ICYMI – The Savage Strength of Starstorm #3: Bounty Hunters ‘R’ Us

At this point in time, it’s hard to tell exactly what direction The Savage Strength of Starstorm #3 is pushing the series in. With a lack of balance in its world-building, character-building, and narrative plotting, the overall series is beginning to feel directionless and hollow, as we’ve barely begun to scratch the surface of who or what our characters/plot are meant to be. However, its surface-level shine isn’t without its positives. The series continues to be a blast of fun and fresh ideas right in line with a level of escapist fiction that manages to be both enjoyable and memorable.

This issue sets up two plots right off the bat, and by the end of the issue, ties both together into a climactic finale that is, in itself, quite tense. We open with Z’shan gathering a group of bounty hunters to send after Grant, a.k.a. Starstorm, in order to reclaim the symbiotic weapon he now wears.

Ignorant of the threat, we then pick up with our intrepid hero fighting a dinosaur for reasons unbeknownst to me or Grant, as no explanation is given. After meeting up with Jen and going to visit Eli in the hospital, the bounty hunters crash their reunion, leading to fatality and tense action that Grant will be forever changed by.

Overall, this issue is at its best when the building plot with the Dragonian empire is entirely absent. Craig has grown a bit with his dialogue scripting and plot pacing; this issue reads without any hiccups. The way our characters interact and speak with one another is highly enjoyable to read.

However, the way in which the plot is written assumes that some level of care has been built up for our main characters, and that simply isn’t the case. After last issue’s detour, returning to the supposed ‘main story’ should’ve been more focused on endearing readers to the character dynamics between Jen, Grant, and Eli. With the Draconian empire forced into the mix, the series is rushing towards its big epic end line without proper build-up.

The art also flip-flops between fantastic and poor; its lack of dynamic or diverse shots crafts a really flat reading experience that glosses over the readers’ eyes and adds to the lack of engaging atmosphere that plagued this issue.