2025 has already brought some fantastic comics to the scene, and Oni Press is set to add another gem to your collection. *Hey, Mary!* is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that delves into the life of a troubled teen named Mark, who grapples with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. As he navigates these complex feelings, Mark turns to some of history's most influential religious figures for guidance.
IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive sneak peek into *Hey, Mary!* through the captivating slideshow gallery below:
Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
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Hey, Mary! is crafted by writer Andrew Wheeler, known for Cat Fight and Another Castle, and artist Rye Hickman, acclaimed for The Harrowing and Bad Dream. Here's the official synopsis from Oni Press:
Mark is a devoted Catholic boy. He attends church regularly, prays diligently, and is often preoccupied with thoughts of hell. When Mark discovers he has feelings for another boy at school, he struggles to align his emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment, as well as the fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to 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 decide: Can he be both Catholic and gay?
Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "Hey, Mary! is a narrative that explores the friction between queerness and Catholicism through the eyes of a teenage boy, Mark. 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 aim to make these themes more relatable. This preview showcases Mark receiving an art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, and encountering a fantastical intervention from a notable queer Catholic icon. It's both entertaining and educational, with a strong point of view!"
Rye Hickman adds, "A big shout-out to our colorist, Hank Jones, for the stunning colors on those turtles on the first page of this preview! Hey, Mary! is filled with art history references, like a delightful sequential Easter egg hunt. Religious iconography throughout the ages is a significant aspect of the Catholic Church's influence. Whether it's The Pietà or an anonymous wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, figurative, and emotionally charged—sometimes even sexually charged in ways that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler further comments, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the story was a joy, and Rye's execution of them is phenomenal! These 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 the book on Amazon.In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is making a return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had the chance to talk with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.
