2025 has already brought us some fantastic comics, and Oni Press may have another gem with their latest release, *Hey, Mary!* This heartfelt coming-of-age graphic novel delves into the life of a troubled teen named Mark, who is grappling with his Catholic faith and his emerging sexuality. As he navigates this complex journey, Mark turns to some of history's most iconic religious figures for guidance.

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

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*Hey, Mary!* is penned by Andrew Wheeler, known for *Cat Fight* and *Another Castle*, and illustrated by Rye Hickman, celebrated for *The Harrowing* and *Bad Dream*. Here's Oni Press's official synopsis:

*Mark is a devout Catholic boy who attends church, recites his prayers, and frets over the concept of hell. When he discovers his feelings for another boy at school, Mark faces the challenge of reconciling these emotions with his faith amidst the burden of historical shame and the fear of his parents' reaction. Seeking guidance, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, and unexpectedly receives advice from iconic figures in Catholic history and lore, such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, Mark must answer for himself: Can he embrace both his Catholic identity and his gay identity?*

"Hey, Mary! explores the friction between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of one teenager's journey, Mark," says Wheeler to IGN. "For those who are both queer and Catholic, these tensions are deeply rooted in centuries of art and expression. By focusing on Mark's experiences, we aim to make these themes more relatable. In this preview, Mark receives an art history lesson from his artsy friend and crush, Luka, and a fantastical visit from a renowned queer Catholic icon. It's engaging, informative, and boldly opinionated!"

"A huge thank you to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the vibrant colors on those turtles in the first page of the preview!" Hickman remarks. "Hey, Mary! is peppered with nods to art history, much like a sequential Easter egg hunt. I'm not just saying that because I'm a nerd about it; religious iconography has been a significant influence of the Catholic Church through the ages. From The Pietà to anonymous wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, Catholic imagery is powerful, evocative, and at times, charged with a sexuality that can be challenging to reconcile."

Wheeler further adds, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the story was a joy, and Rye's execution is truly commendable! These references enhance the visual storytelling, even if you're not familiar with them."

*Hey, Mary!* is now available in bookstores and comic shops. You can also order it on Amazon.

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