Coming Out Perfect #1: A Graphic Novel

From Ignatz-nominated cartoonist Richard Mercado comes a refreshingly honest and moving YA graphic novel perfect for fans of queer coming-of-age stories like Heartstopper.

When Kevin's parents ignore his attempts to come out of the closet, he devises a plan to become more like Raymond, the popular gay kid at his high school. After all, if Kevin can do everything perfectly, too, then people will have to pay attention to him.

But life under Raymond's wing isn't easy: a dress code, new things Kevin can and can't do, and even abandoning his old "uncool" friends. Perfection comes at a cost, and Kevin must decide whether it's worth the sacrifice.

Author: Richard Mercado
Publisher: Graphix
Published: 07/07/2026
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.31lbs
Size: 8.98h x 6.08w x 0.83d
ISBN: 9781339001593
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2026
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001

About the Author
Richard Mercado is a Filipino cartoonist ad graphic designer whose minicomic I Owe It to My Parents to Not Come Out earned him a 2023 Ignatz nomination for Promising New Talent. He has an MFA in sequential art from Savannah College of Art and Design and works as a production artist for Skybound Entertainment. Coming Out Perfect is his debut graphic novel, based on his personal experience coming out to his family. He lives in Brooklyn New York. Visit him at richardmercz.myportfolio.com.