Horror has always found a unique strength in invading the most secure and prestigious institutions in the world. There is something inherently unsettling about seeing a seat of global power succumb to forces that cannot be bargained with or voted away. After terrorizing the halls of the American executive branch in her previous hit, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, series creator and writer Hannah Rose May is setting her sights on the British monarchy.
As we move into early 2026, the hype for The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace is reaching a fever pitch. According to reports from Daily Dead, exclusive cover reveals for the second issue have just been unveiled, showcasing a macabre curse that is officially claiming the throne. Alongside artist Kelsey Ramsay and colorist Dearbhla Kelly, May is weaving a tale that blends high-stakes tradition with visceral, demonic terror.
A Royal Possession: The Creative Vision Behind the Curse
The transition from the American executive residence to the historic corridors of Buckingham Palace represents a natural evolution for this series. While the first installment of the franchise dealt with the pressures of leadership in Washington, this new chapter leans heavily into the weight of centuries-old tradition. Hannah Rose May has proven herself adept at utilizing these iconic backdrops to heighten the tension, making the supernatural intrusion feel all the more invasive.
Artist Kelsey Ramsay brings a gritty, detailed aesthetic to the palace, stripping away the gold-leafed glamour to reveal the shadows lurking behind the tapestries. The exclusive covers for issue #2 highlight a palace in distress, where the regal atmosphere is choked by a supernatural rot. Combined with Dearbhla Kelly’s atmospheric color palette—which utilizes cold blues and sickly, necrotic tones—the visual identity of the series is firmly established as one of the most haunting titles under the IDW Dark imprint.
Visual Nightmares: Analyzing the New Cover Reveals
The newly revealed artwork for the second issue suggests that the demonic presence within the palace is not merely a passing shadow but a deep-seated infection. One cover features a striking image of the crown itself being corrupted by an otherworldly influence, symbolizing the fall of an institution that many consider untouchable. This visual metaphor is central to May’s storytelling; it’s not just about a haunted house, but about the corruption of symbols that represent stability and history.
For horror fans, the appeal of The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace lies in its ability to subvert our expectations of the elite. We are used to seeing the British royals depicted in a sanitized, often reverent light through mainstream media. May and Ramsay tear down that facade, replacing protocol with panic and ceremony with sacrifice. It is a bold direction for the IDW Dark line, which continues to push the boundaries of psychological and supernatural horror in the comic book medium.
Expanding the Universe of Institutional Terror
This series marks a significant moment for the creative team as they expand what fans are calling the "Institutional Horror" universe. By moving the narrative across the pond, May is exploring how different cultures and histories react to the same primordial evil. Where the American setting focused on modern power structures, the UK setting allows for a deeper dive into ancient folklore and the ghosts of a colonial past.
As the series progresses, readers should expect a deeper exploration of the lore established in 1600 Penn. While each story stands on its own, the underlying themes of power and its vulnerability to the dark remain consistent. The second issue promises to ramp up the stakes, showing that no amount of security or lineage can protect one from a determined demonic entity. With the exclusive covers now revealed, the countdown to the release of The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #2 has officially begun, and if these visuals are any indication, the monarchy is in for a very dark night.