2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press may have another gem for your collection with the release of "Hey, Mary!" This heartfelt coming-of-age graphic novel follows the journey of a troubled teenager named Mark, who grapples with reconciling his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. As he navigates this personal struggle, Mark turns to some of history's greatest religious figures for guidance and support.
IGN is excited to offer an exclusive preview of "Hey, Mary!" You can explore the preview in the slideshow gallery below:
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, who has worked on "The Harrowing" and "Bad Dream." Here's the official synopsis from Oni Press:
Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church regularly, says his prayers, and often worries about the concept of hell. When Mark discovers he has feelings for another boy at his school, he struggles to reconcile these emotions with his faith, feeling the burden of centuries of shame and judgment, as well as fearing his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected insights from notable figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must answer a profound question: Can he be both Catholic and gay?
Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "Hey, Mary! delves into the tensions between queerness and Catholicism, viewed through the lens of Mark's teenage angst. For those who are queer and Catholic, these tensions are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on one teenager's experiences, we aim to make this narrative more accessible. This excerpt features Mark receiving a secular art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, and a fantastical intervention from a well-known queer Catholic icon. It's both fun, educational, and opinionated!"
Rye Hickman adds, "A big thank you to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the vibrant colors on the turtles on the first page of this preview! 'Hey, Mary!' is peppered with art history references, like a glorious sequential Easter egg hunt. Not just because I'm a nerd about it, but because religious iconography has been one of the Catholic Church's most impactful areas. From The Pietà to uncredited wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figural, and emotionally intense—and sometimes, sexually charged in a way that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler further comments, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the work was a delight, and I truly appreciate Rye's execution! These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you don't catch them all."
"Hey, Mary!" is available now at 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.
