More Nick and Charlie is never a bad thing, and this sweet, touching, yet harrowing and sad and real 'Heartstopper' novella takes place at the cusp of their adulthood - well, Nick's adulthood, as it's close to the end of the school year and he's going to leave for university.
Charlie doesn't know how things will turn out for them now. True to form, he's anxious about how they will manage a long distance relationship after two years of constantly being together. Constantly sleeping over at each other's houses even on school nights. Constantly loving to spend time together, no matter how "boring" or "mundane" or "ordinary" it is. Rising worries and apprehension, and a lack of communication, are not helping the situation.Teenage couples are not supposed to be this intense, so full of genuine love and nonstop affection, right?
First loves rarely, if ever, last forever, after all.
But for Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, the ultimate couple of the new generation, there might indeed be such a thing as soulmates.
'Nick and Charlie' isn't getting five solid gold stars, as is the case for my 'Heartstopper' comics ratings, mainly because I am not fond of, and generally have no patience for, teenage relationship melodrama and misunderstandings, even if I like the couple in question, and no matter how much I like them. At least this is a short novella, skirting at 160 pages, and is easily readable and digestible.
Tao is here, and he and Elle are talked about - in fact they become a plot point - but Elle herself isn't present in the book, which is disappointing. She's one of my favourite characters, and I don't appreciate her being shafted in Nick and Charlie's "final" story.
Come to think of it, where are Tara and Darcy? Harry receives a part, but they don't?!
However, there are things to like and love in 'Nick and Charlie' that aren't just about the precious title characters. Tori is in it, and is awesome and surprising as usual. Her support for her brother is beyond commendable. Aled Last has a big role; he's a sweet little angel cupcake. The author's illustrations, occasionally included throughout, are the best, most wonderful things ever. They help elevate Nick and Charlie's status as the OTP of the century. And Nick's dogs!
What more is there to say? Obviously read it if you're already a fan of 'Heartstopper', and Alice Oseman's works across the universal board. They're special. They're lovely. They're true to life, and uplifting and hopeful.
Final Score: 4/5
No comments:
Post a Comment