2025 has already brought us a wealth of fantastic comics, and Oni Press may have just added another gem to the collection. "Hey, Mary!" is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that delves into the life of a troubled teen named Mark. Struggling to reconcile his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality, Mark turns to some of history's most iconic religious figures for guidance. This heartfelt story is crafted by writer Andrew Wheeler, known for his work on "Cat Fight" and "Another Castle," and illustrated by Rye Hickman, acclaimed for "The Harrowing" and "Bad Dream."
IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of "Hey, Mary!" in the slideshow gallery below:
Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
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Here's Oni Press's official synopsis of the novel:
Mark is a devout Catholic boy who diligently attends church and prays, yet he constantly worries about the concept of hell. As he discovers his feelings for another boy at school, Mark faces the challenge of aligning his emotions with his religious beliefs, burdened by centuries of shame and fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, and unexpectedly receives insights from notable 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 to be both Catholic and gay.
"Hey, Mary! is a narrative that explores the friction between queerness and Catholicism through the eyes of a teenage boy named Mark," Wheeler shared with IGN. "For those who are queer and Catholic, this tension echoes through centuries of art and expression. By channeling this through Mark's teenage experiences, we aim to make it more relatable. This preview shows Mark receiving an art history lesson from his friend and crush, Luka, and a fantastical encounter with a significant queer Catholic icon. It's both entertaining and educational."
"I want to give a special mention to our colorist, Hank Jones, for his stunning work on the turtles in the first page of the preview!" Hickman adds. "Throughout 'Hey, Mary!', there are nods to art history, making it a kind of sequential Easter egg hunt. Not just because I'm passionate about it, but because religious iconography has been a significant influence of the Catholic Church. From The Pietà to simple wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, figurative, emotionally charged, and sometimes, sexually suggestive in ways that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler further explains, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the story was a joy, and Rye's execution of these elements is superb. The references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you're not familiar with them."
"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 set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had a conversation with the creative team behind "Spider-Man & Wolverine."
