If the title of Hannah Rose May and Vanesa Del Rey‘s latest series, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, doesn’t grab your attention, the story inside certainly will. This supernatural horror comic thrillingly blends chilling political themes with the classic horror elements. May and Rey, two of comics’ finest talents, deliver a truly unexpected horror that had me hooked from the outset.
Kelly Doyle has just been elected the first woman president of the United States of America, and boiling political tension could spill over at any second. Having to balance being a mother to two teenagers and navigating the shifting media landscape, all while preventing World War III, has Kelly spread thin, but she could never predict that the nation’s hallowed halls would soon become a demonic battleground for good versus evil.
The timing of the original release of the four-issue miniseries might scare you away, but what lies inside the pages of The Exorcism at 1600 Penn is more supernatural horror than a traditional political tale…which with the current political climate was a relief. The First Family must navigate the challenges of public life while also facing demonic forces lurking within the White House. This unique blend adds an exciting and unexpected element to the comic. This story takes a surprising twist on political drama.
As we continued through the four-chapter story, we see elements of horror and political drama as expected, but we really dive into the family dynamics as the First Family adjusts to life in the White House–balancing caring for her daughter while it also being a possible threat to National security. Life in the public eye of being the first family as well as running a country is likely horrifying enough without having to worry about what supernatural forces may be at work. The balance of exploring the President’s family and dealing with what lurks in the shadows is well executed.
The pacing throughout The Exorcism at 1600 Penn is wonderfully crafted, building tension slowly before delivering impactful moments that leave me edge. This emotional and thrilling story really captivated me as a fan of horror and political fiction (yes, I just watched the entirety of West Wing). Fitting directly in my wheelhouse, I looked forward to each page turn with anticipation and suspense. It’s a fresh take on both genres that I wasn’t really asking for, but somehow fell in love with along the way.
Each chapter has its own high moments, but the culmination in the fourth installment truly sent the story home. A tension and emotion-filled climax that made the entire journey worth the ride. While I said before the pacing was spot on, the ending did feel a bit fast, but not enough to take away from the overall story.
With a tale as good as The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, it definitely wouldn’t have been nearly as good without the illustrations of Del Rey. Vanesa’s gritty artwork enhances the eerie atmosphere of the story, allowing me to understand this story was more than a straight forward political fiction and we are in for an immersive ride. The tones are dark and the artwork can be chaotic at times, just like life in a horror story based in the White House. The visual elements such as the use of texting adds so much to the overall reading experience.
I was hooked after the premiere issue of The Exorcism at 1600 Penn and satisfied the feeling I felt from the outset carried throughout the entire story. Hannah Rose May and Vanesa Del Rey have created a gripping tale that defies genre conventions with its blend of political drama and supernatural horror. This miniseries showcases the kind of innovative storytelling that sets creator-owned comics apart from mainstream titles, more of what we want to see coming from outstanding publishers like IDW Publishing.
The Exorcism at 1600 Penn trade paperback hits bookstores everywhere on July 15, 2025 (FOC: June 9) and local comic shops on July 16 from IDW Publishing.
The Exorcism at 1600 Penn TP Preview
