Friday 31 January 2020

Graphic Novel Review - 'Heartstopper Volume Three' by Alice Oseman

An early UK release. 'Heartstopper' is as precious, gorgeous, edible, and as addictive and readable in a single hour as ever. I was smiling like a blissful, happy, hopeful dope throughout Volume Three.

This time we head for a school trip to Paris!

Nick and Charlie are my children. They are everyone's children. They are so cute together it hurts, in a good way. They are cute. Prepare for more kissing scenes, flirting, teasing, Frenching it up (as in speaking the language, FWI), and rolling play fighting and snuggles in bed! Their relationship development is very real. They are coming to terms with how they would feel if everyone they know knew they were a couple, whether they would be okay with it either way as long as they have each other, and how they would come out to their friends if they chose to.

Charlie and Nick struggle with individual problems, and learn to communicate with each other better. Because they care so much about each other. Their love is as real as flesh and blood.

But even pouring out your heart, your soul, and your innermost, darkest secrets to the person you love isn't easy. It can be the hardest thing you'll ever have to do.

This volume also deals with serious issues - and some issues it delves deeper into than it did before - such as homophobic bullying, depression and other mental illnesses, self-harm, and eating disorders.

And I've just realised that Aled Last from 'Radio Silence' is in this!

Alice Oseman continues to prove that she is a needed gift in this cynical, self-destructive, toxic waste of a world. Just remember that there is Nick and Charlie, and many people like them in real life, and take comfort: Everything is going to be okay.

More than that: There are beautiful things left, and things to make you proud to be human.

Love exists, and will never stop existing. We can be happy; there are things to be happy about.

'Heartstopper' is super LBGTQA (nearly everyone is queer, even the teachers!), and it exists and is super popular. Thank you again, dear Alice Oseman.

My review of Volume One here.

My review of Volume Two here.

Final Score: 5/5

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