Exclusive Look at Hey, Mary!: A Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel Exploring Faith and Identity

The 2025 comic scene is thriving, and Oni Press has unveiled a standout addition to the lineup. Hey, Mary! is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that follows a troubled teen grappling with his Catholic faith and emerging sexuality, seeking guidance from iconic religious figures.

IGN is thrilled to share an exclusive preview of Hey, Mary! Explore it in the slideshow gallery below:

Hey, Mary! - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

Hey, Mary! is penned by Andrew Wheeler (Cat Fight, Another Castle) and illustrated by Rye Hickman (The Harrowing, Bad Dream). Here’s Oni Press’s official synopsis:

Mark, a devout Catholic teen, attends church, prays diligently, and constantly fears eternal damnation. When he develops feelings for a classmate, Mark struggles to align his emotions with his faith, burdened by centuries of stigma and his parents’ potential disapproval. Seeking counsel from his priest and a local drag performer, Mark also encounters unexpected wisdom from Catholic icons like Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Can Mark find a way to embrace both his faith and his identity?

“Hey, Mary! delves into the clash between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of a teenager named Mark,” Wheeler shared with IGN. “For those navigating both identities, the story taps into centuries of artistic and emotional resonance, making it relatable and engaging. In this preview, Mark gets a lively art history lesson from his friend (and crush) Luka, alongside a surprising encounter with a queer Catholic legend. It’s vibrant, informative, and bold!”

“Big thanks to our talented colorist Hank Jones for the stunning turtle hues on the preview’s opening page!” Hickman added. “Hey, Mary! is packed with art history Easter eggs, reflecting the Catholic Church’s profound influence on visual culture. From The Pietà to obscure crucifixes, Catholic imagery is vivid, symbolic, and often carries an intense, sometimes sensual undertone that’s challenging to unpack.”

Wheeler noted, “Incorporating Catholic art references was a joy, and Rye’s illustrations bring them to life beautifully. They’re subtle enough to enhance the story for all readers but reward those who spot them.”

Hey, Mary! is out now in bookstores and comic shops. Grab your copy on Amazon.

In other comic news, Mike Mignola is back in the Hellboy universe this summer, and we spoke with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.