The Big Burn by writer Joe Henderson and illustrator Lee Garbett is a wonderfully unique spin on an age-old tale immersing us into one hell of a heist (pun intended).

Owen and Carlie are the Bonnie and Clyde of the 21st century – a smooth, slick duo who pull off impossible heists, and have the time of their lives doing it. But when justice finally catches up to them, they think it’s all over. Until the Devil himself offers them a deal – their freedom for their very souls. But they soon find that without their souls, their love is missing too. So they set out to recruit a crew of the damned for the ultimate heist: break into Hell and steal their souls back.

Joe Henderson gives us just the right amount of humor to give depth to the story. The witty banter to open the issue between Owen and Carlie adds to the narrative and keeps us engaged throughout this debut issue. While not a humor comic, adding a few comedic moments from time to time adds a sense of realism to the comic and giving us more to work with as we turn each page.

While we only get a few moments of Owen and Carlie interacting in this first issue, Henderson gives us plenty to work with and shows the true motivation of what is driving Owen. Although the love has been lost between them, breaking into Hell to steal back their souls is not a decision taken lightly and Owen’s love for Carlie is at the heart of this decision. This gives true depth to the story and allows us to connect on a more personal level.

The creative team’s rendition of the Devil is spot on. A character design that reminds me of Jason Momoa (easy casting if The Big Burn were to get option for a feature film) with a suave yet powerful demeanor. The Devil wants to be on your side, but only to get what he wants in return. This portrayal of the Devil was truly perfect for this comic.

Henderson has crafted a stellar script, but this comic would not be complete without the fantastic artwork from Lee Garbett. Each panel is meticulously crafted, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves into the world created by this team. The Big Burn is both well written and visually stunning to make for a perfect package. From intense action sequences to emotional moments, every panel conveys a sense of originality and emotion that enhances the storytelling.

The story of selling your soul to the Devil is one we have heard over and over, but what Henderson and Garbett accomplish in The Big Burn is their own unique spin on the age-old tale while also infusing it with elements of a heist story. This creative team has given us a unique story that kept us guessing and has us eagerly awaiting the next issue.

The Big Burn #1 is yet another excellent debut issue for DSTLRY. The intriguing twist on selling your soul to the Devil, while adding a heist element, is something truly unique. Henderson’s script paired with Garbett’s illustrations create an exceptional story that is one of the best of 2024.

The Big Burn #1 hits local comic shops on July 24, 2024 from DSTLRY.