He may not have his memories, but Grant Garrison has something better: The alien artifact known as Starstorm! Your Major Spoilers review of The Savage Strength of Starstorm #1 from Image Comics awaits!

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1

Writer: Drew Craig
Artist: Drew Craig
Colorist: Jason Finestone
Letterer: Jason Finestone
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 31, 2023

Previously in The Savage Strength of Starstorm: Orphaned amnesiac high school student Grant Garrison is just attempting to navigate his present and recall his past when a meteor decimates his school. In the rubble, Grant discovers a strange artifact from another galaxy, the weapon known as the Starstorm, and the power that resides within it will determine not only his and his friends’ future… but the fate of the entire universe!

IN THE DEPTHS OF SPACE

This issue opens with a scene straight out of Star Wars, or at least a season of Super Sentai, as an alien armada moves through space on the way to the Outer Rim, tracking a signal that they believe is an ancient weapon. On Earth, Grant Garrison begins his first day at a new school, after being discovered completely amnesiac and wandering on the highway. The principal pairs him with Eli, a comic book fan who shows him around the school (and also introduces Grant to his step-sister, Jen) while helping him to stay away from the bullying jocks and/or idiots. Then, the meteor strike obliterates the lunch room!

That’s when the story gets weird.

FEELS LIKE AN ANNIVERSARY ISSUE?

There were a lot of comics that came out in and around 1993 that started just like this, which makes it feel as though this book is meant to be an intentional throwback or tribute, though I don’t know to what. The design work on display here has a crudeness that’s quite appealing, especially the blocky KIrby-esque takes on the (unnamed) alien overlord and Grant’s super-form. I’m not clear if Starstorm is his name, the name of his weapon, or something entirely different, though. The story is pretty rudimentary stuff, with humorous bits that don’t quite land, as well as serious moments that end up being humorous, as well as a final-page appearance of someone who might be another alien hero. That said, it’s all very likable stuff, especially the clear enthusiasm of the creators.

BOTTOM LINE: LOOKS PRETTY GOOD

Maybe I’m a sucker for a throwback, but The Savage Strength of Starstorm #1 has weirdly fascinating art that I’d like to see more of, tied to a plot that’s honestly a little paint-by-numbers, but gets the job done for 2 out of 5 stars overall. It’s not a great comic book, but it’s one that

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