2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press may have another gem to add to your collection. "Hey, Mary!" is a touching coming-of-age graphic novel that follows a troubled teen, Mark, as he navigates the complexities of his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to some of history's most notable religious figures for support.
IGN is excited 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
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"Hey, Mary!" is crafted by writer Andrew Wheeler, known for "Cat Fight" and "Another Castle," and illustrated by Rye Hickman, acclaimed for "The Harrowing" and "Bad Dream." Here's Oni Press's official synopsis of the book:
Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church, recites his prayers, and is constantly concerned about the concept of hell. When Mark develops feelings for another boy at school, he grapples with aligning his emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment—and his fear of his parents' reaction. Mark seeks counsel from his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected guidance from iconic figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must decide if it's possible for him to embrace both his Catholic beliefs and his gay identity.
"Hey, Mary! delves into the friction between queerness and Catholicism, seen through the lens of Mark's teenage struggles," Wheeler shares with IGN. "For those who are queer and Catholic, these conflicts are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on one teenager's journey, we hope to make this narrative more relatable. In this preview, Mark receives a secular art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka—and a fantastical visit from a notable queer Catholic icon. It's engaging, informative, and boldly opinionated!"
"A special thanks to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the vibrant colors of those turtles on the first page of the preview!" Hickman notes. "Throughout 'Hey, Mary!', there are art history references scattered like a delightful sequential Easter egg hunt. As a nerd about these things, I can say that religious iconography has had a significant impact across the ages. Whether it's The Pietà or an anonymous wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figurative, and emotionally charged—and sometimes, it carries a sexual undertone that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler adds, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the narrative was both fun and rewarding, and Rye's execution is phenomenal. These references enhance the visual storytelling, whether you catch them or not."
"Hey, Mary!" is now available in bookstores and comic shops. You can also purchase the book on Amazon.In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had a chance to speak with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.
