Beta Ray Bill #1: Into the Sunset (SPOILER FREE ADVANCED REVIEW)

I loved this issue, in true DWJ fashion the heavy dynamic action is balanced by a level of depth not often given to the character. Bill’s self doubt and origin give the character a pathos that is as compelling as it is interesting.

Daniel Warren Johnson’s art is something to behold and nearly makes the issue worth buying in and of itself. The action is truly epic in scale and rendered with a sense of violence not easily attained. Likewise his ability to take an inhuman horse monster cyborg and convey heartbreaking emotion is equally impressive.

The color work by steadfast DWJ collaborator Mike Spicer is vibrant and flawlessly blends into action and drama alike. The violence is rendered all the more epic through the color work and Spicer’s colors are a vital piece of this book.

Lettering duties are shared by Joe Sabino and DWJ doing hand lettering in the art. I like the variations in the letters and Sabino’s work is typically fantastic but I did think the differences from one page to the next could be a little jarring at times. That said the two alternating styles really helped to set this book aside a bit lettering wise. Make your own conclusions by comparing the panels above with the panel below.