2025 has brought us an array of fantastic comics, and Oni Press is set to add another gem to your collection. *Hey, Mary!* is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that dives deep into the life of a troubled teenager, Mark, who is grappling with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. As he navigates this personal journey, Mark finds himself turning to some of history's most iconic religious figures for guidance and support.
IGN is excited to offer an exclusive sneak peek into *Hey, Mary!*. Feast your eyes on the captivating visuals in the slideshow gallery below:
Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
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Hey, Mary! is crafted by writer Andrew Wheeler, known for works like Cat Fight and Another Castle, and illustrated by Rye Hickman, who has brought to life titles such as The Harrowing and Bad Dream. Here's the official synopsis from Oni Press:
Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church regularly, recites his prayers diligently, and often finds himself consumed by thoughts of hell. When Mark discovers he has feelings for another boy at his school, he struggles to harmonize these emotions with his religious beliefs, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment—and his apprehension about his parents' potential reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected counsel from pivotal figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. The central question Mark must answer is: Can he be both Catholic and gay?
Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "*Hey, Mary!* delves into the intricate dance between queerness and Catholicism through the eyes of Mark, a teenager caught in the throes of personal conflict. For those who identify as queer and Catholic, the historical tension is palpable, and we've woven that into Mark's story to make it relatable. This preview features Mark receiving an unconventional art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, alongside a fantastical encounter with a renowned queer Catholic icon. It's engaging, informative, and certainly has its opinions!"
Illustrator Rye Hickman adds, "A huge thanks to our colorist, Hank Jones, for the stunning colors on those turtles you see on the first page! *Hey, Mary!* is filled with nods to art history, akin to a sequential Easter egg hunt. Religious iconography has been a significant part of the Catholic Church's influence through the ages, and it's powerful, emotionally charged, and at times, sexually suggestive, which can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler further comments, "Incorporating Catholic art references was both a joy and a challenge, and Rye's execution is phenomenal. The references are subtle yet enhance the storytelling for those in the know."
*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've had the pleasure of speaking with the creative team behind *Spider-Man & Wolverine*.
