Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel

2025 has already delivered some truly remarkable comics, and Oni Press's latest release, "Hey, Mary!", is a must-add to your reading list. This heartfelt coming-of-age graphic novel delves into the life of a troubled teen named Mark, who grapples with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. As he navigates these complex emotions, Mark seeks guidance from some of history's most revered religious figures.

IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of "Hey, Mary!" Dive into the 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 "Cat Fight" and "Another Castle," and illustrated by Rye Hickman, acclaimed for "The Harrowing" and "Bad Dream." Here's Oni Press's official synopsis of the book:

*Mark is a devout Catholic boy who attends church, recites his prayers, and constantly worries about hell. When he develops feelings for another boy at school, Mark struggles to reconcile these emotions with his faith, weighed down by centuries of shame and judgment, as well as his fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking advice from his priest and a local drag performer, Mark also receives unexpected counsel from iconic figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must answer the pivotal question: Can he be both Catholic and gay?*

"Hey, Mary! explores the tensions between queerness and Catholicism through the teenage angst of Mark," Wheeler shares with IGN. "For those who are queer and Catholic, these tensions echo through centuries of art and expression. By channeling these themes through Mark's experiences, we hope to make it more relatable. This preview features Mark receiving an art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, and a fantastical intervention from a well-known queer Catholic icon. It's both fun, educational, and opinionated!"

"I want to give a shoutout to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the stunning colors on those turtles on the first page of this preview!" Hickman remarks. "Throughout 'Hey, Mary!', there are nods to art history, like a glorious sequential Easter egg hunt. Not just because I'm a nerd about it, but because religious iconography through the ages has had a significant impact thanks to the Catholic Church. Whether it's The Pietà or an uncredited wood carving of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is evocative, figural, and emotionally intense—and sometimes, sexually charged in a way that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler adds, "Incorporating Catholic art references was a blast, and Rye's execution is fantastic! These 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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