Biographical Note:
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.

Review Quotes:

Praise for Coming Out Perfect:

★ "Nuanced and insightful: a real winner." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A vulnerable exploration of identity and self-worth." -- Publishers Weekly

Review Citations:

• Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2026 (EAN 9781546110903, Hardcover)
• Publishers Weekly 04/27/2026 (EAN 9781546110903, Hardcover)
• School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 100 (EAN 9781546110903, Hardcover)
• Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2026 (EAN 9781339001593, Paperback)
• Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026 (EAN 9781339001593, Paperback) - *Starred Review