Comic book writer Hannah Rose May joins the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 259 on December 17, 2025. To prepare for the conversation, we have compiled five comics by May you should read!
Hannah is an Irish writer and actress know for her comics Rogues’ Gallery, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, and The Guy in the Chair. Hannah has a stacked start to 2026 with the 1600 Penn sequel The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace as well as Smile: For the Camera based in the Smile world from the feature films. As an actress, May has starred alongside her The Guy in the Chair co-writer Utkarsh Ambudkar on Ghosts, as well as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ballers, Shooter, Altered Carbon, and more.
The third issue in The Guy in the Chair drops on December 24, 2025 from Dark Horse. Smile: For the Camera #1 and The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 are set to hit local comic shops in February and March 2026 respectively from IDW Publishing.
Rogues’ Gallery (Image)
After years portraying popular comic book character the Red Rogue, Maisie Wade is desperate to hang up the spandex suit. But when her exit from the Red Rogue’s TV series leads to its unceremonious cancellation, Maisie finds herself trapped in her home by a group of unhinged intruders cosplaying as her character’s archvillains. These fans are hellbent on teaching Maisie a lesson, and to survive the night, Maisie must become the hero she has grown to despise.
The Exorcism at 1600 Penn (IDW)
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.
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. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review
The Guy in the Chair (Dark Horse)
In the blood-soaked world of assassins and spies, love has no place. Unfortunately for Abhi, a tactical analyst at a private military company, love is all he can think about. Against his employer’s strict policy, he’s fallen head over heels for Merlin, the field operative whose missions he supports as her “Guy in the Chair.”
When Merlin shows up at his apartment bloody, beaten, and pleading for help, Abhi is yanked from behind the safety of his computer screens, and now the two must prevent their former employer and a cabal of corporate overlords from a hostile global takeover that threatens all of humanity.
The first and second issues are out now with the third issue coming December 24.
The Guy in the Chair is a unique new comic written by two passionate storytellers, Hannah Rose May and Utkarsh Ambudkar. With its fresh premise, seamless blend of spy-thriller and romantic comedy, and outstanding artwork by Guillermo Sanna and Dearbhla Kelly, this premiere issue sets the foundation for what is likely to be one of my favorite comics of the year. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review of the first issue
The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace (IDW)
“I’ve been truly humbled by the response to The Exorcism at 1600 Penn,” said May. “Returning to this world with the team at IDW Dark has been an absolute thrill. The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace expands the universe with a brand-new setting, cast and mythology. It’s a fresh entry point for new readers, while rewarding the fans who’ve been with us since the beginning. I’m delighted to have Kelsey Ramsay on board for art and we can’t wait to welcome everyone into the next chilling chapter of The Exorcism At universe.”
The first issue of this new series comes out in March 2026.
Smile: For the Camera (IDW)
Set in 2005, a group of international models kick off Fashion Month in New York. They’re dying to smile for the camera, but paranoia quickly creeps in as the mysterious Smile Entity begins to stalk the group.
“As a huge fan of Smile, I’m honored to be entrusted with expanding Parker Finn’s terrifying universe into comics,” said May. “I’ve had a disgustingly good time writing this and I can’t wait for fans to experience the nightmare in a whole new medium. Like how Smile 2 took us inside the world of a present day pop star, our series throws it back to the early 2000s and drops the Entity right into the ruthless world of the modeling industry.”
The first issue drops February 18, 2026.
