Beta Ray Bill is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Thor #337 (Nov. 1983) and was created by writer-artist Walt Simonson.
Debuting in the Bronze Age of Comic Books, the character was initially intended to be a surprise as an apparent monster who unexpectedly proves to be a great hero. As such, Bill becomes the first being outside of the Marvel Universe's Norse pantheon to be deemed worthy enough to wield Thor's hammer, Mjolnir. After an initial rivalry for possession of the weapon, both the Thunder God and the alien warrior; granted a war hammer (called Stormbreaker) of his own; reconcile as staunch allies.
Beta Ray Bill has been featured in other Marvel-endorsed products such as animated television series; video games, and merchandise such as action figures and trading cards.
Read more about Beta Ray Bill: Publication History, Powers and Abilities, Collected Editions
Famous quotes containing the words ray and/or bill:
“Polarized light showed the secret architecture of bodies; and when the second-sight of the mind is opened, now one color or form or gesture, and now another, has a pungency, as if a more interior ray had been emitted, disclosing its deep holdings in the frame of things.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)
“The measure discriminates definitely against products which make up what has been universally considered a program of safe farming. The bill upholds as ideals of American farming the men who grow cotton, corn, rice, swine, tobacco, or wheat and nothing else. These are to be given special favors at the expense of the farmer who has toiled for years to build up a constructive farming enterprise to include a variety of crops and livestock.”
—Calvin Coolidge (18721933)