Graphic Novel Review – Heartstopper: Volume One

Hello hello and welcome or welcome back to my little bookish corner of the internet. Today I’m sharing my review of the graphic novel, Heartstopper: Volume One.

Synopsis
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…

Story Review
Well, this is just the most wholesome, adorable thing.

Charlie and Nick end up as friends just by the sure chance of being sat together in their tutor group, and quickly hit it off. We see snippets from both of their perspectives, and watch Charlie developing a sure crush, and Nick questioning his sexuality after finding he might have feelings for Charlie. It’s a very genuine, heart-felt story, that felt both age appropriate and grown up in how they are dedicated to one another as friends before anything else.

There is a real strength in the unity that is written between the boys, and it was such a happy storyline. It obviously has it’s ups and downs as all stories have, but the bumps in the road draw the boys closer together, as friends, and as potentially more.

Illustrations Review
The illustrations are in black and white, and are as cute as the story. They tread the line somewhere between realistic and cartoon in a unique way, which fitted the story perfectly. The little additions of hearts above special moments, for example, just make this the perfect happy read.

I loved the art style, and thought it complimented the story in such a wonderful way. They were a great match, and it was a combination of both that lead me to picking up the second one almost immediately!

Thanks for stopping by for this review today. I’ll be sharing my review of the second and third volumes soon, so keep an eye out for those. I’ve also shared some other graphic novel reviews if you’re looking for some others:

Rivers of London: Body Work
Rivers of London: Night Witch

The Tea Dragon Society
The Tea Dragon Festival