As a sucker for a good heist story, the first issue of the five-issue miniseries Sins of the Salton Sea from AWA Studios scratched an itch and didn’t disappoint.

The story introduces us to Wyatt, a professional thief living off the grid, who is recruited by his brother for one last job. But things take a dark turn when they discover that their target is carrying human cargo, and they are pulled into a conflict between warring factions of a doomsday cult.

The artwork in Sins of the Salton Sea #1 is dark and gritty. The illustrations by C.P. Smith are fitting with the story and each panel bringing a sense of tension and drama to the story. The colors used are minimal, with the emphasis being on the shadows and the light, which adds to the overall tone of the comic. The characters are detailed, and their expressions bring a depth of emotion to the story.

The writing is impressive. Ed Brisson (There’s Something Wrong With Patrick Todd, Predator) writes with a good pacing that captivates the reader from the first page. The dialogue is sharp and to the point, and the narrative is straightforward, making the story easy to follow. The first issue sets an excellent foundation for the story while still leaving the reader wanting more. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable, making it difficult to put the comic down.

Finally, the overall tone of Sins of the Salton Sea #1 is creative and unique. The story combines elements of heist, post-apocalyptic, and horror genres, making it stand out from other comic books. The world that Ed Brisson and C.P. Smith have created is both familiar and yet alien, which gives the story an added layer of intrigue.

Overall, Sins of the Salton Sea #1 is an excellent comic book, and I highly recommend it to fans of heist stories and post-apocalyptic settings. The artwork, writing, and overall tone of the comic make it stand out from the crowd, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next issue.

The debut issue hits local comic book shelves on June 7 and features covers by series artist C.P. Smith as well as Tim Bradstreet and Mike Deodato & Lee Loughridge.