Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already brought some fantastic comics to fans, and Oni Press is poised to add another gem to your collection with Hey, Mary! This poignant coming-of-age graphic novel delves into the life of a troubled teen, Mark, as he grapples with reconciling his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. In his journey, Mark turns to iconic religious figures from history for guidance.

IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of Hey, Mary! Dive into the slideshow gallery below to get a glimpse:

Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

6 ImagesHey, 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 devout Catholic boy. He attends church, prays diligently, and constantly fears the prospect of hell. When Mark develops feelings for another boy at school, he struggles to harmonize his emotions with his religious beliefs, weighed down by centuries of judgment and the dread of his parents' reaction. Seeking counsel from his priest and a local drag performer, Mark also receives unexpected guidance from notable figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must confront the question: Can he embrace both his Catholic faith and his sexuality?

"Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "Hey, Mary! explores the friction between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage angst. For those who are queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By focusing on Mark's journey, we make these themes more relatable. This excerpt features Mark receiving an art history lesson from his friend and crush, Luka, and experiencing a fantastical encounter with a queer Catholic icon. It's both engaging and informative."

Rye Hickman comments, "A special thanks to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for his work on the turtles on the first page of this preview! Hey, Mary! is filled with nods to art history, much like an elaborate sequential easter egg hunt. Religious iconography, a hallmark of the Catholic Church's influence, is emotionally charged and sometimes sexually provocative, creating a complex tapestry that's challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler adds, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the narrative was a delight, and Rye's execution is superb. These references enhance the visual storytelling, whether you notice them or not."

In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had a chance to speak with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.