Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already brought us some stellar comics, and Oni Press is poised to add another gem to your collection with the release of *Hey, Mary!* This poignant coming-of-age graphic novel dives deep into the life of a troubled teenager named Mark, who grapples with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to iconic religious figures from history for support.

IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive sneak peek at *Hey, Mary!* Dive into the preview through our slideshow gallery below:

Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

6 ImagesHey, 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 how Oni Press describes the new release:

Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church, prays regularly, and often worries about the concept of hell. When he discovers his feelings for another boy at school, Mark finds himself struggling to align his emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of judgment and his fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected advice from pivotal figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. The central question Mark faces is whether he can embrace both his Catholic faith and his gay identity.

Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "Hey, Mary! delves into the complex relationship between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage struggles. For those who identify as queer and Catholic, these tensions are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on Mark's journey, we hope to make these themes more relatable. This preview features Mark receiving a secular art history lesson from his crush, Luka, and a fantastical encounter with a notable queer Catholic icon. It's both entertaining and informative, with a strong point of view!"

Rye Hickman adds, "A special thanks to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for the vibrant colors on those turtles in the first page of this preview! Hey, Mary! is filled with nods to art history, like an elaborate sequential Easter egg hunt. This isn't just because I'm passionate about it, but because the Catholic Church's influence on religious iconography throughout history is profound. Whether it's The Pietà or a simple wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, evocative, and sometimes laden with sexual undertones that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler concludes, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the narrative was a joy, and Rye's execution is brilliant! These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you don't catch them all."

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