Heartstopper Volume 1 // unbelievably sweet and pure

Heartstopper is the purest and softest thing you will ever read. I binge read the whole series online a couple of years ago and I've been following the updates ever since, but revisiting it in physical form gave me an even greater appreciation for Oseman's art and storytelling.



Charlie and Nick are students at an all-boys grammar school who have never met - until they are made to sit together at the start of a new term. The overthinking introvert and the outgoing rugby player quickly become friends, and Charlie soon finds that he has feelings for Nick that he believes are unreciprocated. However, as they grow closer, Nick begins to question his identity and wonders how to define his own emotions towards his best friend.

Readers familiar with Oseman's novels will know that Nick and Charlie appear in their debut novel Solitaire as side characters. Oseman's writing has grown so much since then, but you do not need to have read any of their novels to fall for Heartstopper. It is a perfect standalone series and delves further into the relationship between these characters whilst introducing a handful of new ones who are just as lovable (even more so in the later chapters beyond volume 1). The characters themselves are unbelievably cute. Charlie is a quiet ball of nerves whilst Nick is an awkward ball of sunshine. It's impossible not to feel protective of these fictional sweethearts - I would wrap them up in a blanket and defend them from the world if I could.

This was a story that had to be told in graphic novel form. It's simple but so sweet, and Oseman's delightful art style only emphasises how charming the story is. What is even more noticeable in the print version of the graphic novel is how varied the panelling is, which makes every page feel fresh whilst also providing an excellent sense of pacing. But by far my favourite part about this art is the smaller illustrations; leaves drifting across the page marking the passing of time and bursting flowers used to portray strong emotions. It is unique to any graphic novel I have ever encountered and highlights the innocent nature of the story and its characters.

The title of this book is appropriate - it will make your heart experience a wealth of fluttery emotions. Heartstopper explores friendship, identity, and love and is altogether heartwarming and more adorable than mere words could describe.

 ★★★★★

YA Contemporary Graphic Novel 

Volume 1/? 

Gay and Bisexual protagonists

non-consensual kiss, physically abusive behaviour 

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