Zack Kaplan and John Pearson posit a future where there is a need for an FBI AI crimes unit in their new @darkhorse.com series 'The Smart Division'. conskipper.com/zack-kaplan-... @zackkaps.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social #TheSmartDivision #comics #scifi

Zack Kaplan and John Pearson Explore AI Crimes in 'The Smart Division'

Zack Kaplan and John Pearson posit a future where there is a need for an FBI AI crimes unit in their new Dark Horse Comics series The Smart Division.

conskipper.com

The Smart Division begins this week with issue #1, available now! Details: bit.ly/4fNGPFz A chaotic Gen-Z savant and a veteran FBI agent must hunt down a killer by starting the FBI’s first AI crimes division! By @zackkaps.bsky.social, @johnjpearson.bsky.social, and team. With cover from Pearson.

The Smart Division #1 by @zackkaps.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social ( @darkhorse.com ) has got @sowizardpodcast.bsky.social undivided attention this NCBD! Check out his @fanlightzone.bsky.social review! #comics #ncbd #mystery

We've been telling you all about The Smart Division @darkhorse.com for a good bit, and the first issue of @zackkaps.bsky.social & @johnjpearson.bsky.social's title is finally here!

My pick this week is THE SMART DIVISION #1 from @zackkaps.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social @darkhorse.com Did you know AI could be bad? Strange if true! (/s)

ComicsXF@comicsxf.com · 5h ago

Check out this week's CXF Staff Picks, led by new issues of Batman, Absolute Superman, Captain America and more. What are YOU reading this week?

ICYMI: We have a pretty awesome trailer to get you hyped for @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION, from myself, @johnjpearson.bsky.social and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. It's out tomorrow! So freaking PUMPED!

✍️ TOMORROW is the BIG day! Join us in NoHo for our epic CREATOR SHOWCASE SIGNING featuring special guests: 🌟 @henrybarajas.bsky.social 🌟 @jgonzo.bsky.social 🌟 @zackkaps.bsky.social 🌟 @johnjpearson.bsky.social 🌟 @patrickhorvath.bsky.social

We're LIVE tonight at 7pm ET with guests @zackkaps.bsky.social and @johnjpearson.bsky.social talking @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION: youtube.com/live/ubfk2KZ...

Comic Book Club: Zack Kaplan And John Pearson

YouTube video by Comic Book Club

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The Smart Division asks, “What if an AI app helped someone commit the perfect murder?” which is exactly the kind of thriller we love. Read our full review of the first issue on the blog! 💥 @zackkaps.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social @darkhorse.com

'The Smart Division' #1 Review: The Future Has Murder Apps

Our The Smart Division #1 review looks at Zack Kaplan and John J. Pearson’s AI crime thriller, with a perfect murder, FBI chaos, noir art, and detective tension.

comicswarlocks.com

Another GREAT REVIEW for @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION #1, from myself, @johnjpearson.bsky.social and Hass. "We read The Smart Division #1, and this is exactly the kind of sci-fi detective setup that gets my attention fast." - @comicswarlocks.bsky.social comicswarlocks.com/2026/08/04/t...

'The Smart Division' #1 Review: The Future Has Murder Apps

Our The Smart Division #1 review looks at Zack Kaplan and John J. Pearson’s AI crime thriller, with a perfect murder, FBI chaos, noir art, and detective tension.

comicswarlocks.com

The Patron #1 by @cjward.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. I really enjoyed this first issue of this horror story set in the art world. The premise seems promising and the art style is beautifully dark. #ThePatron #IgnitionPress #Comics #Comicsky

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ANOTHER 10/10 REVIEW for @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION #1, @johnjpearson.bsky.social, out this week! "This is a perfect debut and one of the most relevant books on the stands, and I cannot wait to see where the case goes." - @derbycomics.bsky.social derbycomics.com/blogs/advanc...

Advanced Review: 'The Smart Division' #1 Turns Our AI Fears Into the Perfect Crime Thriller — Derby Comics

My spoiler-free review of The Smart Division #1, the near-future crime series from writer Zack Kaplan and artist John J. Pearson, on sale August 5, 2026 from Dark Horse Comics.

derbycomics.com

Early reviews coming in HOT! @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION #1, by myself, Eisner-winning artist @johnjpearson.bsky.social. How do you catch a killer who can use AI to outsmart your every move? You don't. Out this Wednesday, 8/5! Cover by @thatjacobphillips.bsky.social

Go check out the new book by @zackkaps.bsky.social and @johnjpearson.bsky.social with variant cover by little old me!!!

Zack Kaplan@zackkaps.bsky.social · 2d ago

Early reviews coming in HOT! @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION #1, by myself, Eisner-winning artist @johnjpearson.bsky.social. How do you catch a killer who can use AI to outsmart your every move? You don't. Out this Wednesday, 8/5! Cover by @thatjacobphillips.bsky.social

I sat down with artist @johnjpearson.bsky.social to talk about his newest book with from @ignitionpress.bsky.social “The Patron” as well as his new book from @darkhorse.com “The Smart Division”!!! #comics #comicbooks #ignitionpress #darkhorsecomics #beardedcomicbro youtu.be/igqTO7gdXLA?...

Interview with John J. Pearson (artist for The Patron and The Smart Division)

YouTube video by Bearded Comic Bro

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 SECOND PERFECT REVIEW for @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION #1, me, @johnjpearson.bsky.social and Hass’s new comic series out Wed! "Add in some fantastic art, and you have a must read for all fans of murder mysteries and science fiction." - @kabooooom.com kabooooom.com/2026/08/03/t...

THE SMART DIVISION #1 [Advance Review/Preview]

The creators of Mindset present a new tale of murder and technology run amok in a not-too-distant-future.

kabooooom.com

@ignitionpress.bsky.social THE PATRON #1 is out now! Could there be a better combination of talents than @cjward.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social for a tale of arty horror?!? Just look at the art!

Just one more week until @darkhorse.com The Smart Division drops in comic shops! With amazing art by @johnjpearson.bsky.social!

BOOK: The Patron #1 WRITER: @cjward.bsky.social ARTIST: @johnjpearson.bsky.social LETTERER: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou EDITOR: @mehowell.bsky.social PUBLISHER: @ignitionpress.bsky.social #comics

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Five stars from @capesandtights.com One week away! @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION, August 5th, reuniting myself & @johnjpearson.bsky.social for a beautiful fever dream of a detective thriller. X-FILES meets TRUE DETECTIVE. Make sure your comic shop has one waiting for you!

www.fanlightzone.com/comics/the-p... Talk about a chilling debut! @odphpodcast.bsky.social is breaking down THE PATRON ( @ignitionpress.bsky.social @cjward.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social ) on @fanlightzone.bsky.social ! #comics #ncbd #horror

THE PATRON #1 (IGNITION PRESS) — Fanlight Zone

There is always a dark side to fame. This is a belief Mr. Cherish has. A connoisseur of the Arts, Cherish has had a vision for finding new talent. His track record speaks volumes.

fanlightzone.com

Time for our #NCBD picks! What are you pulling? #comics #newcomics @ignitionpress.bsky.social@darkhorse.com @gregpak.net @alanrobinsonr.bsky.social @alpergecgel.bsky.social @cjward.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social @grantalexandra.bsky.social @mattkindt.bsky.social @natachabustos.bsky.social

I’ll go first. I’m most excited for The Patron by @cjward.bsky.social and @johnjpearson.bsky.social Doomquest by @ryannorth.ca and Francesco Mobil and Feral 25 by @tonyfleecs.bsky.social @trishforstner.bsky.social and Tone Rodriquez. #comicsky

Escape The Mojoverse@mojoversepod.bsky.social · last wk.

Happy new comic book day! Batman and Superman have annuals, Feral/Stray Dogs crossover concludes, The Juggernaut gets a spotlight and The Patron is one of our most anticipated books of the year! What are you most excited to pick up? #comicsky

He’s finally here. Get ready to meet Mr Cherish. THE PATRON #1 by me and @johnjpearson.bsky.social is out today.

WHAT A DEBUT! THE PATRON #1 by @cjward.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social ( @ignitionpress.bsky.social ) made an impression on @JuanReadsComics! Don't mis his @fanlightzone.bsky.social review! #comics #ncbd #ignitionpress #horror

“The comic immediately hooks you because it explores that uncomfortable intersection between art and commerce.” @cjward.bsky.social and @johnjpearson.bsky.social bring you THE PATRON! From @ignitionpress.bsky.social youtu.be/8M__oXCipu0?...

The Patron #1 Review | Art, Murder & Mystery Collide | Ignition Press | A Most Unique Comic

YouTube video by Next Issue Podcast

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 REVIEW for @darkhorse.com THE SMART DIVISION, me & @johnjpearson.bsky.social and Hass! "Boy did Kaplan and Pearson deliver on the debut issue of The Smart Division with a modern detective mystery that is eerily relevant and exceptionally beautiful." - @capesandtights.com

Capes and Tights@capesandtights.com · last wk.

Zack Kaplan delivers a timely detective tale exploring the use of technology in solving crimes. However, it's the juxtaposition of John Pearson's elegant brush strokes that makes story rise above. Our review: capestights.com/r2e @zackkaps.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social @darkhorse.com

ARE YOU READY FOR #NCBD! @JuanReadsComics is giving his three most anticipated books of the week! What are you looking to get at the shops this week? @marvelcomicshqs.bsky.social @imagecomics.com @ignitionpress.bsky.social @cjward.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social @TheVoiceOfJuan #comics

#MyComicBooks2026 291, The Patron #1. @cjward.bsky.social & @johnjpearson.bsky.social are two creators I've admired for a while now and having them work together is a dream! I was hooked before we even hit the title card...

A very special thank you to John J. Pearson for sending me this awesome package containing The Patron Cold Open! Be sure to check out The Patron #1 from @ignitionpress.bsky.social @johnjpearson.bsky.social @cjward.bsky.social when it hits stores on July 29, 2026! #thepatron #comicbooks