Mad Cave Studios, in partnership with Comixology Originals, proudly presents QUIET, an all-new YA graphic novel from celebrity baker, bestselling cookbook author, Great British Bake Off finalist, and winner of Bake Off’s New Year 2022 special Kim-Joy and artist Alti. Inspired by Kim-Joy’s life, Quiet explores social anxiety, selective mutism, and bullying through an emotional coming-of-age story featuring art and spot color by Alti, letters by Sara Linsley, and editing by Allison O’Toole.
Quiet – Comixology Originals
“So much of my work has mental health themes,” said Kim-Joy. “It’s something I care about deeply and return to again and again, because I think stories are one of the best ways we have of making people feel less alone – and I hope that anyone who reads it feels that. And maybe wants their very own robot!”
The thoughtful and transportive story is the second comics collaboration from Kim-Joy and Alti, following the publication of their acclaimed graphic novel Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship.
In Quiet, Mary hasn’t spoken a word at school in years due to selective mutism. She’s isolated, misunderstood, and targeted by relentless bullies. When she’s assigned a SereniBot – a mental health support robot – she’s mortified. The last thing she wants is more attention. But Mary soon discovers the robot can do more than just help her cope; it can help her fight back. What starts as clever pranks on her bullies turns into a series of misadventures that spiral out of control. As the line between standing up for herself and becoming a bully starts to blur, Mary begins to ask a difficult question: in trying to take back control, has she become the very thing she feared?
Kim-Joy‘s positive, empathetic, and vibrant personality shines on every page of Quiet. As Mary questions her choices, the graphic novel becomes a deeper story about power, empathy, and what it really means to be heard. Combining emotional insight with a hint of sci-fi, Quiet speaks to anyone who’s ever felt voiceless, misunderstood, or underestimated. It’s a reminder that courage doesn’t always roar – and sometimes, the quietest voices carry the most important truths.
“From the moment I learned about the project, I knew I wanted to work with Kim-Joy again,” said Alti. “Bringing her cookies and cakes and other creations to the page is a treat. I really feel a connection to Mary and have always wanted a sidekick, so designing and bringing the robot ‘to life’ was not only fun, but a great way for me to get to experience what that might be like. Throughout the story, I would allow my imagination to flourish and was able to express my emotions in Mary’s facial expressions and body language, as well as in the other characters.
Kim-Joy continued, “Working with the whole team again has been a joy. Alti is so smart and talented, and she and my editor Allison often notice little tweaks that elevate everything. Seeing Alti bring Mary and the SereniBot to life has been one of my favourite parts of this whole process.”
Quiet is a moving coming-of-age graphic novel that will resonate with readers who connected with Turtle Bread and anyone looking for an authentic story about anxiety, resilience, and finding the courage to be heard.
Quiet will be available digitally through Comixology Originals in Fall 2026 before arriving in print from Mad Cave Studios in Summer 2027.
Kim-Joy will be signing at Mad Cave Studios’ booth #2806 at San Diego Comic-Con International, Saturday, July 25, at 12 PM.
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