Jeff Smith's RASL, previewed at San Diego Comic-Con (see 'Jeff Smith to Preview RASL'), is a science fiction work about an interdimensional art thief, according to a Cartoon Books spokesperson. 

The RASL format is oversize, 11' x 17.'  Interior art of the preview being sold in San Diego was b/w, although the spokesperson said that color was still being considered as an option.  Each issue will be 24-36 pages, sold at a price to be determined.  Cartoon Books is shooting for December for the release of the initial issue.  The unusual size was not a problem for the direct market retailers that Cartoon had heard from; chain buyers were also being consulted about the format with an eye to eventual book collections. 

The storyline will not be an 'all ages' book as Smith's bestselling Bone series was.  'He [Smith] wanted the freedom to do a more adult story,' the spokesperson said.  While the only problem area in the preview was a depiction of the lead character smoking, the RASL storyline and artwork, which tell the story of an art thief who uses interdimensional travel to commit his crimes, definitely evoke a darker feel than Bone.