Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already delivered some truly remarkable comics, and Oni Press is set to add another gem to your must-read list. Hey, Mary! is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that delves into the life of a troubled teen, Mark, as he navigates the complexities of reconciling his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. The story unfolds as Mark seeks guidance from some of history's most iconic religious figures, making this an intriguing and heartfelt journey.

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

Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

6 Images

Hey, Mary! is crafted by the talented duo of writer Andrew Wheeler, known for Cat Fight and Another Castle, and illustrator Rye Hickman, acclaimed for The Harrowing and Bad Dream. Here's a brief synopsis from Oni Press:

Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church, recites his prayers, and often worries about the concept of hell. When Mark discovers he has feelings for another boy at his school, he grapples with aligning his emotions with his religious beliefs, weighed down by centuries of judgment and fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark turns to his priest and a local drag performer, but also finds unexpected counsel from pivotal figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must decide if it's possible to embrace both his Catholic faith and his sexuality.

"Hey, Mary! explores the often conflicting realms of queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage angst," Wheeler shares with IGN. "For those who identify as queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By channeling this through Mark's journey, we hope to make it more relatable. This excerpt features Mark receiving a secular art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, alongside a fantastical visit from a notable queer Catholic icon. It's both fun and educational."

"A big thank you to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for the vibrant colors on those turtles in the first page of this preview!" Hickman adds. "Throughout Hey, Mary!, we've scattered nods to art history like a sequential Easter egg hunt. Given my passion for this, it's no surprise that religious iconography, a significant aspect of the Catholic Church, plays a central role. From The Pietà to simple wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, evocative, and sometimes, provocatively charged."

Wheeler concludes, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the narrative was a joy, and Rye's execution is superb. 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 set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had the chance to talk with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.