Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel Unveiled

2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press may have another gem with their latest release, *Hey, Mary!* This poignant coming-of-age graphic novel delves into the life of a troubled teenager, Mark, as he grapples with reconciling his Catholic faith with his emerging sexuality. Mark turns to some of history's most notable religious figures for guidance on this journey of self-discovery.

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

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 devout Catholic boy. He faithfully attends church, prays diligently, and often worries about the concept of hell. When he realizes he has feelings for another boy at his school, Mark struggles to align these emotions with his religious beliefs, burdened by centuries of shame and judgment, as well as his fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected advice 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 for him to embrace both his Catholic faith and his gay identity.*

"Hey, Mary! explores the often-conflicting dynamics between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of Mark's teenage struggles," says Wheeler. "For those who are both 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 these complex issues more relatable. This excerpt features Mark receiving an unconventional art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, alongside a fantastical encounter with a recognized queer Catholic icon. It's meant to be engaging, educational, and thought-provoking!"

Hickman adds, "A special thanks to our incredible colorist, Hank Jones, for his work on the turtles on the first page of this preview! *Hey, Mary!* is peppered with nods to art history, like a delightful sequential Easter egg hunt. As a nerd about this, I believe it's important because religious iconography has had a significant impact through the ages. Whether it's *The Pietà* or an anonymous wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is emotionally charged, evocative, and sometimes carries a sexual undertone that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler concludes, "Incorporating these Catholic art references into the narrative was a joy, and Rye's execution is brilliant! The references enhance the visual 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.

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