The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 marks the return of creator Hannah Rose May to the world of high-stakes, supernatural geopolitics. If you caught her previous hit, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, you know the drill: take a massive seat of global power and infest it with something ancient and nasty. This time, the action shifts from the White House to the rainy streets of London, trading American politics for the stiff upper lip of the British Monarchy. It’s a bold follow-up that swaps the bright lights of D.C. for a grainy, atmospheric descent into a family curse that’s about to become a national emergency.
A Cold Opening in the North Sea
The issue kicks off with a genuinely unsettling cold open. We’re on the Royal Yacht Britannia in the middle of the North Sea. The vibes are immediately off. One minute the Royals are on a tour to raise awareness for glacial melting in Greenland, and the next, something (the book doesn’t say what) smashes into the ship. Artist Kelsey Ramsay uses a dark, grainy texture here that perfectly captures the chaos of a sinking ship in the middle of nowhere. It’s a high-stakes hook that leaves the fate of the Prince and Princess hanging in the balance, setting a grim tone for the rest of the story.
The Reluctant Heir and the Demon in the Bottle
With the primary line of succession potentially at the bottom of the ocean, the spotlight falls on Theo Belmont. Theo is your classic “problem prince”— a recovering addict with a history of public slip-ups and a drinking problem that started after his mother’s death. He’s planning to elope when the helicopters descend to whisk him away to the Palace. However, this isn’t some ‘happily ever after’ coronation, but rather a frantic move by a King desperate to pass the torch.
The most compelling part of Theo’s journey is the literal shadow following him. It’s not just a metaphor for his drinking addiction, though the parallels are there. As Theo’s anger and pressure mount, we see these fog-like, shadowy tentacles permeating the scenes. Letterer Jodie Trotman uses black speech bubbles for this entity, making its “monstrous” whispers feel heavy and invasive. When Theo finally breaks his sobriety, the emotional weight is crushing. You can feel the impossible pressure of a man who never wanted the crown being forced into the light while his personal demons pull him back into the dark.
Political Drama Meets Paranormal Horror
While Theo deals with his internal (and external) monsters, the Prime Minister is busy managing the fallout at 10 Downing Street. The issue does a great job showcasing the “spin” of a national crisis. We see cabinet secretaries arguing about the stupidity of putting the entire line of succession on one boat, and the PM struggling with low poll numbers while fighting off an opposition that badly wants his job. There’s a heavy reliance on the U.S. for help from the current PM, which adds a nice layer of geopolitical tension.
The art team of Ramsay and colorist Heather Breckel nails the contrast between the grit of the situation and the “royal drip” of the setting. The Palace interiors are rich with white and gold walls, furniture, and fine art, making the world feel lived-in and weighty. Ramsay’s use of shadows is particularly effective, especially in the mirror scenes, where reflections resemble ominous black-and-white paintings. While some facial expressions can look a bit smudged in some scenes, the overall aesthetic fits the grim, slow-burning mystery May is building.
The Verdict on the Royal Curse
The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 is a dense, dramatic start to the series. It’s definitely taking its time to build the world, focusing more on the tension of the “Belmont Curse” and the political maneuvering than on immediate jump scares. If you’re looking for a fast-paced slasher, this might feel a bit slow, but if you enjoy deep explorations into character flaws and family secrets, it’s a juicy setup.
Between the mystery of Theo’s rushed coronation and the tragedy fueling it, I’m fully invested in seeing where this story goes. It’s a somber introduction to a world where the greatest threat isn’t a revolution at the gates, but the shadow that has been standing behind the throne all along.
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‘The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace’ #1 The Royal Family has a Literal Demon Problem
The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 is a dense, dramatic start to the series. It’s definitely taking its time to build the world, focusing more on the tension of the “Belmont Curse” and the political maneuvering than on immediate jump scares. If you’re looking for a fast-paced slasher, this might feel a bit slow, but if you enjoy deep explorations into character flaws and family secrets, it’s a juicy setup.
