The following is an interview with Andrew Wheeler (Cat Fight, Another Castle) and Rye Hickman (The Harrowing, Bad Dream) regarding the recent release of the coming-of-age graphic novel, Hey, Mary!, with Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Wheeler and Hickman about their shared creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, the themes that they hope will resonate through for readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Hey, Mary! What can you share with us about the story’s premise and your inspiration for bringing it to life on the page?
Andrew Wheeler: Hey, Mary! is the story of Mark, a Catholic teenager who realizes he’s developing feelings for his friend Luka that would place him at odds with his faith. As Mark seeks advice from the people around him, he also learns about the intersection of queerness and Catholicism direct from the source — saints and historical figures! It’s a very personal story that should resonate with anyone who grew up with a faith that doesn’t accept them as they are, and I’m incredibly lucky to work with Rye, whose beautiful and expressive artwork really reassured me that this is a story that resonates!
Rye Hickman: When I read through the script for Hey, Mary! I was blown away by how much Mark’s journey through faith and queerness resembled my own teenage journey, despite the many differences between me and Mark. I found a lot of inspiration in that connection, because trying to find where you fit into the world really is a universal coming-of-age struggle.
BD: Rye, your artistic style naturally exudes deep ambience, tone, and mood. When tackling a project like Hey, Mary!, is there anything that guides or propels your approach to the artwork?
RH: For Hey, Mary! I found myself playing with a lot more “balanced” or repeating page compositions than I usually do. So, like, four-grids and evenly-sized panels, and then there’s a whole scene of nine-grids. Partially because Andrew wrote some really nice moments that echo each other, so why not highlight that, and then also I think because the movement in this book is primarily conversational. I’m still struggling to pinpoint exactly why these more balanced/measured layouts suit that, but it felt really correct.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in crafting Mark’s journey?
AW: I wrote the first draft of this book before I had a publisher attached, let alone an artist, but everything is revisited to play to the artists’ strengths and Oni is great about keeping everyone in communication throughout the process!
RH: Andrew very thoughtfully provided a bunch of visual references throughout the script, which was a wonderful resource and, I think, got us on the same page very easily. I check in for feedback early and often, but, honestly, this book came together quite smoothly – a testament to the strong script, I think!
BD: Amidst the many challenges facing our community this year, Fanbase Press is focusing on the idea of “Building Your Community” to navigate a collective path forward. How do you feel that Hey, Mary!’s discussion of self-acceptance and its inclusive nature might help readers to find a sense of community or belonging?
AW: That’s great to know! Community is central to this book’s themes. Mark’s major fear is that he might lose the community he was raised in, but he’s learning that he’s not the first person to go through this, and that he has options! The reason this book exists, really, is to let people know they’re not alone.
RH: Echoing what Andrew said, Hey, Mary! presents community through the church and the family, and then we also see Mark discovering his queer community. Mark feels like he has to choose between these things – but that’s not necessarily true.
BD: What makes Oni Press the perfect home for this story?
AW: Oni published my first book, the fantasy series Another Castle, about a captive princess tearing down the villain’s schemes from inside his own castle! Oni will always have a special place in my heart, especially as a publisher that supports queer creators and queer stories. Oni published Maia Kobabe’s memoir, Gender Queer, which has become one of the most challenged books in U.S. libraries, and it’s clear to me that Oni is not going to be bullied by book burners.
RH: I have to shout out our wonderful editor, Grace Scheipeter. Her perspective on the modern Catholic church, as well as her brilliant editorial touches on the story, definitely helped make this story the best book it could be. And, yeah – with Oni Press I feel very supported. We’re facing a difficult cultural moment, here in the States, where social progress is reversing course, and I’m incredibly grateful to know that Oni has our backs.
BD: Are there projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
AW: My Image Comics book, Sins of the Black Flamingo, with artist Travis Moore is also about faith and queerness, but it is completely different in style and tone and aimed at a more mature audience, so I wouldn’t necessarily lead readers directly there from Hey, Mary! I am very proud of both books, though, and I’m sure there are people out there who would enjoy both!
RH: For teen readers I think Bad Dream, written by Nicole Maines, would probably be a good follow-up to Hey, Mary! It’s very much about queer found family, and about taking up space and putting yourself first. For adult readers, I actually think SFSX, written by Tina Horn, would be a good follow-up. It examines, among other things, the way puritanical belief and state control on human sexuality affects those of us on the margins.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Hey, Mary! and your other work?
AW: I’m most routinely on Instagram, so find me there (@wheelergram) for all your updates!
RH: And I’m most often over on Bluesky, @ryehickman.bsky.social.
