Exclusive Preview: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel Unveiled

If 2025 has already gifted us some fantastic comics, Oni Press is set to captivate readers yet again with their latest release. "Hey, Mary!" is a deeply moving coming-of-age graphic novel that follows a troubled teen grappling with reconciling his Catholic faith and emerging sexuality. Seeking solace, he turns to some of history’s most revered religious figures for guidance.

IGN is thrilled to bring you an exclusive preview of "Hey, Mary!". Dive into the slideshow gallery below to explore these compelling pages:

"Hey, Mary!" - Exclusive Graphic Novel Preview

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

"Mark is a devout Catholic who attends church regularly, recites his prayers, and wrestles constantly with fears of damnation. When he develops a crush on another boy at school, he finds himself torn between his spiritual beliefs and personal desires. The pressure mounts under centuries of guilt-laden teachings and the dread of his parents’ reaction. Seeking counsel, Mark consults his priest and a local drag performer, while receiving unexpected insights from iconic figures in Catholic history such as Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, Saint Sebastian, and Savonarola. In the end, only Mark can determine whether he can embrace both his faith and identity."

"Hey, Mary!" is described by Wheeler as "a narrative exploring the complex interplay between queerness and Catholicism through the lens of teenage angst." He continues, "For those of us who identify as both queer and Catholic, these tensions echo throughout centuries of artistic and cultural expression. By focusing on one individual’s journey, we hope to make these themes more relatable." This excerpt showcases Mark receiving an informal art history lesson from his artistic crush, Luka, alongside a fantastical visitation from a beloved queer Catholic figure. "It’s playful, enlightening, and thought-provoking!"

Hickman adds, "A big thanks to Hank Jones, our incredible colorist, for the vibrant hues seen on the turtles in the first preview page! Religious iconography plays a pivotal role in Catholic culture—whether it’s Michelangelo’s Pietà or lesser-known depictions of Christ—these visuals are evocative, emotional, and sometimes even suggestive."

Wheeler shares, "Incorporating Catholic art references into the storyline was immensely enjoyable, and Rye’s illustrations truly bring them to life. They’re subtle enough for those in the know, yet they add depth to the visual storytelling for everyone else."

Stay tuned for more comic book updates, as Mike Mignola is set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer. We also caught up with the creative minds behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.