Heartstopper is a bound collection of the Webtoon comic that Alice Oseman created (also featured on Tumblr and Tapas) featuring the love story between the supporting characters, Nick and Charlie, from her debut novel Solitaire. This series looks at love, friendship, loyalty, and mental health
There are four volumes published, and I read all four in one sitting. There is another volume due next year, I believe. This is a graphic novel, the first I have ever read, and it’s a very different type of reading from my usual reads.
Heartstopper Volume 1
Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met … until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance.
My Thoughts
This first book looks at how Nick and Charlie meet and their budding friendship. Charlie has been out as gay for a few years at school and has been severely bullied. Nick identifies as being straight and well-recognised in the school rugby team.
Charlie joins the rugby team at Nick’s insistence, and while he is naturally good due to his speed, he isn’t respected by her peers as “gays don’t play sports”. Charlie falls hard for Nick but doesn’t think he stands a chance. It portrays the teenage angst of having a significant crush very well.
This is a charming introduction to the two main characters. Of course, Nick sticks up for Charlie and helps him out, but it’s a lovely introduction for two friends.
Reading a graphic novel is a slightly strange experience in that you have a lot of pages but not that many words, so it’s a super quick read. However, the graphics in this book are delightful, and I really enjoyed them. Seeing expressions through the faces and actions rather than reading about them was refreshingly different.
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Heartstopper Volume 2
Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie’s gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn’t. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family … and himself.
My Thoughts
Volume two of the series continues from volume one, as you would expect. Nick and Charlie are now best friends. Charlie discovers more about himself and his friends and family while Nick begins to make some startling discoveries.
We see how Charlie and Nick’s friendship grows and blossoms through this volume, but some very confusing things happen, which leaves both boys confused and unsure of their feelings. Love works in some surprising ways and none more so here.
I enjoyed the character development throughout this book and how the intrigue grows and draws you into Nick and Charlie’s story. It leaves you with some questions too, has their relationship changed? Could Nick like Charlie in the same way, or was it just one big mistake? Can they recover their friendship after this?
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Heartstopper Volume 3
Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Nick’s even found the courage to come out to his mum. But coming out isn’t just something that happens once and life can be hard.
My Thoughts
Charlie and Nick are now officially boyfriends, and they are the cutest couple ever! We watch as Nick finds the courage to tell his mum. With many other people to tell, this explores this theme and the feelings both characters have surrounding this. Next, they go on a school trip to Paris, where Nick tries to meet up with his dad, but it doesn’t work out. Nevertheless, they have a great time away and spend quality time with their friends.
The plot develops nicely, and the characters grow with each book. Heartstoppers describe the feelings and emotions of the characters well and in-depth, surprisingly well for a graphic novel with very few words. This volume also looks at how things can be easier with someone you love by your side.
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Heartstopper Volume 4
Charlie’s beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you. As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means.
My Thoughts
Charlie and Nick’s relationship continues to grow and develop. This book is quite different to the other three and has a much larger focus on mental health. Charlie is gearing himself up to tell Nick that he loves him. Meanwhile, Nick is worried about Charlie’s mental health and whether he has an eating disorder. Charlie is later diagnosed with Anorexia and spends some time away in a hospital to help him recover. This is well depicted with the artwork, showing that Charlie is now slightly bigger though still very skinny.
I think it was brave of Alice Oseman to cover such a profound and disturbing mental illness in this light way without being dismissive of the issues. It shows the effects of the disease on Nick but not those around them. Charlie and Nick’s relationship gets much more profound as a result, and this volume covers a much more considerable amount of time.
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Overall
I have really enjoyed this series. While it is mainly focused on coming out and a new and unlikely relationship, it packs a good punch and covers many things, especially thoughts and feelings, in a short time.
I would recommend this easy-to-read graphic novel aimed at young adults to all. Anyone wanting to learn more about LGBT relationships, coming out, young friendships and eating disorders would find this a good and easy place to start.
This has also been made into a Netflix series that came out recently and proves to be a good adaptation of the first book.
Affiliate Link
Please consider purchasing this book through the link to the left. You won’t pay any more for your purchase but i will get a very small commission which goes towards paying for the running costs of this blog. Your help is very much appreciated!
You can buy a copy of all four volumes together using this link.
