Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already brought us an impressive array of comics, and Oni Press is adding another must-read to the mix with the release of Hey, Mary!. This heartfelt coming-of-age graphic novel delves into the life of a troubled teen named Mark, who is grappling with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. As he navigates this complex journey, Mark seeks guidance from some of history's most notable religious figures.

IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of Hey, Mary!. Take a look at the captivating images 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, acclaimed for The Harrowing and Bad Dream. Here's Oni Press's official synopsis of this compelling new book:

Mark is a devout Catholic boy who attends church, recites his prayers, and often worries about the concept of hell. When he discovers his feelings for another boy at school, Mark faces a daunting challenge in reconciling his emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment, and the fear of his parents' reactions. In his search for answers, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, and unexpectedly receives guidance from significant figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. The central question Mark must answer is whether it's possible for him to embrace both his Catholic faith and his gay identity.

"Hey, Mary! explores the tensions between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage struggles," says Wheeler. "For those who are both queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By focusing on one teenager's experience, we aim to make this narrative more relatable. This preview features Mark receiving an art history lesson from his friend and crush, Luka, and a fantastical encounter with a queer Catholic icon. It's both fun and educational, and certainly opinionated!"

"A special mention goes to Hank Jones, our talented colorist, for his work on the turtles on the first page of this preview," Hickman adds. "Throughout Hey, Mary!, we've hidden art history references, turning the book into a sort of sequential Easter egg hunt. This isn't just because I'm a nerd about it, but because religious iconography has been a significant part of the Catholic Church's influence. Whether it's The Pietà or an anonymous wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figural, and emotionally intense—and sometimes, it carries a sexual charge that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler further comments, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the story was a joy, and Rye's execution of these elements is truly remarkable. The references enhance the visual storytelling, whether you catch them or not."

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