2025 has already brought us remarkable comics, and Oni Press might have another standout addition to your collection. Hey, Mary! is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel about a conflicted teenager grappling with his Catholic beliefs and emerging sexuality while seeking guidance from legendary religious figures.
IGN presents an exclusive preview of Hey, Mary! in the slideshow gallery below:
Hey, Mary! – Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview
6 Images
Hey, Mary! is 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 is a devout Catholic teen who attends church regularly and prays devoutly, yet constantly fears damnation. When he develops feelings for another boy at school, he wrestles with reconciling his emotions with his faith, burdened by centuries of religious stigma and his parents' potential reaction. Seeking counsel from both his priest and a local drag performer, Mark also receives wisdom from prominent Catholic icons including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must answer the fundamental question: Can he embrace both his faith and his queer identity?
"Hey, Mary! explores the intersection of queerness and Catholicism through the teenage perspective of our protagonist Mark," Wheeler explains. "For LGBTQ+ Catholics, these tensions echo throughout historical art and tradition. By channeling this through one teenager's experience, we hope to make these themes more accessible. In this excerpt, Mark receives an unconventional art history lesson from his artistic friend (and crush) Luka—plus a supernatural encounter with a queer Catholic icon. It's educational, thought-provoking, and full of personality!"
"Special credit to colorist Hank Jones for those magnificent turtle hues in the preview's opening spread!" Hickman notes. "We've woven art history references throughout Hey, Mary! like a visual treasure hunt. This isn't just my art nerd showing—religious iconography remains one of Catholicism's most influential cultural contributions. From Michelangelo's Pietà to anonymous crucifix carvings, Catholic imagery carries deep emotion, physicality, and sometimes even subconscious eroticism that can be challenging to reconcile."
Wheeler adds, "Incorporating Catholic art references was wonderfully rewarding, and Rye executed them beautifully. These elements enhance the visual narrative whether or not readers recognize the specific influences."
Hey, Mary! is now available at bookstores and comic shops. Order your copy on Amazon.
Elsewhere in comics, Mike Mignola is making his Hellboy universe comeback this summer, and we recently interviewed the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.
