2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press is set to add another gem to your collection with the release of "Hey, Mary!" This heartfelt coming-of-age graphic novel explores the journey of a troubled teen, Mark, as he grapples with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. In his quest for understanding, Mark seeks guidance from some of history's most renowned religious figures.
IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of "Hey, Mary!" Dive into the slideshow gallery below to get a sneak peek:
Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
6 Images
"Hey, Mary!" is penned by Andrew Wheeler, known for his work on "Cat Fight" and "Another Castle," and illustrated by Rye Hickman, acclaimed for "The Harrowing" and "Bad Dream." Here's the official synopsis from Oni Press:
*Mark is a devout Catholic boy who attends church, prays regularly, and often worries about the concept of hell. When he develops feelings for another boy at school, Mark struggles to reconcile his emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of judgment and the fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected advice from significant figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must answer the pivotal question: Can he embrace both his Catholic faith and his gay identity?*
"'Hey, Mary!' delves into the tensions between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage struggles," Wheeler shares with IGN. "For those who are both queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By focusing on one teenager's journey, we hope to make this story more relatable. This excerpt features Mark receiving an art history lesson from his artsy friend—and crush—Luka, and experiencing a fantastical encounter with a celebrated queer Catholic icon. It's both fun and educational, with a strong viewpoint!"
"I want to give a shoutout to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for his work on the turtles on the first page of this preview!" Hickman adds. "Throughout 'Hey, Mary!', we've hidden nods to art history, turning the book into a kind of sequential Easter egg hunt. I'm not just saying this because I'm a nerd for it, but because religious iconography is a significant aspect of the Catholic Church's influence. From The Pietà to simple wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, figurative, and emotionally charged—sometimes even carrying sexual undertones that can be difficult to reconcile."
Wheeler further notes, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the story was a joy, and Rye's execution is phenomenal! These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you don't catch them all."
"Hey, Mary!" is now available in bookstores and comic shops. You can also order it on Amazon.
In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had the chance to speak with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.
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