Daphne Byrne (Hill House Comics)
In late 19th-century New York City, during the heyday of spiritualist seances, fourteen-year-old Daphne is filled with rage caused by the sudden death of her father. Left alone with her mother, who is drawn to the seances which are conducted by charlatans, Daphne becomes ever more isolated and withdrawn. When she discovers the fraud being perpetrated upon her mother and reveals it to her, a seemingly uncrossable chasm opens between them. Her mother is convinced the spiritualists are genuine and are trying to help her contact her dead husband.
Daphne is seen as that “weird girl” by other girls and is ostracized. But is she really alone? A mysterious person Daphne calls “brother” enters her dreams and eventually her waking life. She does not know who he is, or what he is, but it is obvious he has occult powers; perhaps he’s a demon. Perhaps, he is only the darker side of her own psyche. Whatever he may be, the power Daphne derives from him is needed when the spiritualists reveal themselves to be Satanists and kidnap her mother.
This graphic novel is reminiscent of Rosemary’s Baby and is richly illustrated. More than simply a horror story, it is also a story about female teenage angst and what it means to be a girl growing into womanhood, what it means to recognize and harness the personal powers that come with that maturity. This is an intriguing story that is set up well for a sequel, if not further adventures.
