PATRON, THE

Written by Christian Ward 
Illustrated by John J. Pearson 
Colors by John J. Pearson 
Cover A by Christian Ward 
Cover B by John J. Pearson 
Cover C by Anand RK 
Ignition Exclusive by Tula Lotay  

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).