Yesterday was new comic book day. What’d everyone get? What’d you like? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.
There’s a lot of emotion wrapped up in Daniel Warren Johnson’s new Beta Ray Billmini-series. In fact, it’s what stands out despite a giant set-piece fight in Asgard against a Fin Fang Foom bearing the mark of the King in Black. What’s at the heart of this comic is a very aesthetically charged look at beauty and self-worth, one that takes place amidst perfectly chiseled Vikings and Norse gods.
Beta Ray Bill #1 is basically a character study of the titular Korbinite (whose origin story sees the character transformed into the cybernetic creature he is today after the destruction of the Burning Galaxy by the hands of Surtur). Set within the events of The King in Black, Beta Ray Bill is tasked with protecting Asgard as its Master of War, wielding every weapon available to him except Stormbreaker, his iconic hammer. Thor broke Stormbreaker during a disagreement with Bill.
The story is adamant on getting to Bill’s insecurities and frustrations quick. Without spoiling much, his battle with Foom doesn’t go all that well and he’s upstaged by Thor. Bill thinks he’s at a disadvantage in these cosmic battles given Stormbreaker isn’t available to him, which makes him feel somewhat unprepared, inadequate even, to uphold the title given to him by Thor.
Daniel Warren Johnson, who also scripted the comic, portrays Bill like an exposed nerve, a powerful being that—regardless of being considered one of the strongest heroes in the galaxy—is still destined to lead the life of an outsider based on the way he looks. Johnson takes full advantage of this characterization to set him almost completely apart from the Asgardians, all of which are gloriously sculpted to physically embody the very concept godhood. Bill, on the other hand, looks uncomfortable in his own skin, self-aware. The comic points to making this type of self-perception the crux of its narrative, seemingly with the intent to challenge it.
Along with Mike Spicer on colors, Johnson’s art is outstanding. The energy he brings to all his stories have a deeply metal feel to it, almost as if you could hear Iron Maiden or Dio blasting in the background as the story unfolds. Beta Ray Bill is no exception. If anything, the book forms a certain kinship with another of Johnson’s books: Murder Falcon.
Beta Ray Bill #1
In Murder Falcon, heavy metal and giant monsters clash in a story that’s also about the emotional composition of a person’s sense of self, about how people feel in terms of regret, time, and death. That story’s approach to raw emotion seems to carry over somewhat to Beta Ray Bill, as does its contemplation on relationships and how they can be both restorative and destructive. For Bill, this aspect comes up with through his relationship with Lady Sif.
This is where the comic finds its most heart-wrenching moments. The degree of honesty behind them result in a series of emotionally harrowing sequences that make Bill questions his feelings as to his place in Asgard, among those he’s either befriended or expressed a more intimate kind of love to. By the end of my first read of this first issue, I felt my heart give a heavy pound or two as certain intimate things came to the fore. It’s a testament to how well-crafted Johnson’s script is and how good he is at capturing emotions in his comics.
Beta Ray Bill #1 is primed to be an emotional adventure with a mind to keep things cosmic both inside and outside its main character. To say that it’s exceptionally illustrated and colored is to state the obvious. Johnson and Spicer are a formidable storytelling team and if there’s one guarantee in all this is that the comic’s visuals will settle for nothing less than unforgettable. While that is special in itself, it’s the story’s heart where new narrative possibilities spring forth to entice readers. Expect this journey to tap into your entire emotional spectrum and remember to take your time enjoying each panel. Wondrous things abound in every one of them.
Script/Art by Daniel Warren Johnson Colors by Mike Spicer Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy and keep a box of Kleenex close by.
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Wednesdays (and now Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Avengers: Curse of the Man-Thing #1 (Marvel) – Writer Steve Orlando takes Man-Thing through a journey in this mini-series celebrating the character.
Beta Ray Bill #1 (Marvel) – Can Beta Ray Bill finally get the spotlight he deserves?
Crossover #5 (Image Comics) – The series has gone back and forth across line of being a bit too self-referential and inside jokes but it’s a hell of a concept and it’s interesting to see what else the team folds in.
Nuclear Family #2 (AfterShock) – The first issue was intriguing and left us in the middle of a bombed-out American town. What is going on!?
The Other History of the DC Universe #3 (DC Comics) – The series has been impressive at how honest it’s been with each issue. This one takes on Katana during the 80s!
Power Rangers Unlimited: Heir to Darkness #1 (BOOM! Studios) – The popular villain Astronema gets the spotlight as her origin is revealed.
Shadecraft #1 (Image Comics) – Zadie Lu is convinced that the shadows are trying to kill her and something weird is going on in her small town.
Silk #1 (Marvel) – A character that always deserved to be a bigger deal than she was, we’ll see if this miniseries is finally the one to put her over the top and cement A-status.
Two Moons #2 (Image Comics) – This horror series set during the Civil War had a solid debut and we want to see where it goes from there.
Witchblood #1 (Vault Comics) – A modern story of a witch cruising the Southwest as a gang of biker vampires wants the source of her coven’s power.
Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land #2 (Dark Horse) – The first issue had a fun pulp sense about it and we’re hoping for more of that.
(W) Daniel Warren Johnson (A/CA) Daniel Warren Johnson Rated T+ In Shops: Mar 31, 2021 SRP: $4.99
FROM THE PAGES OF DONNY CATES’ THOR AND SPINNING OUT OF THE EVENTS OF KING IN BLACK! The second-most famous wielder of Mjolnir. The right-hand man to the god of Thunder. And now, a warrior without his best weapon. Beta Ray Bill is tired of playing second fiddle to Thor – and with Bill’s famous hammer, Stormbreaker, recently destroyed at the new All-Father’s hands, tensions are higher than ever. The Korbinite must strike out in search of a new weapon…and a new destiny. Assuming he can first defeat a Knullified Fin Fang Foom! Writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Murder Falcon) and colorist Mike Spicer take Beta Ray Bill on a journey beyond the shadow of a god! Plus: This oversize first issue contains an exclusive conversation between Johnson and Beta Ray Bill’s creator, the legendary Walter Simonson!
Earlier this month, KING IN BLACK #1 hit stands, and fans finally saw masterminds Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman plunge the Marvel Universe into darkness with the long-dreaded arrival of Knull. With four issues left and multiple exciting tie-in issues, things are just getting started. It’s all leading up to the final showdown in KING IN BLACK #5, which will bring this epic event to a close. Be there when the very fate of all symbiotes is decided, and the future of the saga of Venom is revealed. Check out the haunting cover by Ryan Stegman below and ask yourself: what is a god to a non-believer?
Also out in March will be essential one-shots starring some of your favorite Marvel heroes. Spidey is in for the fight of his life when the city around him erupts into chaos under Knull’s influence. Find out if he has what it takes to turn the tide in the action-packed KING IN BLACK: SPIDER-MAN by writer Jed MacKay and artist Michele Bandini. The war for Hell’s throne meets the war against the God of Symbiotes when Johnny Blaze gets caught in the madness of King in Black in KING IN BLACK: GHOST RIDER by writer Ed Brisson and artist Juan Frigeri. Scream makes her highly-anticipated return in KING IN BLACK: SCREAM by writer Clay McLeod Chapman and artist Garry Brown. Will her return be short-lived or does she hold the key to putting a dent in Knull’s symbiotic armor? And newlywed Young Avengers Wiccan and Hulkling’s honeymoon is taken over by symbiotes in KING IN BLACK: HULKLING AND WICCAN by writer Tini Howard and artist Luciano Vecchio. Also spinning out of KING BLACK, everyone’s favorite Korbinite finds a new destiny in BETA RAY BILL, a new series written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson.
Don’t miss the pulse-pounding final chapters of KING IN BLACK when they arrive this March.
KING IN BLACK #5 (OF 5)
Written by DONNY CATES Art and Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
KING IN BLACK: GHOST RIDER #1
Written by ED BRISSON Art by JUAN FRIGERI Cover by WILL SLINEY
KING IN BLACK: SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by JED MACKAY Art by MICHELE BANDINI Cover by CARLOS GOMEZ
KING IN BLACK: SCREAM #1
Written by CLAY MCLEOD CHAPMAN Art by GARRY BROWN Cover by INKHYUK LEE
KING IN BLACK: WICCAN AND HULKLING #1
Written by TINI HOWARD Art by LUCIANO VECCHIO Cover by JIM CHEUNG
BETA RAY BILL #1 (OF 5)
Written by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON Art and Cover by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON
Beta Ray Bill recently made a thunderous appearance in the pages of Donny Cates and Nic Klein’s epic run on Thor. Now, the former Mjolnir wielder will get a brand-new limited series written and drawn by superstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson! Beta Ray Bill will begin a new saga for the worthy alien hero, spinning directly out of the events of Thor and King in Black.
Beta Ray Bill is tired of playing second fiddle to Thor – and with Beta Ray’s famous hammer, Stormbreaker, recently destroyed at the new All-Father’s hands, tensions are higher than ever. The mighty Korbinite must strike out in search of a new weapon…and a new destiny. Assuming he can first defeat a Knullified Fin Fang Foom! Joined by colorist Mike Spicer, Daniel Warren Johnson will take Beta Ray Bill on a journey beyond the shadow of a god!
The special oversized debut issue also contains an exclusive conversation between Johnson and Beta Ray Bill’s creator, the legendary Walter Simonson! Don’t miss this exciting new era for one of comic book’s most beloved warriors when Beta Ray Bill #1 hits stands this March!
We’ve been in the Endgame now since late April, and Marvel Legends is keeping us there with a pretty dynamic new assortment. Hasbro provided us this assortment free and for the purposes of our review, so we’d like to thank them. It’s a good group, kids. Let’s get into it.
This assortment is divided between some film-specific versions of characters and characters/versions drawn from the comics. It’s a good balance and the overall assortment is of very high quality. We’ll go comics first, and we’ve got to start with one of the most obscure figures ever produced for the line.
Rock Python: I can’t even begin to describe how delighted I am that this guy even exists. If you didn’t know, Rock Python is a villain, a member of the Serpent Society. The Society has been a running undercurrent in assortments for a few years now; in addition to the hard-to-find Viper/Madame Hydra from the 2012 Arnim Zola wave, we’ve had Constrictor (Terrax, 2012), Cottonmouth (Red Onslaught, 2016), Eel (Abomination, 2016), and King Kobra (Thanos, 2018). That’s a pretty good stealth build-up of a team that’s had a long history and a large roster. Rock Python is just a great addition because he’s got colors that you don’t necessarily see in a lot of costumes and that funky head. The sculpting is solid, especially on that unique head. I’ve always loved seeing lower-level villains, and I’m partially just in love with this one because it’s a crazy selection. It gives me hope that we’ll see more Society members like Sidewinder or Anaconda, because I love the low-key commitment to this team. Great choice.
Union Jack: While the last Union Jack was a decent figure, it was made as part of the hard-to-find Target Exclusive Red Hulk wave of 2008; I’d venture to say that a lot of people missed it (by the way, Hasbro, can we get a new Spiral next? Thanks). THIS Union Jack is very well-done. The body type is good, and the accessories are on-model for the character (Revolver? Check. Knife? Check.) The belt holds the accessories, and the paint job is great. I’m choosing to display the original with my “Invaders” group, while I’m putting this one with his fellow Knight of Pendragon, Captain Britain, and the other members to date (modern Blade, Black Knight) of MI:13.
Loki: This is the Loki that I’ve wanted for years. A comic-accurate first appearance-ish Loki. THIS is how I first encountered the character in comics and in animation. And they NAILED IT. I love this figure. The face, the attitude, the horns, the hair. This is exactly that Loki. Great sword, too. I also like that the collar is an independent piece; the scale-paint is well-handled as well. For longtime fans, this is a must-get. He’s got a home on my shelf with the “first appearance” Avengers. It’s so good, gang.
Beta Ray Bill: Beta
Ray Bill has been rendered in a couple of worthy versions before. The Toy Biz
figure from way back was really good for the time. The Simonson-esque take from
the MODOK BAF wave from 2006 (also Toy Biz) is pretty good, too. The new figure
is a modern take along the lines of the character’s representation from Annihilators, and it’s damn good. Let’s
start with Stormbreaker; it’s a pretty perfect take on the comic version. For
BRB himself, he’s appropriately tall and powerful-looking. The face sculpt,
which is crucial for a character like this, is dead-on. The cape and shoulder
elements are strong, which also serve as a reminder of Hasbro is doing consistently,
and that’s paying attention to the details. They could have painted on Loki’s
collar or ignored the straps on Bill that you only see at the torso joint on
closer examination. But they didn’t; Hasbro is doing as much as they can in
each figure, and it shows. It’s good work from top to bottom. For those that
slavishly follow my shelf placement, this one replaces the old one with the
Annihilators, while that one moves to the shelf with my Asgardians (Odin, Lady
Sif, etc.).
The remaining four figures have their looks drawn either more or directly from Endgame.
War Machine: Guys. GUYS. When this was announced, I thought, “I don’t think I need another War Machine.” So, um, wrong. This is excellent. First off, it’s big. Secondly, the accessories are nicely sculpted and just look cool. The figure body itself boasts some intricate design work, and yes, it’s different than other recent armored bodies. I have not yet tried to hang a Rocket Raccoon figure on the right arm, but that day is coming. Other bits of note: the insignia on the left arm (nice work), the red in the shoulder cannon, the distinctive lines in the faceplate, and the eye details. Beyond my expectations.
Rescue: I’ll start with my one gripe. This should have had an extra head with the flipped-up faceplate like they did for the Iron Man and War Machine Age of Ultron figures. That seemed like a must, given the hero shot we get of Pepper’s landing and faceplate-raise in the final battle in Endgame. Alas, it is not here; I hope it shows up with a future figure. Other than that, I like it. Great color, for one thing. The swappable backpack unit (one closed, one open for blasting) makes great sense as an accessory. The figure manages to be thinner than Tony or Rhodey figures without being slight. Nice details abound, particularly on the head. The figure is also a smart choice, given the action of the film. Hasbro really went out of the way to get as many characters and looks as possible from Infinity War and Endgame represented, include clever measures (like the Target quantum suit two-pack with extra heads), BAFs, and the simple inclusion of figures like this. Nice.
Shuri: Can we just say perfect and move on? This is great. Incredible detail with the face-paint and the Panther gauntlets. Love the skirt and the fact someone sculpted fringe/stitching; that’s crazy. This is quite obviously a figure that was made with some love behind it. It’s great that Shuri has been a breakout character, and I’m happy that Hasbro made the effort to represent her in both comic form (in that two-pack with Klaw) and this film look. If you loved Black Panther, the last two Avengers films, or Shuri in general, this is a must-get for you.
Professor Hulk BAF: This is a perfectly fine Hulk figure with a pair of good head likenesses of Mark Ruffalo-as-The-Hulk. For me, though, it’s not an exciting Hulk. In part, that’s because we’re abundantly blessed with Hulkiness this year. From the Retro SDCC exclusive to the Hulk in the Wolverine two-pack, we’re getting a lot of distinct Hulks. This one, however well-made, doesn’t quite get over the top. If it had glasses and a labcoat or a quantum suit or a swappable “post-snap” mangled arm or an Iron Man Infinity Gauntlet hand, then yeah . . . I’d be more enthusiastic. As it is, it’s a fine figure but suffers a bit in comparison to the abundance of gamma-ray-riches we get this year. Nice heads, though.
There we go, readers! What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite? And what are you looking forward to at SDCC?
