Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already brought us an impressive array of comics, and Oni Press is set to enhance your collection with their latest release, *Hey, Mary!*. This touching coming-of-age graphic novel follows a troubled teenager named Mark as he navigates the complexities of his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. In his journey, Mark turns to some of the most iconic figures in religious history for guidance and support.

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

Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

6 ImagesHey, Mary! is penned by Andrew Wheeler, the mind behind Cat Fight and Another Castle, and brought to life by the artistic talents of Rye Hickman, known for The Harrowing and Bad Dream. Here's what Oni Press has to say about this compelling new work:

Mark is a devout Catholic boy, regularly attending church and praying, yet constantly haunted by thoughts of hell. When he develops a crush on a fellow student, Mark finds himself grappling with his emotions and his faith, burdened by centuries of shame and fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, and unexpectedly receives advice from notable figures in Catholic history such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Mark's journey leads him to a pivotal question: Can he embrace both his Catholic identity and his gay identity?

Andrew Wheeler shares with IGN, "Hey, Mary! delves into the friction between queerness and Catholicism, viewed through the lens of Mark's teenage struggles. For those who are queer and Catholic, these tensions are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on one teen's journey, we hope to make this story more relatable. This excerpt showcases Mark receiving an art history lesson from his crush, Luka, and an unexpected visit from a queer Catholic icon. It's both fun, educational, and thought-provoking!"

Rye Hickman adds, "A big thank you to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the vibrant colors on the turtles in the first page of this preview! Hey, Mary! is filled with nods to art history, much like an engaging sequential Easter egg hunt. Religious iconography has played a significant role in the Catholic Church's influence throughout the ages. From The Pietà to simple wood carvings of Jesus, these images are powerful, evocative, and often carry a sexual charge that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler continues, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the story was a joy, and Rye's execution is brilliant! These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you don't catch them all."

In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to revisit the Hellboy universe this summer, and we had the pleasure of speaking with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.