2025 has already delivered some truly great comics, and Oni Press might just have another release worth adding to your reading pile. *Hey, Mary!* is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that delves deep into the life of Mark, a troubled teen navigating the complexities of his Catholic faith and his burgeoning sexuality. As Mark grapples with his identity, he turns to some of history's greatest religious figures for guidance and support.
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
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*Hey, Mary!* is crafted by the talented team of writer Andrew Wheeler, known for his work on *Cat Fight* and *Another Castle*, and illustrator Rye Hickman, acclaimed for *The Harrowing* and *Bad Dream*. Oni Press describes the novel as follows:
Mark is a devoted Catholic boy. He attends church, recites his prayers, and is perpetually anxious about the concept of hell. When Mark discovers he has feelings for another boy at his school, he faces the daunting task of reconciling his emotions with his religious beliefs, all while grappling with the weight of historical shame and judgment, as well as his fear of his parents' reaction. In his quest for guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected insights from iconic figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. The central question Mark must answer is whether it's possible to embrace both his faith and his sexuality.
"Hey, Mary! is a narrative that explores the inherent tensions between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage angst," Wheeler shared with IGN. "For those who identify as queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By channeling them through the experiences of a teenager, we hope to make it more accessible. This excerpt features Mark receiving a secular art history lesson from his artistic friend and crush, Luka, alongside a fantastical intervention by a notable queer Catholic icon. It's meant to be fun, educational, and thought-provoking!"
Hickman praised the contributions of colorist Hank Jones, particularly highlighting the colors used on the turtles in the first page of the preview. "Hey, Mary! is filled with nods to art history, akin to an engaging sequential Easter egg hunt," Hickman explained. "This isn't just because I'm a nerd about it, but because religious iconography has had a profound impact through the ages. From The Pietà to lesser-known wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figurative, and emotionally charged—sometimes even carrying a sexual undertone that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler added, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the work was a joy, and Rye's execution is phenomenal. These references enhance the storytelling, even if you don't catch them all."
*Hey, Mary!* is now available in bookstores and comic shops. You can also order it on Amazon.In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we've had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments with the creative team behind *Spider-Man & Wolverine*.
