THE PATRON #1 (IGNITION PRESS)

There is always a dark side to fame.

This is a belief Mr. Cherish has. A connoisseur of the Arts, Cherish has had a vision for finding new talent. His track record speaks volumes.

There is one catch.

Cherish sees the way to an immortal legacy is through untimely death. He’s deviously perfected this formula to cash in on his dead protege’s works.

THE PATRON #1 By Christian Ward, John Pearson, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (IGNITION PRESS) presents a troubling look at art, life and death.

Let’s take a closer look into this unsettling tale.

THE PATRON #1 By Christian Ward, John Pearson, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (IGNITION PRESS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Ward pens a truly terrifying look at how death imitates art. The opening pages set the stage for a tragic downfall. Daniel Popper’s talk with him mother conveys gratefulness and hope. Seeing Cherish manipulate the moment is devilish in nature. It results in setting a bold statement to pace the story from here on out. There is no break time after this. Ward continues to move events along without remorse. Readers watch as Cherish continues to work his angle on a new victim: Matthew Barnes.

Once here, the dialogue between Barnes and his girlfriend vents the frustration as a artist trying to break in. The mood is tense, with a hint of sadness looming. It allows Cherish’s initial move to provide a spark into their lives. The opening night goes off to perfection for Cherish as tragedy strikes yet again, The immediate fallout shows the confusion and mourning of the act. It leads into a surprising final act. The writing shows Cherish in a new light that readers haven’t seen yet. This leads into a wild final scene that unlocks many questions swirling around the darkness of Cherish.

MORE FROM CHRISTIAN WARD!

There isn’t a better artist to helm this book than Pearson The chilling introduction with Popper teases a triumph through hard work. Panels are glowing in the darkness as a two page spread. It sees the young man reflecting on all he’s gone through to arrive in this place. Cherish’s presence looms with a devilish grin on his face. Another strong two page spread showcases the ultimate result of their partnership. It crafts the stage for what follows suit.

Barnes and Lucy’s time vents the struggles and pressures Barnes puts on his art. The full page look shows the depressed stares at his latest work. Readers watch as this mood carries through to an attempted sale. The result remains bleak until a divine message arrives. Cherish’s mannerisms tease something sinister behind his eyes. This doesn’t affect the broken Barnes. Opening Night arrives with a tragic two page spread. It leads into a horrific spot with dire consequences. How Pearson stages this is perfect to let the shock sink into the audience. It sets up the brighter landscape of the final act easier. Once here, the ranges of Cherish’s reactions covers much ground. It moves directly into the mind-blowing final full page. Rest assured, there will be many questions asked along this deadly path.

FINAL GRADE: 9.7

Bear witness to the haunting world of Mr. Cherish in a thrilling look at art and success. Ward pens a chilling vision of deception and trust. Pearson delivers amazing images to guide readers into this disturbing tale. Brace for a dark journey into the corners of fame’s high cost.

Let me know your thoughts on THE PATRON #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!