#257--Ashcan edition [Black]

This issue is limited to five (5) hand-numbered "black" ashcan edition copies (plus six (6) Artist Proof [AP] copies), each signed by Nick Curtis and Jacqui Quinn. These were included in The Hornoir Society's 2025 mystery box alongside similarly signed and numbered editions of *The Nitrate Plumes of the Phoenix* / *The House of the Bloodbathed Cuckoo* [flipbook], *Vint Age Press Presents… Leading Ladies*, *ICKS* #7, and *Thirteen Cancelled Comics* in addition to a double-sided *Trigger Warning* placard, a letter apologizing for the delayed delivery, a double-sided *Hornoir Bloody Hornoir* / *A Young Person's Primer on Post-Comics* 13 in. x 19 in. poster, and five (5) *Murder in the Crimson Circle* trading card game (TCG) test/prototype cards.

While this issue has no price listed on it, the minimum amount paid through The Hornoir Society's Patreon to receive a 2025 mystery box was a twelve-month commitment at $9/month (totaling $108) and the above "On-sale Date" reflects when the first mystery box was mailed to a Patreon supporter. Furthermore, while this issue has no publisher's age guideline printed on it, the double-sided *Trigger Warning* placard included with all 2025 mystery boxes notes that: "All Hornoir Society publications — whether stated on their covers or not — are 'Suggested for Mature Readers' due to potentially disturbing themes and graphic imagery, including descriptions and depictions of sadism, mutilation, murder, sexual assault, and a gamut of other goodies."

Copies of this issue came packaged in a 4 mil. Mylar archival polyester (boPET) sleeve with a crystal-clear backing board. Additionally, each sleeve's beaded flap was held down by a die-cut, removable/low-tack "Certified Authentic by The Hornoir Society" vinyl sticker.