January was an insane year, and now February is kicking off in much the same way, even if it’s a bit lighter this time. Let’s dig into all the week’s news then, but I refuse to start it in a dire place. So, instead, this look at nine things I liked or didn’t like from the week of comics is led by a couple cool things, standing out amidst a whole bunch of nonsense.

1. Artist’s Editions, Bound for the Sky

When it was revealed that long-time IDW editor Scott Dunbier was leaving the company, I probably had the same reaction to the news that most did: “I wonder what’s going to happen to the Artist’s Editions?” These hardcover, lovingly crafted editions that collect full-size scans of the original art for classic stories from classic artists are Dunbier’s baby, and one of the most renowned creations of the past couple decades in comics. And for those that love them, you’re always wanting more. Could this be the end of those?

It wasn’t likely already, especially after Dunbier announced Act 4 Publishing, his new comic company. But still, the mechanic for rolling out these editions was unclear. Now we have clarity. Act 4 is partnering with Skybound/Image to release new Artist’s Editions as well as a new format called “Connoisseur Editions,” which are complete collections of comics in an “oversized, readable format” that also come with a slipcase and premium finishing. Those sound nice! There’s also mention of “single-issue comics and series collections” being part of this, but what that entails is unknown.

This all sounds great, though, and I’m happy to see the Artist’s Editions find stable ground after Dunbier’s departure from IDW. That this new era is being kicked off with two gems in a Jim Aparo DC Classics Artist’s Edition and — most especially — a Connossieur Edition of Darwyn Cook’s The Spirit makes it all the better. Those are even coming later this year, which is an impressive turnaround. I’m sure Dunbier never stopped working, but it’s still nice to see!

2. Brubaker and Phillips, Knives Out

In news that isn’t really news yet, it seems that we’re getting a new original graphic novel from writer Ed Brubaker, artist Sean Phillips, and (presumably) colorist Jacob Phillips in September. Not only that, but it is — unsurprisingly — a Criminal story, as its official title is The Knives: A Criminal Book. As the solicit says in big bold letters, this is the first new Criminal book in five years, and in my opinion a likely confirmation that the Amazon Prime series based on the comic will be released around then.

The Knives is described as “the most ambitious tale” the duo has ever worked on, which is a heck of a thing to say and something only I — yes, I — can determine when I read it. It tells three tales that seemingly will eventually connect, and it features some familiar faces in Jacob Kurtz (from the story Bad Night), Tracy Lawless (from a number of stories, but first amongst those is the Lawless arc), and Angie, Greta’s daughter from the very first Criminal tale. Two out of three with a connection to the show! While that’s interesting, and unexpected, consider me more intrigued by seeing how Brubaker and the Phillipses make this all connected, because this isn’t how their Criminal stories usually work.

But that’s a good thing, and maybe why it was described as being as ambitious as it is. Again, though, I’ll be the judge of that when it this in April. Consider me majorly excited for this one.