A review by longlost
Heartstopper, Volume One, by Alice Oseman

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

It finally occurred to me that if this was a webcomic before it was published then it's probably readable online and I am very glad it did. This is a story full of light-hearted, slice-of-life moments that believably and effectively lead up to the eventual romance. Alice Oseman's art style compliments the story perfectly; even in black and white the story still feels like it pops with colour. The departure from the usual comic style boxes template worked very much in the story's advantage - intense scenes felt enclosed and claustrophobic. One scene that was particularly impactful to me was

Spoiler

the scene in chapter 1 in which Charlie's ex sexually assaults him - the way the scene was portrayed with jagged puzzle pieces and harsh, unsteady barriers between panels shows perfectly how Charlie must have been feeling.

While fast-paced, Nick and Charlie's relationship develops very sweetly and by the end of the second chapter I don't feel like their relationship was rushed to reach that point. Definitely an enjoyable read, and a story I'm excited to continue on with. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Bullying, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Outing

Minor: Cursing

CONTENT WARNING DETAILS: GRAPHIC: Bullying: After the main character was outed as gay, the story references the fact that he was bullied by other students several times. There are also a few scenes where other students make homophobic or bullying comments behind the character's back. Emotional abuse: The main character's ex is abusive through text, along with frequently disregarding the main character's feelings about their relationship. Homophobia: There are several scenes where casual homophobic comments are thrown about. Physical abuse: The main character's ex is physically abusive and restricting in several scenes. Sexual assault / sexual violence: There is a scene in where the main character's ex forcibly kisses him despite the main character's protests. The scene is quickly interrupted. MODERATE: Outing: Prior to the events of the story, the main character is outed as gay through school gossip, and is bullied as a result. MINOR: Cursing: At least one instance of a character saying "fuck".