A fascinating story of a young Catholic boys exploration of his sexuality and how it relates to his faith.

When Mark starts to think he might be gay he struggles with the concept. Having grown up in a traditional Catholic home he struggles to accept this identity, thinking it conflicts with his faith. As he explores his sexual identity he speaks to various people, Including his priest, a drag queen and various figures from Catholic history.

During his course of the book we learn of gay and genderqueer figures that have helped shape the Catholic church, and of the evolving attitudes of the church.

Altogether an enlightening book with a positive message. Mark's journey is one many people will identify with, the characters in the book are interesting and well rounded. The book is enjoyable and presents a well researched, positive message. I think everyone could benefit from reading it.

A wonderful examination of faith and queerness and how both identities can coexist. The list of historical and religious figure who were queer/have become queer icons is a wonderful addition. The recommended reads is awesome.

Cute book about what it means to be yourself while confined to a religion that tells you it's wrong. I think a lot of young people could benefit from reading this

Perfect for Pride, this graphic novel is a great coming out story. Tread cautiously for religious trauma, but religion is an essential part of the story and the main character navigates it well. it also provides excellent historical context for some LGBTQ figures in history and the bible where their queerness was erased or obfuscated. Do recommend for anyone who loves LGBTQ graphic novels.

I think Hey, Mary! is a good addition to anyone's eyes who has struggled with religion, with queerness of themselves and/or others, and how to intersect the two. In this book of lovely art, Mark is trying to find his place in teenagerhood, deep in Catholicism (both the standing-on-milk-crater haterism and the religious community close to his heart), dealing with a strained friendship and his own internalized homophobia... against himself as he hasn't really had anyone to talk to about Queer Stuff until now. We're treated to his rich imagination and the stories of local drag queen (and trans woman I think?) Jojo as both guide him through the fact that history, especially within the church, is not as "straight" laced as they want us to believe.

This is, I think, a really important addition to any high school or even middle school library as there are a lot of people (not just youths!) struggling against stereotypes and unaware of the rich queer history that has come before us (and when people try so hard to KEEP it from us, it's not hard). I also appreciated the mini-bios of some of the historical/storied figures mentioned in said book in the back for a little further information and learning.

Thank you so much to Oni Press for the eARC in exchange for review!

3/3.5 stars.. I felt two ways about Hey, Mary! While I was thrilled to see a light shining on gay relationships that have existed since the beginning of humanity, I was disappointed by the limitations of the “hopefulness” in the messaging at the end. I am not the target audience of this book, as I have no relationship with organized religion of any kind, and I think this book would affect readers from that background very differently than it did me. More in spoilers below….


*****SPOILER******The (only very briefly mentioned) requirement of celibacy in gay relationships as a condition to god’s love was kind of like missing the whole point for me. But I can see how this could still be a good thoughtful and encouraging read for someone who finds themselves at the intersection of their faith and sexuality if raised in a religious family.

I previewed this graphic novel for my school library, considering the appropriateness of the content (religion and being gay) for my school and making sure I know what the story is about in case anyone challenges the text. Though this is heavily religious, the content seems appropriately geared to the age group and we will add it to our fall book order.

A pretty standard story about coming out in a religious environment, but executed well. If you're a frequent reader of the genre, this might feel repetitive/redundant, but for someone new to it/a teen looking for more queer stories, it's a good addition.

Wheeler did a good job with the topic. The art was very nice and rather the reader relates to the story personally or not it was enjoyable.

I liked the bits about real historical figures, but overall this felt more like an instructional guide rather than a story. Might be great for people who are Catholic and queer or questioning.

"Hey, Mary!" by Andrew Wheeler is a story that will resonate with so many readers! This powerful story captures the beauty of friendship, personal growth, and the intersection between faith and self. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC! After reading, I immediately purchased a copy for my library system to share with others. The characters are relatable, and the story is full of warmth and wisdom. This book is a wonderful addition to any collection, and I highly recommend it to those seeking an uplifting and meaningful read!

I requested and received this book from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

This is a graphic novel about a catholic boy learning to love and accept himself & God at the same time. It hit me sight in the religious trauma, though I was raised Baptist and not Cattolic.

This book captures the identity crisis many religious queer people experience at some point in their lives. That terror of loosing the community youve spent a lifetime building. The Faith rattling, earth shattering moment you come out. How the reactions of those people you tell could change the course of you life forever. The fear of hell. The question of "If God is Love", then why can't he lous queer peaple, love me?

Although I did not take the same path as Mark (the Mc) I have been in similar shoes. I enjoyed the way the story is told by Mark and through the stories of saints. (I just realized how profound I find this book.) I loved the ending. The art is beautiful and I love how the biblical character's appearance change with Mark's understanding of them. The story itself is a bit sad but that saddness is broken up by some silly and funny moments. I enjoyed this book. However, I do wish it had some form of bibliography.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4.5/5 stars.

I wish this graphic novel had been around for me and so many other former Catholics growing up years ago. It truly captures the religious influence of catholicism, but I appreciated how it shows how it can function with LGBTQ issues. It also discusses many parts of religious history, and it does so in an informative way. I also appreciated how the priest pointed out that not all Catholics are ready to progress into understanding and affirming LGBTQ issues, because that truly is a problem and division with Catholics.

Anyways, besides it being rushed with the romance subplot (like, why are they kissing at the end already), this was really beautiful and well done.

I found this coming of age, queer, religious graphic novel tender and absolutely perfect for young people also struggling with their identity, sexual orientation, and faith.

The topics in this story are very heavy but the way the story was told and illustrated softened the blows and really added that needed imagery to get the messages across.

I think this graphic novel would resonate with both teens and adults. And the artistry is so good!

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

A really great examination of where religion and queerness meet, in a well-illustrated graphic novel. Really looking forward to seeing what my library teens think of this one.

Mark is a devout and good Catholic. The issue is, he's figuring out he might be gay which is frowned upon in the Church. With the help of some friends, Mark finds that the Bible has conflicting stories, but generally, if one looks, they can find stories supporting queer relationships. Mark comes around to find a way forward.

This is a very Catholic oriented story, but some Catholics and Christians might find fault with this work. It's necessary though because it is a great exploration of The Church and the relationship with LGBTQ+ folk. Readers who need this book will find it and ultimately, it's a hopeful story.

Overall, a solid title to have on your high school and college shelves.

This was a great graphic novel. I loved the art style and the story itself. It was an emotional read and inspiring. I would definitely recommend to those struggling with their sexual/gender identity that are religious as well as those who, in general, need to see what the church/religion can be.

To be queer and religious is as much of a gift as it is a struggle.

This book embodies it with softness and understanding. Maybe too low stakes but the story is still one worth sharing.

Queer people deserves the good story.

This book offers something that is desperately needed by a certain demographic, specifically queer teens (or adults!) who are also devout Catholics. The main character, Mark, takes a great deal of comfort in his Catholic faith and involvement in the Church. Naturally, he feels scared and guilty once he realizes that he is gay. He worries that, if he comes out to his parents, they will reject him.

I would call this book light on plot and heavy on information (not a bad thing!). While the information is framed in the not-uncommon experience of a gay Catholic teen, it is really a vehicle for delivering a lot of enlightening information about biblical stories. The stories are reframed and contextualized in a way that pushes back against the Church's teaching on queerness. Much of the information is delivered by a drag queen (also a trans person?) of color, who offers a fascinating "gay walk through time." Mark also finds an ally and confidante in a compassionate priest at his church. In the end, he comes to realize that he need not abandon either his queerness or his Catholic faith.

This story is so validating, accessible, and relatable. I think it has the potential to provide a lot of comfort to readers.

This was a very thoughtful read, and I verymuch enjoyed it! As both a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a churchgoer and believer, it is an interesting line we walk, and I appreciate seeing the conversation about the Bible and God's overarching love. I lead with love in all I do, so to see that I am not alone and that these two sides of me can coexist is fantastic, and seeing it illustrated beautifully was fantastic. The illustrations were wonderful, the story and characters well formed, and the story was cohesive and offers thought-provoking perspectives. I look forward to owning this title!

Thank you Andrew Wheeler, Oni Press, and NetGalley for the ARC!