Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out a brand new title debuting from Image Comics that fans are not gonna want to miss. THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone welcomes readers to a new world with unlimited possibilities. If the last name “Craig” sounds familiar, Drew is the older brother to Wes Craig, who fans know from Kaya, Union and DEADLY CLASS. With this series, Drew is carving his own niche in the comic landscape so let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening here with the debut, shall we?

***THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1*** ***- On sale May 31st, 2023***
Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics)

***THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1*** ***- On sale May 31st, 2023***
Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics) - Cover 1B featured here - Wes Craig

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The saga kicks off an intimidating figure known as Draxus sitting at the helm of a spaceship. Draxus is leading a space fleet of immense size in search of the “Sharsrum” Weapon. Nothing more is known about this object’s capabilities, but looking at the size of the army trying to obtain it, the Sharsrum could be a game-changer for control of the universe.

Meanwhile on earth, a young man by the name of Grant Garrison is preparing to brave the dangers of High School. His past seems to be in question as he was found with amnesia on a highway. Principal Murray welcomes him and gives him an alibi to fit in undetected. From here, Grant is paired with Eli Sanchez. The pair makes fast friends as they head to class. In this classroom, Grant meets Jen, Eli’s step-sister. As the trio heads to lunch after class, no one is prepared for what happens next.

Grant witnesses a meteor heading right towards the school! There is no time to react. Everyone is caught in the impact!

Coming to from the crash, Jen sees Grant to find a whole new world in front of them. Everyone is gone. The only thing left is a creature in front of them looking primed to attack. As they process what is going on, an object attaches itself to Grant. The object shoots energy thru Grant, transforming him into something else. Grant mentions his mind is “Awakening”!

What has happened to Grant? Is this the key to his amnesia? What of his classmates? Readers witness first hand the birth of a hero as Grant steps up to face to creature. However, not everything is as what it seems. The mystery is just beginning but readers will want to buckle in as the story of Grant Garrison starts its’ journey.

BREAKDOWN: Craig drops an impressive debut issue pulling heavily at the influences of Jack Kirby. Grant’s mysterious background is a big part of this opening issue, but where it shines is post meteor. Once the connection is made with the “Starstorm”, Grant seems to have everything come back to him just enough to address the situation at hand. Craig still keeps some secrets kept close as the suit’s true potential hasn’t fully be unveiled. The story moves pretty swiftly leaving readers with enough to form ideas of where things are leading.

Doing double duty, Craig (w/ Finestone on the colors) dives into the classic sci-fi elements. The two-page full panel spread lets readers know how important the Starstorm is without even digging into its’ background. The reactions in high school play out as one would expect with a great panel pre-meteor impact. However, the image readers will most remember from this issue is the “Awakening” 2-page spread. Absolutely love the coloring and multiple character faces of what’s to come with Grant’s story. It is such a throwback to Kirby Sci-fi (and that is NEVER a bad thing) that it gives the following action such a vintage superhero feel. The final panel adds more questions to what is really going on but closes things out enough for readers to jump back in next issue.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

Craig and Finestone introduce readers to a new hero with a modern throwback style all his own. Blending in classic sci-fi storytelling with excellent art, THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 is sure to please fans looking for a new superhero universe to add to their collection. Check it out on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1. Thanks for reading.