Beta Ray Bill could be getting a massive comics push, and that could be a clue that Marvel Studios is preparing for his arrival. Time to check on his key issues.

THE COMICS

Beta Ray Bill is on the cusp of being a key figure in the comics universe, and that could have MCU implications.

The fan-favorite is getting another comic series, and this time his adventures will be penned by writer Daniel Warren Johnson starting in March. The other factor is that Beta Ray Bill was reintroduced in Donny Cates’ Thor run, and he has given Johnson a huge endorsement. 

We already know that Beta Ray Bill is in the MCU thanks to a Thor: Ragnarok Easter egg. Suddenly getting a new series that pulls from Cates’ popular Thor run is a big deal in itself, but is this elevation meant to promote Bill in the comics prior to his MCU debut? That could very well be the case, and that makes his key issues even more sought after. Here are the latest numbers for his most popular comics, namely his first two appearances.

THE MIGHTY THOR #337

The mythically-heroic, intergalactic horseman made his debut in The Mighty Thor #337. Ever since Bill’s face was seen on the Grandmaster’s tower in Ragnarok, fans have been eagerly awaiting his MCU arrival. As that excitement builds, so do the prices for all grades of Thor #337.

When it comes to Bill’s first appearance, collectors have two options: the direct and newsstand. Between both versions, the 9.8 carries an impressive 90-day fair market value of $662. As for the 9.8 direct edition, the last two sales have been for $600-$700. The newsstand, on the other hand, cracked the $700 mark with a $780 sale in November.

Combining totals for both editions, the 9.6 has outshined the other grades with 51 sales in the past three months. Together, they have an FMV of $241 in that span, which explains why this grade is more popular than the 9.8.

THE MIGHTY THOR #338

These two comics belong together as a set. Most collectors who own Thor #337 naturally want The Mighty Thor #338 for his second appearance and as part of that first Beta Ray Bill story. What is great here is that you get to own a piece of character history with a great Walt Simonson cover for a fraction of Thor #337’s price. 

As I write this before Christmas, the 9.8’s FMV has dipped to just $104 after averaging $121 in 2019. Considering that grading and shipping fees for CGC or CBCS would be in the $30-$40 range, you’re really only paying the $60-$70 after the overhead expenses. That’s a bargain.

If you want something a little rarer, go for the Canadian price variant. At a 9.8, it’s still just $136 at the moment.

TOP BILLING

There is no question that Beta Ray Bill will be in the MCU and not just as an Easter egg. At this point, fans are getting impatient, but that could be exactly what Marvel Studios wants - to have audiences anxiously awaiting his arrival for maximum impact. The writing could be on the wall that his MCU entrance is on the horizon.

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