Exclusive Preview: Mary's Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Tale

The year 2025 has already brought us exceptional comics, and Oni Press may have just added another must-read to your collection. "Hey, Mary!" is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that follows a conflicted teenager grappling with his Catholic upbringing while navigating his emerging sexuality – seeking guidance from iconic religious figures throughout history.

IGN proudly presents an exclusive preview of "Hey, Mary!" Explore the slideshow gallery below:

Exclusive Preview: Hey, Mary! Graphic Novel

6 Images

Written by Andrew Wheeler (Cat Fight, Another Castle) with artwork by Rye Hickman (The Harrowing, Bad Dream), here's Oni Press's official synopsis:

Mark faithfully attends church, recites his prayers, yet constantly frets about damnation. When romantic feelings for a male classmate surface, he wrestles with the collision of faith and identity – bearing the weight of centuries of religious judgment and parental expectations. Seeking counsel from both his priest and a local drag performer, Mark unexpectedly receives divine guidance from Catholic luminaries including St. Sebastian, Joan of Arc, and Michelangelo. Ultimately, Mark must answer one profound question: Can he remain true to both his faith and his heart?

"Hey, Mary! explores the historical friction between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of one teenager's journey," Wheeler explains to IGN. "By connecting contemporary struggles to centuries of artistic expression, we make this timeless conflict more accessible. This excerpt showcases Mark receiving an art history lesson from his crush Luka, followed by divine intervention from a queer Catholic saint – balancing education, entertainment, and personal perspective."

"Special credit to colorist Hank Jones for those magnificent turtle hues in the preview's opening spread!" Hickman notes. "Our book is packed with art historical references. Religious iconography remains one of Catholicism's most powerful cultural legacies – from masterpieces like The Pietà to anonymous crucifix carvings. These emotionally charged, sometimes sensuous images create fascinating tensions that parallel Mark's journey."

Wheeler adds: "Incorporating Catholic art references was incredibly rewarding, and Rye's execution is masterful. These elements enhance the visual narrative whether readers recognize them or not."

"Hey, Mary!" is now available at bookstores and comic shops nationwide, with online ordering through Amazon.

In related comics news, Mike Mignola is returning to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we recently interviewed the creative team behind the new Spider-Man & Wolverine series.