Beta Ray Bill
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“Ah, sweet pity. Where would my love life have been without it?” - Homer Simpson
At its core, ‘Beta Ray Bill’ is a book driven by pity.
Bill has lost so much throughout his life. His home planet of Korbin, destroyed by Surtur and his Fire Demons. The love of his family, taken away after his selection as the Korbinite champion. His chance of normality, after being cybernetically enhanced. His chance at peace, heroic adventures placing an irremovable target on his head. His ability to change back to his normal humanoid form, Thor having destroyed his hammer, Stormbreaker.
Forever the fighter, he has managed to gain a lot. But his gains are imperfect, and nearly always bittersweet. He’s gained a home in Asgard, but one where he will never truly belong. He’s deemed worthy to lead its eternal hordes, but will do so forever in Thor’s shadow. He’s gained the love and respect of Lady Sif, Asgard’s finest hope, but she recoils at the thought of physically loving his now-permanent horse-form.
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It’s a hard thing to come so far, succeed, and have your success not be enough. To remain unfulfilled. And to know that despite your pain, that you need to continue fighting - possibly endlessly - because the only other real choice is to just quit.
Readers may not be able to sympathise exactly with the painful situation of a horse-warrior in space, but anyone that reads ‘Beta Ray Bill’ is certain to be overcome with empathy and pity for his tragic plight.
As writer and artist, Daniel Warren Johnson has managed to create a fantastically cohesive work, one that readers will struggle to put down once they begin. His artistic style is distinct and inimitable. His scratchy linework can seem rushed on first viewing, like a first draft sketch, but on closer inspection there’s a phenomenal amount of detail and care present in every panel.
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He’s never afraid to devote a full or three-quarter page to a vital occurrence, with the book benefiting greatly from these instances. Others that are worthy of the same are at times cropped notably or presented far smaller than they deserve, and one feels that ‘Beta Ray Bill’ would be even better if it hadn’t had to adhere to the 24-ish pages of single comic issues.
There’s such an epic majesty to many of his largest images that they’d sell out immediately if printed as posters. Complimenting this significantly, the brevity of his dialogue allows readers to maintain a concise focus on the high energy plot, particularly as he’s ever-willing to show-not-tell with the story.
Tying off the first issue is an interview between Johnson and Beta Ray Bill creator, the legendary Walter Simonson. It’s a joyous bonus inclusion, and it’s clear from his insightful questions about Simonson’s art and creative process that Johnson cares greatly about the character. It seems like he’s wanting to learn and improve even further, a great humility given the quality of ‘Beta Ray Bill’. One hopes that Marvel already has him working on something new.
Want more of 2021’s greatest comics? Visit Amazon to purchase the full length ‘Best Comic Books of 2021’ book or eBook. It contains 45 detailed essays reviewing the year's best comic book titles.
After more comic book news and reviews? The Sea Shell mobile app is available worldwide as a free download on the App Store and the Play Store. Download it today.