2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press is set to add another gem to your reading list with the release of Hey, Mary! This heartfelt coming-of-age graphic novel delves into the life of a troubled teen named Mark, who grapples with reconciling his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. As he navigates this internal conflict, Mark turns to some of history's greatest religious figures for guidance.
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 works like 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 good Catholic boy. He goes to church, says his prayers, and spends too much time worrying about hell. When Mark realizes he has a crush on another boy at school, he struggles to reconcile his feelings with his faith, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment—and his fear of his parents' response. Seeking advice from his priest and a local drag performer, Mark also receives unexpected guidance from key figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, only Mark can answer the question: Is it possible for him to be both Catholic and gay?
"Hey, Mary! explores the tensions between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage angst," Wheeler shares with IGN. "For those who are queer and Catholic, these tensions are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on one teenager's journey, we hope to make this narrative more accessible. In this excerpt, Mark receives an art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, and a fantastical intervention from a true queer Catholic icon. It's both fun and educational, packed with strong opinions!"
"A big shoutout to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the vibrant colors on those turtles on the first page of this preview!" Hickman adds. "Hey, Mary! is filled with art history nods, like a sequential Easter egg hunt. Religious iconography through the ages is one of the Catholic Church's most impactful areas. From The Pietà to uncredited wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figural, and emotionally intense—and sometimes, sexually charged in a way that can be hard to reconcile."
Wheeler concludes, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the work was a blast, and Rye's execution is brilliant. These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you don't catch them all."
Hey, Mary! is available now 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 chance to chat with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.
