I am always here for a well thought-out and well-executed graphic novel, especially one written by a woman.

The Exorcism at 1600 Penn was a refreshing palate cleanser that managed to keep things spooky, but also offered up robust commentary on the American political system. And holy crap, does the American political system need a reckoning and maybe a nice colonic.

The Exorcism at 1600 Penn sees Kelly Doyle win the presidency, and have to balance that role with raising her two kids. When her daughter begins to behave strangely, the family must come together to save not only her life, but the entire family.

I went in thinking it The Exorcism at 1600 Penn was going to be a purely supernatural thrill ride, but there were elements of challenging familial dynamics, and psychological horror that I didn't expect, but very much enjoyed watching play out.

The artwork is top drawer. As a fan of graphic novels, I am always excited when the artist tells the story accurately with their illustrations, and Vanessa Del Rey did an amazing job.

I thought this was gripping and creepy and a good read. It is a political setting in the USA and depicts high school. None of these settings really grabbed me but it was good in the way the different aspects came together. A good read.

Positively creepy. Great artwork and a nice story to go along with it. Everyone hast their own problems in this first Family.

A possession story that becomes scarier due to its proximity to the nuclear button. Plus, there's a smattering of political intrigue.

The exorcism at 1600 Penn is an exorcism book with a bit of a spin, it's happening at the Whitehouse and to the first family in a political act of war. Bringing in a spin for both spiritual and political, this book will keep you spinning the pages both to know what happens next, and to get rid of some of the terror left on the previous page. While I did not love the art in this story, it does fit the theme of the story, just wasn't to my personal preference.

This is a must pick up for horror fans, especially if you have a love for politics.

A delightfully dark book with plenty of twisty moments. Although I did enjoy it, I don’t think I would read anymore books by this author and that is just personal preference.

The plot was cool but I could not handle the art style. I know art is subjective but... this was just bad. The characters didn't look real half the time. If they were in the background they were sketched in poorly and without detail and that would be fine if the area around them was nice to look at... but it wasn't. Everything just looked like a vague depiction of what it actually was. When the characters were detailed they looked so cartoonish with their facial features disproportionate from one another There were times where the background, especially toward the end were so colorless that they shouldn't have even bothered with putting in small random details like a table of a hallway behind the characters. I didn't enjoy reading this or looking at it.

This graphic novel was soo good. As someone who lives outside of DC, I wish we good do an exorcism in the White House. The images and drawings were very well done and super detailed. I read this on my iPad instead of my kindle to get the full color effect and highly recommend.

The storyline definitely hit on some good themes. Women are more than just being a mother. We can have jobs and roles in society without neglecting our family “duties” as a mother.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: August 19th, 2025

Synopsis:

The most famous address in the U.S. becomes the center of an epic struggle in this chilling supernatural-horror graphic novel!

Kelly Doyle has just been elected the first female 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.

From the pen of rising comics writer Hannah Rose May (Rogues’ Gallery) and acclaimed artist Vanesa Del Rey (Scarlet Witch) comes this psychological tale perfect for fans of Nice House on the Lake and The Haunting of Hill House.

Review:

I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The premise - a demonic possession in the White House - sounded exactly like the type of horror book I would gravitate towards so I figured I would give this a shot…and I’m glad I did!

Right from the start, I was pulled in by its originality - part political thriller and part supernatural horror. The artwork (which I admit I initially thought would be distracting) actually enhanced the mood and intensity in ways that words alone might not have. I found myself lingering on certain panels just to take it all in. The characters were distinct and memorable, and the central storyline kept me engaged. And perhaps this is a standard graphic novel thing, but I really appreciated how it didn’t try to over-explain things - it was up to me to piece things together.

The artwork in this is fantastic, but a few of the panels were difficult to read due to the layout. The story is perfectly fine, but the resolution to the conflict was really too easy. I was hopeful that it would be more of a 50/50 split and yet the build up to the climax does really take priority in the book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

While I liked the political angle, the character and setting artwork from Vanesa Del Rey left me underwhelmed. And the 4 issues felt a little underdeveloped too.

With thanks to the author, publishers IDW Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a DRC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this a lot, with its mixture of vibes from House of Cards and the Exorcist. The story was engaging, not too scary, although it did all seem to resolve itself in a bit of a rushed ending. The combination of the political power struggle, parenting difficulties, trouble at school and the possession itself was done, while the artwork was great and help to bring the story to life.

I would look forward to seeing more content from this author and illustrator.

The Exorcism at 1600 Penn by Hannah Rose May is a captivating read that expertly blends elements of horror with humor and political satire. The story takes readers on a wild ride through the White House, where the stakes are high and the supernatural is very real. May’s writing is sharp and witty, creating a compelling narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding depth to the eerie happenings. While the plot occasionally leans into the absurd, it’s all part of the charm. Overall, this book is a fun, spine-tingling experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for a unique twist on the exorcism genre!

The art style has this messy, rough, unfinished quality that may fit the genre but it's the type that makes it really hard to discern what's going on. Paired with the weird style of panneling I had to do double takes more than once.

The plot... how to describe it? If you enjoy wacky camp over-the-top movies with the most insane plots, the type that are fun because you watch to make fun of them or because you watch them high, then this might be of your interest. Personally I didn't really care much for it, especially the US propaganda vibes it gave.

Amazing graphic novel, its my first one in years. The emotional struggle in the family was so well done it felt natural. The graphics were overall amazing and the story was easy to follow once I remembered it was not a manga!

The Exorcism at 1600 Penn by Hannah Rose May was received directly from the publisher and I chose to review it. This book is part of a series, just so you know. The title explains the premise of a sitting US President's daughter becoming possessed while living in the White House. Since this is a graphic novel, the artist provides moody backdrop. If you or someone you buy gifts for thinks this may be for them, I recommend a hardcopy, maybe its my age or maybe I just want to see it all.

3 Stars

a bold and stylish debut that fuses supernatural horror with political drama in a way that’s both ambitious and uneven. The premise—a sitting U.S. president confronting the demonic possession of her daughter amid looming global crisis—is undeniably compelling, and May leans into the tension with sharp pacing and a knack for cinematic spectacle. The artwork by Vanesa Del Rey is a standout, full of moody, expressive linework that gives the story a grounded, visceral tone. That said, the story occasionally buckles under the weight of its own premise; character development sometimes takes a back seat to exposition, and the emotional stakes feel undercooked in spots where they should land hardest. Still, it’s a fresh take on both the exorcism trope and the political thriller, offering a gutsy blend of genre and satire that’s worth a read—especially if you like your horror with a pulse on power.

I watched the original Exorcist movie a lot earlier than I should have and despite being an avid horror fan it’s only over the past few years I've sat down to revisit the classic. That said I was excited to see something a bit different and this comic offers just that. I first need to comment on the artwork and colouring because I was addicted to this from the first page. It's so dark and intense and fits the tone and mood perfectly. The storyline is fantastic and while it follows the general Exorcism storyline (not much else you can do) it manages to bring in new aspects and make it feel fresh at the same time which I really enjoyed.

This was definitely one I'm going to be rereading and getting in physical format. A must for horror fans.

In The Exorcism of 1600 Penn, Hannah Rose May delivers a smart, atmospheric blend of supernatural horror and political commentary that reimagines the White House as a battleground not just for power, but for the very soul of the nation. With hauntingly evocative art by Vanesa Del Rey, this graphic novel is both a visual feast and a chilling meditation on what happens when the most powerful house in the world is infiltrated by evil far older—and more terrifying—than partisan politics.

President Kelly Doyle is already in uncharted territory as the first woman elected to the highest office in the U.S., juggling her role as a mother, a leader, and a lightning rod in a polarized country. But things take a deadly supernatural turn when sinister forces begin to stir inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. What follows is a taut, unsettling descent into paranoia, possession, and moral reckoning.

May’s writing shines in its restraint. Rather than relying on jump scares or gore, the horror creeps in quietly, burrowing under the skin. The real terror emerges not just from the demonic entities lurking in the shadows, but from the emotional and psychological toll it takes on President Doyle and her inner circle. It’s a story as much about internal demons—grief, guilt, legacy—as it is about literal ones.

Vanesa Del Rey’s artwork is an inspired match for the story’s tone. Her signature moody, shadow-drenched style transforms the White House into a gothic maze where history and horror bleed together. Every panel feels heavy with dread, especially the more intimate moments where characters face the uncanny and unknown in candlelit corridors and war rooms gone cold.

Fans of The Nice House on the Lake or The Haunting of Hill House will find a lot to love here: a creeping sense of doom, deeply flawed but sympathetic characters, and a relentless tension that never lets up. But The Exorcism of 1600 Penn also distinguishes itself by daring to question what kind of moral rot might truly lie at the heart of power, and whether redemption is ever possible on a stage that big.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A bold, stylish, and deeply unnerving horror tale that transforms the White House into a haunted house in every sense. The Exorcism of 1600 Penn is a must-read for fans of literary horror, political thrillers, and gorgeously twisted graphic storytelling.

What if The Exorcist met The West Wing? That’s pretty much the vibe of The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, a supernatural graphic novel that blends horror, politics, and family drama… all inside the White House.

Kelly Doyle has just made history as the first female President of the United States, and things are already chaotic. Between teenage kids, political enemies, and international threats, her plate is full. But when literal demons enter the picture, the real chaos begins.

I really liked the concept. The mix of political tension, family struggles, and demonic horror felt fresh and timely. The artwork is moody and atmospheric, which helped set the tone. And if you're into psychological horror with a side of political commentary, this is worth checking out.

That said, I did expect it to be scarier. For a story set in the most powerful house in America, the horror could have gone a bit deeper. Still, I enjoyed the ride and would happily read more from this team.