The Patron (2026)

Against orders, Detective Tabitha Stone has been quietly following the string of suspicious deaths that have rattled the fine arts world. News of Matty’s opening night overdose spurs her to follow the cross-country lead—and not a moment too soon, as Lucy’s grief unearths new questions about Matty’s past. Meanwhile, Mr. Cherish and Clyde get violent in their search for the source of the threatening package at their doorstep. Death is the ultimate profit driver in Christian Ward and John J. Pearson’s escalating fine arts thriller!

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).