First, it was America…now, England. It’s 5:00 a.m. at 10 Downing Street. The prime minister gets a call that bolts him upright out of bed: The royal family has been lost at sea. Parliament and Buckingham Palace explode with action in the aftermath. Some suspect the prince and his wife, the princess, were attacked. Others whisper their tragedy was the result of a long-standing family curse…Either way, playboy and recovering addict Theo Belmont is next in line to the throne. Can he step up to the role? Or will he be consumed by his demons? The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 is a tense debut full of emotion and mystery.

Written by Hannah Rose May, The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 is a fantastic debut that’ll keep you guessing as to what’s going on. At its surface level, the story involves the mysterious disappearance and fallout of some of the royal family. Did they vanish due to a curse or was another nation involved? That alone could drive a series, with a focus on an investigation and the political impact of the event. But, May dives deeper focusing on the next in line to the throne and a past that haunts him.

The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 explores trauma and addiction as Theo Belmont fights to stay sober while also clearly uneasy about his royal lineage. But, the crown that weighs is forced upon him as he’s declared the next in line for the throne and struggles with his addiction that has afflicted other family members. It’s a story of ghosts that haunt but ones of addiction and family trauma.

The comic delivers a perfectly moody look with the art of Kelsey Ramsay. With color by Heather Breckel and lettering by Jodie Troutman, the comic has a haunted style that perfectly captures its ominous feel. I can’t say anything as far as the details of the royals and England, but the comic nails a haunting feel and the visuals add to the tension that builds throughout the issue. The art is perfect for the overall vibe, adding to every emotional moment.

The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 is the type of comic you can enjoy on the surface level or dive deeper in to. It’s a solid debut that’ll suck readers in, leaving them guessing as to where this could go. It’s a fantastic debut that delivers a haunting read as the weather warms up.

Story: Hannah Rose May Art: Kelsey Ramsay
Color: Heather Breckel Letterer: Jodie Troutman
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle