Adam's Adventures: Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1 (Marvel Comics) Review by Adam P.

The gods battle it out in the heavens

It was a stroke of genius for Marvel to do a lift-and-shift by importing the major elements of Norse mythology into their universe. Since Marvel heroes are mostly ordinary people who obtained superpowers, it's nice to have someone like Thor who, as the Norse god of thunder, is someone rather extraordinary.

In the opening pages of Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1, we witness a stunning act as Thor and his oath-brother Beta Ray Bill turn aside the waves of a tsunami. Right away, we get the sense that these aren't just your friendly neighbourhood super joes: they're beings of power and might who walk among us despite being so far above us.




Bill, a horse-headed alien of the Korbinite race, wields Stormhammer, granted to him by Odin and equal in power to Thor's Mjolnir. However, in contrast to the more regal Thor, Bill is a bit of a livewire, planning to go toe-to-toe with none other than Galactus. Thor tries to talk him out of it, but Bill is resolute: he must exact vengeance on the world-eater for consuming his home planet.

Galactus, who was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was described by them as a "demigod" or "a sort of God", from whence this three-issue limited series obtains its title, "Godhunter". Writer Kieron Gillen adds various spiritual and religious elements to the story which reinforce the concept of hunting a god, as if this tale was a page torn out of some lost culture's mythology.

For example, in exchange for obtaining Galactus' whereabouts, Bill must take down a villainous "civilization-level threat" on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D.: a being who hides out in a space cathedral executing minions at his slightest whim. Also, the current herald of Galactus, Stardust, describes his master's consumption of planets as "communion". Bill and Galactus are worthy opponents since they both consider themselves above mortal law, being guided by far greater principles. We don't see these two very regularly in Marvel chronology so it's a treat to see them square off in a cosmic trilogy.

The penciling by Kano is good. Especially effective are the space sequences and fight scenes. The appearance of Galactus with Jack Kirby's classic costume design is a real trip down memory lane and a sight to behold.

The issue's price tag is bumped up by a dollar for tacking on the reprint of Bill's origin story from Thor #337 (1983) by Walter Simonson, and it’s well worth it. The story is a rollicking tour-de-force by the writer/artist who defined Thor in the modern age. For those less familiar with Bill it's a helpful insight into his relationship with the spacecraft Skuttlebutt which figures prominently in Godhunter.

8.5/10
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor