Synopsis
Mark is a good Catholic boy. He goes to church, says his prayers, and spends too much time worrying about hell. When Mark realizes he has a crush on another boy in his school, he struggles to reconcile his feelings with his faith as the weight of centuries of shame and judgment—and his fear of his parents’ response—presses on his shoulders. Mark seeks advice from his priest, as well as a local drag performer, but also receives unexpected input from key figures in Catholic history and lore, including Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, St. Sebastian, and Savonarola. Ultimately, only Mark can answer the question: Is it possible for him to be both Catholic and gay?
Notes on This Title
The main character of this title is a teen boy who is gay and Catholic. The lives of various figures from the history of Christianity are depicted, and interpretations of these figures as having identities that fall under the contemporary umbrellas of “queer” and “trans” are discussed.
Awards
None.
Reviews
“An earnest exploration of the rocky terrain between queerness and faith.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“An affirming and nuanced graphic novel about a queer teen’s journey from fear to acceptance.” (Source: School Library Journal)
Interviews
The Beat: “Wheeler and Hickman on the ‘victory’ of Hey, MARY! and Oni’s ‘fearless support’”
Fanbase Press: “Fanbase Press Interviews Andrew Wheeler and Rye Hickman on the Release of the Graphic Novel, ‘Hey, Mary!,’ with Oni Press“