • X (Twitter)

Lifelong geek who enjoys comics, video games, movies, reading and board games . Over the past year I’ve taken a more active interest in artistic pursuits including digital painting, and now writing. I look forward to growing as a writer and bettering my craft in my time here!

Related Posts

Cover art for Ultimates Issue 14

REVIEW: ‘Ultimates’ Issue 14

07/30/2025
Cover art for Uncanny X-Men Issue 18

REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 18

07/23/2025
Cover of Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe’ Issue 1

07/16/2025
Cover of Imperial Issue 2

REVIEW: ‘Imperial’ Issue 2

07/16/2025
Fantastic Four Issue 1 (2025) cover

REVIEW: ‘Fantastic Four’ Issue 1

07/09/2025
Ultimate Spider-Man Incursion Issue 2 cover

REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion’ Issue 2

07/09/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Wildgate promotional key art
9.0
PC

REVIEW: ‘Wildgate’ Is Co-Op Space Mayhem Done Right

By Adrian Ruiz07/25/2025Updated:07/30/2025

Built for friends and tuned for competition, Wildgate is messy in the best way: smart, surprising, and bursting with room to grow.

Glass Heart
7.0
TV

REVIEW: ‘Glass Heart’ Offers Messy, Musical Catharsis

By Allyson Johnson07/22/2025

The musical drama series ‘Glass Heart’ soars when it focuses on the epic performances of it’s fictional band, TENBLANK.

Simon in An Honest Life But Why Tho
3.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘An Honest Life’ Is Terribly Dishonest About Its Own Politics

By Jason Flatt08/02/2025

An Honest Life is an overly severe misfire about a law student who falls in with anarchist burglars that can’t decide who it resents more.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here