Ignition Press is thrilled to announce their very first exclusive variant comic book cover for the livestream selling platform Whatnot with The Patron: The Cold Open from John J. Pearson and Christian Ward.
This special edition cover by Pearson is limited to only 500 copies and can be purchased for the first time on the Ignition Press Whatnot Stream on Thursday, June 11th, at 5:15pm EST/ 2:15pm PST. Additionally, fans can purchase the A cover of The Patron: The Cold Open with cover art by Ward during the stream alongside other Ignition Press Cold Opens not previously available in stores. Additional copies of The Patron: The Cold Open may be available for order on ignitionpress.com after the stream.
The Patron: The Cold Open Whatnot Exclusive Cover by John Pearson
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be dropping our first ever Whatnot Exclusive,” said Daniel Crary, Director of Sales for Ignition Press. “Not only is this cover exclusive to Whatnot, but the Cold Open itself is exclusively available from Ignition Press! Readers and collectors will have their first opportunity to read the opening story from this transcendent tale about arts, commerce, and murder!”
The Patron: The Cold Open A Cover by Christian Ward
All the great artists have one thing in common...they’re dead.
A true patron of the fine arts, Mr. Cherish has dedicated his life to scouting and supporting emerging artists, launching countless unknowns from obscurity into industry superstardom.
Unfortunately for these young artists, the secret to Cherish’s success is their untimely demise. Nothing makes a work of art more desirable and valuable to collectors than the passing of its creator, and Cherish has refined his ability to orchestrate spectacular tragedies without leaving a trace…before selling his dead protégés’ oeuvres for massive profits.
Painter Matty Barnes is primed to become Cherish’s next ‘hit,’ but when the script is flipped on this latest murder, a shocking twist puts his empire in the crosshairs.
Writer Christian Ward (Batman: City of Madness, Event Horizon) and artist John J. Pearson (The Department of Truth, The Infernals) put their own life’s work on the page in a highbrow thriller at the bloody intersection of art and commerce! Both creators will contribute a full series of variant covers, alongside a special incentive cover on #1 by Eisner Award-winning artist Anand RK (Deicidium, The Beauty).
Don’t miss out on your first opportunity to own The Patron: The Cold Open, Thursday June 11th on Ignition Press’ Whatnot Stream! And don’t forget to preorder your copy of The Patron #1 from your local comic shop before Final Order Cutoff on June 22nd, 2026. To find a comic shop near you, go to findyourcomic.store.