Scott Dunbier’s Act 4 Publishing and Skybound will release Beta Ray Bill by Daniel Warren Johnson Artist’s Edition, an oversized presentation of Johnson’s acclaimed Marvel Comics miniseries.
The collection arrives in comic shops on Wednesday, February 3, 2027. It will reach booksellers on Tuesday, March 2, 2027.
The Artist’s Edition collects the complete Beta Ray Bill 2021 miniseries, written and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning creator Daniel Warren Johnson. It also includes an introduction from legendary Thor writer and artist Walter Simonson, who created Beta Ray Bill.
The book will be presented in a massive 12”x17” format and span 144 pages. The edition gives fans a close look at Johnson’s kinetic artwork and the visceral storytelling that made the series an instant modern classic.
Beta Ray Bill Steps Out of Thor’s Shadow
Johnson has become one of comics’ most celebrated creators through original works including Do A Powerbomb, Murder Falcon, and Extremity. He also won acclaim for his run on TRANSFORMERS.
His work on Beta Ray Bill brought Marvel’s cosmic warrior back into the spotlight. The series pushed the character beyond Thor’s shadow and into an emotional, space-faring epic of his own.
“I’ll never forget the first artist edition I bought: Jack Kirby’s New Gods. It’s still in my studio, treasured, inspiring me to this day,” said Daniel Warren Johnson. “It’s an honor to have Scott Dunbier give my story the same treatment.”
Scott Dunbier Praises Johnson’s Artwork
Act 4 Publishing founder Scott Dunbier praised the energy and force of Johnson’s pages.
“Looking at Dan’s work is akin to viewing an artistic nuclear reactor, his drawings radiate from the page,” said Scott Dunbier. “The power generated is raw, tangible, and gorgeous.”
An Artist’s Edition presents original comic art as closely as possible to the artist’s pages. Although the artwork appears in black and white, each page is scanned in color. That process allows readers to see ink gradients, blue pencil, and the unique details of the original art.
The pages are also printed at the same size as drawn. The only better way to experience them would be to look over the artist’s shoulder at the drawing board.
Skybound Calls Every Page a Masterpiece
Sean Mackiewicz, SVP and Publisher at Skybound, also praised the upcoming release.
“If you need a reminder that Dan’s the undisputed best artist in comics right now, this Beta Ray Bill Artist’s Edition will knock some sense into you,” said Mackiewicz. “Every page is a masterpiece.”
Act 4 and Skybound Continue Their Artist’s Edition Partnership
Beta Ray Bill by Daniel Warren Johnson Artist’s Edition continues the partnership between Act 4 Publishing and Skybound.
Additional upcoming 2026 titles include The Amazing Spider-Man by Steve Ditko Artist’s Edition, George Pérez’s The New Teen Titans Artist’s Edition, Doctor Strange by Paul Smith Artist’s Edition, Jason Pearson’s Body Bags Artist’s Edition, and DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition.
Beta Ray Bill by Daniel Warren Johnson Artist’s Edition will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 3, 2027, and at booksellers on Tuesday, March 2, 2027.
