2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press is set to enhance your collection with another must-read. Hey, Mary! is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that dives deep into the life of a troubled teen struggling to balance his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. The protagonist, Mark, turns to iconic religious figures throughout history for guidance in his journey of self-discovery.
IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive sneak peek into Hey, Mary!. Feast your eyes on the preview in the slideshow gallery below:
Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
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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 the official description from Oni Press:
Mark is a devout Catholic boy. He attends church regularly, prays diligently, and often finds himself consumed by thoughts of hell. When Mark discovers his feelings for another boy at school, he grapples with aligning his emotions with his religious beliefs, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment, and the fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, and unexpectedly receives advice from significant figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. The central question Mark faces is whether he can reconcile being both Catholic and gay.
Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "Hey, Mary! delves into the complexities of navigating queerness within Catholicism, channeled through the experiences of our protagonist, Mark. For those who identify as queer and Catholic, the historical tensions are palpable. By focusing on one teenager's journey, we hope to make these themes more relatable. This excerpt shows Mark receiving an art history lesson from his crush, Luka, and getting an otherworldly visit from a celebrated queer Catholic figure. It's engaging, informative, and thought-provoking!"
Rye Hickman adds, "A special nod to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for his work on the turtles in the first page of this preview! Hey, Mary! is peppered with art history references, much like an elaborate sequential Easter egg hunt. As a self-proclaimed nerd on the subject, I believe that the Catholic Church's influence on religious iconography over the ages is profound. Whether it's The Pietà or an anonymous wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, emotive, and sometimes carries an erotic charge that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler further comments, "Incorporating Catholic art references was a joy, and Rye's execution is phenomenal. These 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 it 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 speak with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.
