If last year saw the first wave of New York Comic Con news hit, this week saw the calm before the storm. It was a pretty quiet week! So, instead of focusing on a slew of big news items, we’re going to take a look at some things that stood out to me, in comics, in the news, and even a special item being crafted for NYCC itself. Let’s get to it.

1. If I Was at NYCC (Which I Will Be), I’d Get This

I’m not a big autograph guy when it comes to comics. I’m also not so flush with cash that I can get too deep into the original art or commissions space. That limits my options at conventions to some degree. What I am interested in, though, are special creations made just for the convention. Little artifacts that exist for the purpose of being unique offerings that fit the creator or project they’re connected to. Those I’m all about.

Which is why I’m bonkers about a special project James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds are putting together for New York Comic Con. It’s Department of Truth: The Bootleg Edition, a one-of-a-kind, gloriously dingy, black-and-white edition of that issue on newsprint, with only 500 copies being made, with each copy handnumbered on the back. It’s designed by Courtney Menard based on Dylan Todd’s work in the series, and they look cool as hell. They’re only going to be at New York Comic Con at Tynion’s booth, so if you’re interested in a cool thing that fits well with the conspiracy theory vibes of that series, you’re going to want to get one. But, you know, not before me. I want to get one, so please form a nice, orderly line behind yours truly, please and thank you.

Anyways, more things like this! If you’re aware of more of these types of things dropping at that convention, tell me! I’d love to get my hands on more cool things at the con!

2. Dr. Seuss is in the House

In news that seems so obvious I’m shocked it didn’t happen before now, Random House Children’s Books and Dr. Seuss Enterprises will apparently be turning Dr. Seuss’s work into graphic novels. Obviously this isn’t the first time these stories will be adapted into a different medium, but given that these were illustrated picture books before, it’s, uh, not a heavy lift to get from the originals to graphic novels. But most importantly for all involved, I’m sure, it’s a quick path to making more money off existing material!

And given the names seemingly involved, they should be interesting at the very least, as the panel that will explore more of this project at NYCC features cartoonists James Kochalka and Art Baltazar. The former is a particularly wild and inspired choice, in that Kochalka gets weird, man. But I guess so did Dr. Seuss, so that makes sense. This is smart, though, and might help a new generation of fans discover the work in a way they prefer. Plus: Apparently The Cat in the Hat AND Thing 1 and Thing 2 will be at the panel for photo opportunities, which is a win for everyone.