Brightstorm was the first to be attacked by the A.W.O.L. member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Drax, after it was deemed Brightstorm was the most dangerous of the Luminals hunting him. Much to the surprise of Drax, Brightstorm was tougher than he originally thought because the nerve punch from Drax didn't disable Brightstorm immediately. Brightstorm was still able to fire his photonic blasts, but Drax only turned the beams into weapons against Brightstorm's ally, Massdriver. Drax finally used Brightstorm as a shield, forcing Impact to put his own teammate out of action by smashing his ribs with a blow meant for Drax. Brightstorm was brought to the infirmary on Knowhere where he and the other members of his team were left in intensive care.
Brightstorm recovered from his wounds and was on hand to back up the Guardians of the Galaxy when they attacked the Universal Church of Truth to save Moondragon and Cynosure.