About

Story Synopsis

“Good Invisible Student” is a coming-of-age story about quiet beginnings, unexpected friendships, and the courage it takes to be seen.

When Chris moves to a new city, he braces for the worst. Fridays have always brought him heartbreak — from losing his dad to adjusting to a new stepfather — and moving day is no different. After an embarrassing run-in with the coolest teens on the block, Chris is convinced he's destined to stay invisible forever.

But everything shifts when a near-drowning at the local pool leads to an unlikely rescue by Jeremy, a rising Olympic hopeful… and one of the boys Chris misjudged. Instead of mocking him, Jeremy offers friendship. Support. A chance to belong.

For the first time, Chris wonders if this new life might hold more than fear and loneliness. Maybe being seen isn't so scary after all.

About the Author

Emily Muto is a lifelong storyteller and comic creator who has produced many works over the years, from shoujo manga "The Way to Your Heart" to Webtoons-style full-color "Unbreakable Bond." As a mother and a homeschooler, her creative time is limited—but also more meaningful than ever. "Good Invisible Student" is her cozy project: a relaxed, heartfelt comic drawn without the pressure of perfectionism. It reflects her personal goal to create with joy, accept her efforts as they are, and make something warm and relatable for readers.

A Washington native, Emily currently lives in Idaho with her husband and six-year-old son. She loves rain, old-growth forests, exercising, and video games. She usually works on this comic in the early morning using Clip Studio Paint EX and an XP-Pen Innovator 16 tablet.

Why This Story?

The idea for this came after becoming a mother. The postpartum depression hit hard and it was difficult to transition from producing art and comics extremely frequently to practically nothing overnight. High stress and anxiety were a constant companion. My eldest sibling noticed my distress and offered comfort. With my new baby in the stroller, we'd walk and talk together nearly daily, and the seed for this story was planted. Over several walks, we brainstormed and discussed characters and scenarios that greatly helped pull me out of the dark uncertainty I felt as a new mother. Now, as my baby has become a little boy, I have my moment to form it all into this very special comic.

And if you've read "Unbreakable Bond," you may recognize some of the characters, in their high school years. My sibling's characters will also be included, and together will shape the life of Chris in beautiful, unexpected ways.

Thanks, Nikki. This one's for you.