Description
THE PATRON #1 COVER A CHRISTIAN WARD
THIS IS A PRESALE LISTING | FOC DATE 06/15/2026 | ESTIMATED IN-STORE DATE 07/29/2026
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 posthumous twist calls the artist’s fate and legacy into question putting the patron’s empire in the dueling crosshairs of law enforcement and a merciless third-party connoisseur. 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).
SHIPPING POLICY
Each comic is carefully bagged, boarded, and packed in sturdy materials. Orders with pre-sale items will ship when all items are released and processed.
COMBINED SHIPPING POLICY
Combined shipping available, calculated at checkout.
CONDITION POLICY
Stock photo listings guarantee comics to be roughly 9.2 NM- or better. Minor manufacturing defects may be present. Actual comic received matches depicted photo. Provided grades are subjective; buyers should assess using photos and descriptions.
PREVIEW IMAGES
Preview artwork may differ from actual comic cover when produced by publisher.
ALLOCATED PRODUCT
Allocated comics may have limited availability. Unfulfilled orders with allocated comics will be refunded.
INCENTIVES
Accidental listing of incentives for cover price will result in refund.
DAMAGES
Damaged comics from supplier will be replaced if possible. If replacement is unavailable, damaged copy or full refund will be offered.
Please ask questions and request additional photos before purchase, as returns are not accepted.
THIS IS A PRESALE LISTING | FOC DATE 06/15/2026 | ESTIMATED IN-STORE DATE 07/29/2026
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 posthumous twist calls the artist’s fate and legacy into question putting the patron’s empire in the dueling crosshairs of law enforcement and a merciless third-party connoisseur. 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).
SHIPPING POLICY
Each comic is carefully bagged, boarded, and packed in sturdy materials. Orders with pre-sale items will ship when all items are released and processed.
COMBINED SHIPPING POLICY
Combined shipping available, calculated at checkout.
CONDITION POLICY
Stock photo listings guarantee comics to be roughly 9.2 NM- or better. Minor manufacturing defects may be present. Actual comic received matches depicted photo. Provided grades are subjective; buyers should assess using photos and descriptions.
PREVIEW IMAGES
Preview artwork may differ from actual comic cover when produced by publisher.
ALLOCATED PRODUCT
Allocated comics may have limited availability. Unfulfilled orders with allocated comics will be refunded.
INCENTIVES
Accidental listing of incentives for cover price will result in refund.
DAMAGES
Damaged comics from supplier will be replaced if possible. If replacement is unavailable, damaged copy or full refund will be offered.
Please ask questions and request additional photos before purchase, as returns are not accepted.