The Order of the Circle by Levi Cory, Elisabeth Mkheidze, Maria Letizia Mirabella and Eva de la Cruz
Dead Sky Publishing (February 2025)
Reviewed by Joshua Gage
Levi Cory is a new graphic novelist fresh off the farm. With a degree in Playwriting and studies in film and theater, Levi brings a deep understanding of narrative structure and character development to their work. They have written and directed films and TV shows such as Living… and Snakemagic.com. In addition to their work in film and TV, Levi has authored several written works, including The Comfort of The Womb, Robbing Stupidity, and The Sick Rose. Their playwriting has earned significant recognition, including a Texas Playwright Award. Known for blending deep thematic exploration with innovative narrative structures, Levi continues to captivate audiences across both written and visual media, pushing creative boundaries with each new project. Cory’s newest book, The Order of The Circle, is available on Dead Sky Publishing.
The Order of The Circle is a historical horror fantasy based around the events of London’s Great Smog of December 1952. Cory incorporates historic details, like Martindale masks and newspaper clippings, directly into the writing of this graphic novel, so readers unfamiliar with the events are thoroughly introduced and saturated in the world. Furthermore, Elisabeth Mkheidze’s linework and Eva De La Cruz’s color palate both provide a vintage look that enriches this storyline and reinforces the historic period. However, within the first fifteen pages of the book, we know we are in a world where magic and spells are not only known, but familiar parts of society. The story begins with a grave robbery for magical elements, and proceeds from there through darkness and underground societies, and will be sure to capture the attention of readers.
The Order of The Circle is a strong debut graphic novel. Levi Cory’s storytelling is inventive but grounded in history, human anatomy, demonology, etc.; the balance between the real events and the dark fantasy is well wrought. Mkheidze and De La Cruz’s art and coloring both advance the story while helping to create the nightmare world of the Great Smog, as well as juxtaposing the additional magical societies that Cory has created. This book is strongly recommended for mature readers interested in a bloody historical graphic novel tinged with demonology.
