Abigail Jill Harding Presents the Gothic Love Story 'Parliament of Rooks'

Issue #1 is Available from Comixology Originals on November 14, 2023

Artist Abigail Jill Harding makes her first ever long-form writing debut with the limited series Parliament of Rooks, a gothic love story told in 5 chapters over the course of the four seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter—and culminating in an epic conclusion. Parliament of Rooks is a tale of dark fantasy, forbidden romance, menacing forces, and enchanting characters, inspired by the striking, gregarious, black-feathered bird, known as a rook. The first issue of Parliament of Rooks debuts on November 14, 2023, from Amazon’s Comixology Originals exclusive digital content line.

Influenced by such artists as Salvador Dali, Yoshitaka Amano, Gustav Klimt, Toppi, Mike Mignola, and H.R Giger, Harding (Ask For Mercy) continues to push herself to new heights. Combining her passion for art and storytelling, in Parliament of Rooks she weaves a rich tapestry of gothic lore, witchcraft, and doomed love which she deftly illustrates with stunning black and white art with moments of horror highlighted with red spot color.

On the first day of Spring, architect Darius Ravenscar wakes from a strange and troubling dream. He dismisses it and attends a masquerade ball in the city of Eborvik thrown by Princess Seraphina, the daughter of King Sitric, Lord of the Four Vales. While there, it becomes clear that something is terribly wrong and Ravenscar finds himself in a precarious predicament that will threaten his long-standing affection for the Princess. As Ravenscar becomes more tormented he searches for the truth, confronting ghosts from the past that haunt him and unraveling the mystery of his family, ultimately becoming torn between two worlds and two minds.

Look for Harding's other Comixology Originals here: Ask For Mercy Season One: The Key To Forever, Ask For Mercy Season Two: The Heart of the Earth, Ask For Mercy Season Three: World of Disquiet, Ask For Mercy Season Four: The Circle of Time

“Parliament of Rooks is a beautifully realized gothic fantasy, and evidence that Abigail’s ability as a writer is every bit as phenomenal as her unique talent as an illustrator.”

–Martin Simmonds, artist The Department of Truth

"I've been anxiously waiting to read Parliament of Rooks ever since it was first teased, and it was well worth the wait! It's dripping with gothic romance, creeping horror in the shadows, and of course features a tormented brooding hero who we can't help but immediately fall in love with - and all expertly brought to life by Abigail's gorgeous inkwork. I read it once to let the story sink in, then immediately read it again to admire every detail in each panel. It's a dark delicious treat for any lover of gothic fantasy.”

–Abigail Larson, artist The Dark Wood Tarot, Sandman: The Dreaming

"Abigail Harding is the Queen of the gothic in modern comics. She opens her Parliament of Rooks, and every panel will make you pay homage." –Kieron Gillen, writer The Wicked + the Divine

"This book is so gothic and dreamlike, the interiors so rich. Abigail’s work is simply stunning."

–Tula Lotay, Eisner Award-Winning artist of Barnstormers

"Abigail Harding’s amazing work always captivates with dark, ethereal sensibility and utterly unique visual form."

–Scott Derrickson, Producer/Director Doctor Strange, Deliver Us from Evil, Sinister, The Black Phone