Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship is a heartwarming and visually endearing tale that wonderfully captures the essence of personal growth, camaraderie, and the therapeutic magic of baking. Penned by Kim-Joy, known for her stint on the ninth season of Great British Bake-Off, this debut graphic novel introduces readers to Yan, a young adult navigating the treacherous waters of social anxiety in the UK. Originally released as a comiXology digital original back in May, the physical graphic novel hits shelves October 24th from Dark Horse Comics, who provided me with an advance copy for review.

At its core, Turtle Bread is a story about finding yourself and your place in the world. Yan's all-too-real struggles with social anxiety are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, making her a character readers will not only root for, but also instantly associate with — especially those who have experienced anxiety in some form like myself. As Yan grapples with disappointing job interviews, puts up with a mother who minimizes her interests, and overthinks every human interaction, Yan's gradual transformation into a more confident individual is a journey that so many can relate to.

The supporting cast of characters, which mainly revolves around Yan’s fellow Baking Club members, adds depth and diversity to the story. Amit's pun-filled humor, Zara's passion for science, Geraint's bakery expertise, and Bea's nurturing presence create a vibrant ensemble. While we get glimpses into their backgrounds and personal challenges, it's Bea, the club’s organizer, who emerges as the heart and soul of the group inside and outside of the club. If only we could all have a big hug and morning affirmation every single day from someone like Bea, we’d all have much better mental health.

Throughout the book, the Baking Club's unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm for each other's endeavors are heartening to witness. The group rallies around one another multiple times and it’s a joy to see the family-like dynamic they build. Yan's realization that everyone wants to feel helpful and be helped is a poignant reminder of the importance of small acts of kindness.

Alti Firmansyah's manga-style illustrations bring an extra layer of charm to the narrative, with expressive characters and dramatic moments that tug at the heartstrings. The choice to present the graphic novel in black and white is a nod to the classic manga style, and it works seamlessly with the story's themes. Firmansyah’s best work comes in the most emotional moments of the books, when characters’ facial expressions effortlessly convey raw emotion.

It’s hard to believe that Turtle Bread is Kim-Joy’s first graphic novel. The pacing, structure, and script read as though a seasoned veteran was behind the pen. At the most basic human levels, it leaves readers with warm feelings and valuable life lessons that will resonate long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a Kim-Joy fan, baking enthusiast, or simply appreciate a heartwarming story, Turtle Bread is a delicious read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Rating: 9/10