{"product_id":"the-patron-1","title":"The Patron #1","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ignition Press\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWriter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Christian Ward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e John J. Pearson\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCover Artist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Christian Ward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.625\" x 10.8125\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e July 29, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comic Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Patron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIssue Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePick your cover.\u003c\/strong\u003e Available options: A - Christian Ward, B - John J. Pearson, C - Anand RK Incentive Variant 1:10. Select from the drop-down when you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll 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).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ignition Press","offers":[{"title":"A - Christian Ward","offer_id":47174989676717,"sku":"81019628033501011","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"B - John J. Pearson","offer_id":47174989709485,"sku":"81019628033501021","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"C - Anand RK Incentive Variant 1:10","offer_id":47174989742253,"sku":"81019628033501041","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/7633\/5789\/files\/81019628033501011.jpg?v=1785917786","url":"https:\/\/rivercitycomics.com\/products\/the-patron-1","provider":"River City Comics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}