2025 has already seen its share of remarkable comics, and Oni Press is set to enrich your collection with another compelling release. *Hey, Mary!* is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that delves into the life of a troubled teen, Mark, as he navigates the complex intersection of his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. In his journey, Mark seeks guidance from some of the most iconic figures in religious history, making for a unique and heartfelt narrative.
IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of *Hey, Mary!*. Dive into the slideshow gallery below to get a glimpse of this touching story:
Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
6 Images
*Hey, Mary!* is crafted by the talented duo of writer Andrew Wheeler, known for works like *Cat Fight* and *Another Castle*, and illustrator Rye Hickman, celebrated for *The Harrowing* and *Bad Dream*. Here's how Oni Press describes the book:
*Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church regularly, recites his prayers diligently, and often finds himself consumed with worries about hell. When Mark discovers he has feelings for another boy at his school, he grapples with these emotions against the backdrop of his faith. The burden of centuries of shame and judgment, coupled with his fear of his parents' reaction, weighs heavily on him. In his quest for answers, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, but also finds unexpected guidance from historical Catholic figures such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. At the heart of Mark's journey is the pivotal question: Can he embrace both his Catholic beliefs and his gay identity?*
Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "*Hey, Mary!* explores the tension between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage angst. For those who identify as queer and Catholic, these tensions are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on Mark's personal journey, we hope to make these broader themes more relatable. This preview features Mark receiving an art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, alongside a fantastical encounter with a notable queer Catholic icon. It's both engaging and informative."
Rye Hickman adds, "A huge thank you to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for the vivid colors on the turtles in the first page of this preview! *Hey, Mary!* is filled with nods to art history, creating a delightful scavenger hunt of sorts. Given the Catholic Church's profound influence through religious iconography over the ages, it's a rich field to explore. These images are not just evocative and emotionally charged; they can also be sexually provocative in ways that challenge reconciliation."
Wheeler further comments, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the narrative was incredibly rewarding, and Rye's artistic interpretation is superb. These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you're not familiar with them."
*Hey, Mary!* is now available for purchase in bookstores and comic shops. You can also order it on Amazon.In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to revisit the Hellboy universe this summer, and we've had the pleasure of speaking with the creative team behind *Spider-Man & Wolverine*.
