Review: The Exorcism At Buckingham Palace #2
From IDW Publishing
The horror continues in The Exorcism At Buckingham Palace #2 from IDW Publishing’s horror imprint, IDW Dark.
Theo Belmont is being dragged under — by the pressures of assuming the throne, an escalating addiction, and the all-consuming darkness of the curse that has haunted his family for generations.
As his grip on reality loosens, blackout periods now taking place at regular intervals, Theo can’t help but wonder if the political pressure is costing him his mind... just as it cost his mother hers. If he’s going to escape his inner demons, he’ll need to place his trust in a greater power. A power like the president of the United States of America.
Author: Hannah Rose May
Artist: Kelsey Ramsay
For the second issue, this next chapter really manages to pack a lot in without feeling overcrowded, pushing both the character work and the wider plot forward in meaningful ways.
Alongside everything already unfolding, there are some sharp, well-placed political beats that add an extra layer of tension. These moments don’t just exist for flavour either—they actively steer the narrative toward a strong cliffhanger that ties neatly back into the earlier Exorcism storyline. It feels intentional and connected, rather than just a passing nod.
The royal side of things is especially compelling here. We see the king starting to grasp the true weight of the crown, and not just in the ceremonial sense. There’s a sense that the pressure is constant and inescapable, even in what should be routine situations. An unexpected, almost ambush-style interview and a series of high-profile events pile on the pressure, creating an environment where cracks can start to show. Theo, in particular, feels the strain, with hints of a possible relapse handled in a way that feels grounded rather than melodramatic. The people around him stepping in to support him add a human touch that balances the larger, more supernatural elements.
Speaking of which, the darker side of the story really begins to assert itself here. The curse hanging over the Royal Family no longer feels like a distant threat—it’s present, active, and increasingly difficult to ignore. There’s a sense that something bigger is looming, something that will affect not just individuals but the entire family unit. That escalation sets up a final issue that promises to be incredibly tense.
Visually, the issue continues to impress. The artwork and colouring do a great job of reinforcing the tone, especially in how they contrast the creeping darkness of the supernatural elements with the bright, almost artificial glare of public life—TV cameras, staged appearances, and grand events. That contrast helps underline the duality at the heart of the story: what’s seen versus what’s hidden.
Overall, this issue does a strong job of deepening both the personal and supernatural stakes while ensuring everything moves toward a payoff that feels earned.
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