Excellent
8,645 Comic Reviews
Excellent
8,645 Comic Reviews
A fresh perspective on the most dangerous job in the supervillain org chart. Rafael Garcia: Henchman #2 continues the sharp, darkly comedic four-issue Mature Readers limited series from Ablaze Publishing that flips the superhero genre on its head by centering the story on the guy nobody ever thinks about — the henchman. Cover B delivers a compelling alternative to the main cover with the distinctive artwork of Ben Herrera — an artist whose expressive, character-driven style and strong visual storytelling instincts bring a vivid, kinetic energy to Rafael Garcia’s world that makes this variant a standout addition to any Henchman collection.
Whether you’ve been following Rafael’s misadventures since issue #1, you’re a Ben Herrera collector, or you’re a Mature Readers fan who always reaches for the variant cover on a series this original and entertaining, Cover B of issue #2 is the edition that rewards the collector’s instinct.
🥷 Fun Fact: Ablaze Publishing — founded in 2018 — has rapidly built a reputation as one of the most adventurous and creator-friendly independent publishers in the industry, specializing in bringing bold, internationally sourced comics to English-language audiences alongside original creator-owned titles that consistently punch above their weight in critical acclaim and collector interest.
CVR (Cover)CVR A: The Standard Edition. This is the primary artwork found in most retail shops.
CVR B (and beyond): The Variant Edition. "B" is the first alternative cover, followed by C, D, and so on. These are often produced in smaller quantities than Cover A.
VAR (Variant)Definition: Short for Variant.Purpose: A general label confirming the book is an alternative cover option rather than the standard retail edition. These are often used to showcase guest artists or celebrate special milestones.
CARD STOCK Material: A thicker, stiffer, and more premium paper (similar to a business card).Benefits: Highly durable and resistant to "spine ticks" (small structural cracks) or corner bending.
Standard covers use thin, glossy paper; Card Stock is the "deluxe" physical upgrade.
FOIL (Foil Variant)Effect: A special edition where parts (or all) of the cover are printed with metallic, reflective foil.
Visuals: Provides a shimmering, high-end look that catches the light. These are typically priced higher and sought after for their "shelf appeal."
Artist Name (Variant Credit)Context: Usually follows the "CVR" designation (e.g., CVR B - Jimenez).
Collectability: Many collectors buy books specifically for the cover artist. A "Store Variant" or "Ratio Variant" is often defined by the prestige of the artist involved.
New Releases: Sold direct-from-distributor. While handled with care, we do not guarantee specific numerical grades or "mint" condition.
Back Issues: Sold As-Is.
Imagery: We primarily use stock photography.
Inquiries: Specific condition photos are available upon request—please contact us before purchase.
Professional Grading: We do not guarantee that any raw book will achieve a specific grade (e.g., CGC/CBCS) once submitted to a third-party service.
We know that for collectors, condition is everything. That’s why we don’t cut corners on packaging. To ensure your comics arrive in the same condition they left our shop, every order is secured using industry-leading materials:
Gemini Comic Flash Mailers: Specifically engineered for comic books, these mailers feature integrated structural ribs and a multi-depth design that prevents corner dings and edge wear during transit.
Corrugated Filler Pads: We sandwich your comics between rigid filler pads to provide an extra layer of puncture resistance and to prevent any shifting or bending inside the package.
The Result: Professional-grade protection that stands up to the rigors of the postal service, so you can unbox with confidence.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days. Please note the following regarding comic conditions:
Grading Consistency: We do not guarantee that comics will achieve specific professional grading levels (e.g., CGC/CBCS).
Minor Wear: Industry-standard imperfections—including minor spine ticks, small color breaks, printer defects, or slight corner wear—are not considered grounds for returns, credits, or replacements.