How AI Could Create the Perfect Crime | Zack Kaplan & John J. Pearson Talk Smart Division

Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every industry—but what happens when criminals start using it to commit the perfect crime? Writer Zack Kaplan and Eisner Award-winning artist John J. Pearson join Jace to discuss Smart Division, their new sci-fi thriller from Dark Horse Comics. They talk about building a story around AI-assisted crime, designing two detectives with completely different worldviews, creating traditional painted artwork in a technology-driven story, and why this series feels frighteningly close to reality. If you enjoy grounded science fiction, crime thrillers, and comics that explore where technology could take us next, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource Creator Links Zack Kaplan: https://zackkaplan.com John J. Pearson: https://www.instagram.com/johnjpearson https://www.patreon.com/johnjpearson 00:00 Introduction 01:20 What Is The Smart Division? 06:35 Reuniting After Mindset 09:15 Creating the Painted Art Style 12:35 AI, Crime and Giving Up Control 19:05 Designing Will and Stevie 28:10 Two Opposing Worldviews 31:05 The Opening Page and Meaning Behind the Title 35:25 Which Character Do They Relate To? 37:05 Where to Follow the Creators