Beta Ray Bill first appeared in Thor #337, published by Marvel in 1983. That places it in the Bronze Age.
Why this issue matters
Walt Simonson's alien Korbinite made a startling first impression by proving worthy to lift Thor's hammer, the first character other than Thor to do so, on a cover where he literally smashes the series' old logo to signal a bold new era.
Key facts
Thor #337
- Character: Beta Ray Bill
- Publisher: Marvel
- Cover year: 1983
- Era: Bronze Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1983
- Hobgoblin Amazing Spider-Man #238, 1983
- Killer Croc Batman #357, 1983
- Jason Todd (Robin II) Batman #357, 1983
- Lobo Omega Men #3, 1983
More Marvel firsts from the Bronze Age
- Phoenix X-Men #101, 1976
- Black Cat Amazing Spider-Man #194, 1979
- Emma Frost Uncanny X-Men #129, 1980
- Mystique Ms. Marvel #16, 1978
- Wolverine Incredible Hulk #181, 1974
- Wolverine (cameo) Incredible Hulk #180, 1974
- Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler Giant-Size X-Men #1, 1975
- Punisher Amazing Spider-Man #129, 1974
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.