The Smart Division

For fans of X-Files and True Detective comes an all-new sci-fi crime comics thriller, about two detectives pitted against an AI crime app that helps a killer commit the perfect murders.

A new artificial intelligence program appears to have assisted someone in committing the perfect murder. To hunt down the elusive killer, an unlikely pair of FBI investigators, chaotic Gen-Z savant Stevie Larque and veteran agent Will Bailey, must start the FBI’s first AI crimes division.

As the bodies pile up, Larque and Bailey go on a suspenseful, high-energy chase through a seedy underworld of cybersecurity conspiracy theorists, clandestine app developers, and billion-dollar AI startups. All the while, the murderer and their artificial accomplice remain two steps ahead of the law. Can the detectives maintain their own tense partnership long enough to solve the case?

Hit creator Zack Kaplan (Kill All Immortals, Masterminds, Port of Earth) and Eisner-winning artist John Pearson (In Bloom, The Infernals, The Department of Truth) reunite for the first time since their fan-favorite sci-fi horror series, Mindset, to bring you this heart-pounding crime thriller that asks how we fight for our future against apps that let us do anything.

Collects issues #1–#5 of The Smart Division.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs