BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY: THE BOOK OF DEMONS, from Source Point Press on January 10th, 2022, ramps up the tension when the secret of Caitlin’s powers reaches the rulers of House Lowell who hope to use her for their own gain.
The Details
- Written By: Madeleine Holly-Rosing
- Art By: Gwynn Tavares
- Colors By: Gwynn Tavares
- Letters By: Troy Peteri
- Cover Art By: Gwynn Tavares
- Cover Price: $2.99 (digital)
- Release Date: January 10, 2022
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Was It Good?
BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY: THE BOOK OF DEMONS is the strongest spinoff/one-shot sequel comic spawned from the series so far. The setup, if you’re new to the title, centers on an alternate, mildly steampunk reality where the supernatural is real and our collection of main characters interact with famous historical figures of the period during their ghostly adventures. In recent one-shots, Caitlin’s powers as a medium have evolved into full-blown supernatural abilities of the witchy sort, putting her at odds with superstitious citizens and the authorities.
This issue is more interesting than the previous one-shots because more focus is placed on Caitlin learning her abilities and how those powers connect with demons. The prior issues went a long way to look at social issues of the period while conservatively infusing supernatural elements for a unique twist. They were fine one-shots but a little dry in the fantasy department. Here, the supernaturals have a greater presence and are equitably balanced with the historical events to create a more imaginative story.
The crux of the story plays out well. Caitlin is put in difficult positions and uses her wits (with plenty of magic) to resolve the situation. The challenges feel authentic for the players involved, the conflict with the demons make sense according to the rules of the world Holly-Rosing has constructed, and the outcomes don’t come easy or end with a too-clean Happily Ever After.
Tavares’s art is strong in this issue. Back to the previous point about the previous one-shots being a little dry, Tavares gets to flex some creative art muscles with all the magical shenanigans going on. There are creepy and genuinely intimidating demons, and the coloring looks the best it ever has since the beginning of the series.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you want to know how demons factor into Caitlin’s powers, first read our BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY: GHOSTS AND DEMONS review.
We begin with Caitlin practicing her newly-discovered telekinetic powers. As tension over the workers’ strike grows on the streets outside, Caitlin’s mother spews zealous condemnation of her daughter for being a “witch” to anyone who’ll listen.
Meanwhile, House Lowell faces financial ruin under the strain of the worker’s strike. Fearing he has no choice but to negotiate, Jacob Lowell prepares to cooperate with the workers’ demands when his wife, Alice, proposes another option. She’s heard the rumors about a “witch” who can find and control demons, and she enacts a plan to capture Caitlin and force her to bring demons under House Lowell’s control to act as muscle to break up the strike.
Alice Lowell’s plan works when her hired thugs break into Caitlin’s house and kidnap her. As leverage and insurance and leverage, Alice Lowell kidnaps Caitlin’s mother and threatens to kill her if Caitlin doesn’t cooperate. We conclude the issue with a demon scavenger hunt, Caitlin stretching past her limits, and a visit to an old scientist friend.
Final Thoughts
BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY: THE BOOK OF DEMONS is the best one-shot spinoff of the series so far. The story gives more room to the magical elements, creates a compelling conflict with clear stakes, and ends on a satisfying note that leaves the door open for more adventures to come.
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