If it's even possible, this series keeps getting better and better.
Another early UK release that I was actively looking for in my local bookshop, and was so happy to spot - just as it was being shelved, in fact - and buy.'Heartstopper' is beyond sweet, adorable, charming and wholesome, but it also sensitively and tastefully deals with very heavy issues. Volume Four delves deeper than before into mental illness - in this instance, an eating disorder is one of the symptoms, as are depression, self-harm, and OCD - and it can be seriously helpful to people who are dealing with these issues, and to people who want to help their loved ones who are struggling in silence, alone. It is absolutely heartwrenching, and hopeful. It is not all snuggles and cuddles and being two bugs in a bed (or in jumpers) (though that can help) in Alice Oseman's masterpiece comic series.
The coming out issues (in terms of being queer, and having an eating disorder and summoning up the courage to seek help) are not over yet. Nick - beautiful, precious Nick - is too good for this world, and so is Charlie. Neither are perfect (they are so young and scared!), and they are perfect for each other.
Sometimes just being there for the person you love whom you know is suffering internally, and comforting them whenever you can, is enough. But co-dependency can turn into its own worst enemy. It takes more than one person to help solve another person's problems. A whole loving community of friends and family is a big step towards change and a possible recovery. No "cure" can happen instantly when it comes to mental illnesses. Unlike what the movies have been telling us for forever, the power of love alone can't fix everything. These issues take time and patience; they may never go away completely, they may always be lurking, ready to pounce, in the dark corners of the fragile and unpredictable human mind. But they can be made manageable through compassion and as much help as possible; given as quickly as possible. This is why a better healthcare system is vital.
Nick's brother David is a shit, though.
I love Tori. She's a star.
Speaking of Tori, Michael from 'Solitaire' makes a cameo in this. I hope he's more likeable and stable than he was in 'Solitaire' (maybe Alice Oseman really has learned a lot since writing her debut novel as a teenager, and so downplayed his eccentricities), and I hope there really isn't a romance happening between him and Tori, who is awesome as a lone asexual warrior in her own right.
And Nick's new puppy Henry IS THE CUTEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!!! I'm not even a dog person, but I might be now, so I can cuddle and kiss that universe's prize in adorableness forever!
Nearly every character is still LBGTQ AF. Trans rep is still here. Charlie's Hispanic roots and Nick's French roots are highlighted. Abusive families is another issue that's in the background but is nonetheless talked about in Volume Four.
Satisfying and perfect, I love Volume Four.
Read my review of the webcomic here.
Read my review of Volume One here.
Read my review of Volume Two here.
Read my review of Volume Three here.
Final Score: 5/5
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