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The stereotype of every artist is that they are only truly appreciated after they die, which is a big enough problem when someone isn’t trying to speed up the process. In the upcoming comic book from Christian Ward and John J. Pearson, a serial killer is targeting artists to make their work more popular and, importantly, more valuable. The Patron is a story of greed and loss that was born out of a conversation at a UK curry house.

The Patron, in this case, refers to Mr. Cherish, who has spent a lifetime scouting for and supporting new artists. The problem is that their work only truly becomes valuable when they die, but Cherish sees that as a temporary setback. He kills multiple artists before turning his attention to painter Matty Barnes, but he soon finds his blood-soaked empire at risk.

Written by Christan Ward (Batman: City of Madness) with art by John J. Pearson (The Infernals), The Patron first came into being as the pair ate curry in the UK. “The Patron was born over a curry with John in Harrogate many years ago,” Ward explained. “Both ex-teachers and artists who have dabbled in fine art, John and I were talking over our Sag Aloo about the art industry and joking that at least our work would be worth something when we were dead, and PING! The spark that would become The Patron appeared in one of the purest light bulb moments I’ve ever had.”

Check out this preview:

Ward goes on to describe the book as “a gorgeously hand-painted comic all about the importance of Art in our world,” which feels timely when it feels like art is constantly under attack from the rise of AI and corporate exploitation.

Christian Ward and John J. Pearson both contributed a cover for the first issue of The Patron, with Anand RK doing a third cover and Tula Lotay drawing the Ignition Exclusive cover.

The Patron #1 goes on sale on July 29.

Get ready for what's next with our list to upcoming comics and how to buy comics at a comic shop.