We’re big fans of baker and cookbook writer-turned-comic creator Kim-Joy; check out our interview with her about her and artist Alti‘s excellent Comixology Originals graphic novel Turtle Bread for just one example of her thoughtfulness as a writer! That’s why we’re so jazzed about the release of Kim-Joy and Alti’s latest YA graphic novel Quiet, from Comixology Originals. On sale now from Comixology with a print release from Mad Cave Studios in 2027, Quiet is a gorgeously written and illustrated tale of mental health, bullying, and selective mutism and the connections between the three. With studies upon studies indicating that depression among several demographics is on the rise, Quiet couldn’t be a more timely story.
As Kim-Joy said in the official press release about the OGN, “So much of my work has mental health themes…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.”
Quiet follows Mary, a teen who has struggled with selective mutism for years, something that has isolated her and be the target of bullies again and again. SereniBot, a mental health robot, has been assigned to Mary to help with her issues, much to her chagrin. While SereniBot helps her cope with her struggles, it can also be used by Mary to get back at her bullies. But when Mary’s actions begin to blur the line of self-defense and bullying herself, she’ll have to do some soul-searching to ensure she hasn’t become the oppressor.
We’re so sold, which is why we’re thrilled to be able to share an exclusive first look at the cast of Quiet, complete with character designs and mini-bios in each picture’s caption! Check them out below and give Quiet a look on Comixology Originals!
Quiet is on sale now from Comixology Originals.
From the official press release about the OGN:
Kim-Joy, celebrity baker, bestselling cookbook author, Great British Bake-Off finalist, and winner of Bake Off’s New Year 2022 special, is teaming up with artist Alti for a new graphic novel, titled Quiet. The all-new YA story explores social anxiety, selective mutism, and bullying and is inspired by Kim-Joy’s life: her schooling, her work in the mental health field, and her experiences as a teenager, overcoming extreme social anxiety and bouts of mutism. The book features art and spot color by Alti, is lettered by Sara Linsley, edited by Allison O’Toole, and will be released exclusively via Amazon’s Comixology Originals digital content line this Fall. Quiet will be published in print from Mad Cave Studios in summer 2027.
“So much of my work has mental health themes,” says 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,” says 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 her 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 will be released exclusively via Amazon’s Comixology Originals digital content line this Fall. Follow @Comixology on: Instagram, X, Facebook for more details.
About the Creators:
Kim-Joy became a household name as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2018, instantly recognisable for her imaginative bakes and joyful personality. Since then, she’s become a bestselling author, with cookbooks including Baking with Kim-Joy, Christmas with Kim-Joy, Celebrate with Kim-Joy, Bake Me a Cat, and Bake Joy. She’s also the writer of Ordinary Joy and the graphic novel Turtle Bread: A Heartfelt Story About Friendship, Baking, and Mental Health.
Blending creativity with compassion, Kim-Joy is a proud mental health advocate and is loved for her whimsical, approachable style that encourages everyone to find joy in baking – no matter their skill level. Her work is a celebration of self-expression, kindness, and the magic of being unapologetically yourself.
Kim-Joy lives in Leeds, UK with her partner Nabil and their two cats, Inki and Mochi. For more: https://www.kimjoyskitchen.
com/ and follow Kim-Joy on social media @KimJoy and @kimjoyskitchen Alti is an Indonesian comic artist whose work spans major publishers and original creator-owned projects. Since her professional debut in 2012, she has contributed to Titan Comics, Heavy Metal Magazine, and Marvel Comics, with credits including Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde, Gwenpool, Spider-Gwen, and Marvel Voices (2025). She also co-created Goliath Girls with Sam Humphries and Turtle Bread with Kim-Joy for Comixology Originals, helping shape their visual development and character design. In addition to print comics, she has contributed to several Marvel video comic projects. Follow Alti on social media @altifirmansyah.
