Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press might have another gem with their latest release, *Hey, Mary!*. This poignant coming-of-age graphic novel follows a troubled teen, Mark, as he navigates the complexities of reconciling his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. Along his journey, Mark seeks guidance from some of the most influential figures in religious history.

IGN is thrilled 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

6 Images

*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 the official synopsis from Oni Press:

*Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church regularly, says his prayers, and is constantly worried about the concept of hell. When Mark discovers he has a crush on another boy at school, he grapples with aligning his feelings with his faith, burdened by centuries of shame and judgment, as well as the fear of his parents' reaction. In his search for guidance, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected advice from iconic figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must decide: Can he be both Catholic and gay?*

"Hey, Mary! delves into the tensions between queerness and Catholicism, exploring these through the teenage angst of Mark," Wheeler shares with IGN. "For those who are queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By channeling this through the experiences of a teenager, we hope to make it more relatable! This excerpt features Mark receiving a very secular art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, and an unexpected intervention from a genuine queer Catholic icon. It's a mix of fun, education, and strong opinions!"

"A big shoutout to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for the vibrant colors on those turtles on the first page of the preview!" Hickman comments. "Hey, Mary! is filled with art history nods, like a 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 an uncredited wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figural, and emotionally intense—sometimes even sexually charged, making it challenging to reconcile."

"Incorporating Catholic art references into the work was a joy, and I'm thrilled with Rye's execution!" Wheeler adds. "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.

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