Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press is set to add another gem to the collection with the release of Hey, Mary! This poignant coming-of-age graphic novel dives into the life of a troubled teen named Mark, who is grappling with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to historical religious icons for support in this deeply moving narrative.

IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive sneak peek into Hey, Mary! with a captivating slideshow gallery below:

Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

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Hey, Mary! is crafted by the talented Andrew Wheeler, known for works like Cat Fight and Another Castle, with illustrations by Rye Hickman, recognized for The Harrowing and Bad Dream. Here's the official synopsis from Oni Press:

Mark is a devoted Catholic boy. He attends church, recites his prayers, and is constantly concerned about the concept of hell. When Mark discovers his feelings for another boy at school, he struggles to reconcile these emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment, as well as his fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected advice from significant figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must confront the question: Can he embrace both his Catholic faith and his gay identity?

"Hey, Mary! delves into the friction between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage angst," Wheeler explains to IGN. "For those who are both queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By focusing on Mark's personal journey, we hope to make this complex issue more relatable. This excerpt features Mark receiving an art history lesson from his artsy friend—and crush—Luka, alongside a fantastical encounter with a renowned queer Catholic icon. It's a blend of fun, education, and strong opinions!"

"A special mention goes to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for the stunning colors of those turtles on the first page of this preview!" Hickman shares. "Throughout Hey, Mary!, you'll find nods to art history, much like an engaging sequential Easter egg hunt. Not just because I'm a nerd about it, but because the Catholic Church has significantly influenced religious iconography over the ages. Whether it's The Pietà or an anonymous wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, evocative, and at times, imbued with a sexual charge that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler adds, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the narrative was both fun and rewarding, and Rye's execution of these elements is superb. The references enhance the visual storytelling, whether you catch them or not."

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 opportunity to speak with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.