Heartstopper Vol. 1 by Alice Oseman

A long time ago back in 2014 I reviewed Alice Oseman's book 'Solitaire' which gave the impression that this universe is vast and in no ways done yet. We got to know a little about Tori Spring, but what about the story between Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson? Well, we have it now and it is glorious; captured in the pages of a comic book which Oseman had drawn herself.

Oseman captures themes such as being gay at school and sometimes how bullying might ensue because of their lack of knowledge. There are close friendships and diversity that I don't think I have ever seen before on this level, such as the mention of transgender people, bisexuality, lesbians and of course gay men.

In particular this focuses on the love story between Charlie and Nick and how they became to be such a powerhouse that they are in the universe. It's real, it's relatable, it's completely brilliant.

I've never been one to really read comic books in this way. I have comics and bought them in the past, but this is different, it feels like a commitment rather than the usual twenty pages that you would probably get from Marvel or Titan comics. But now I can't wait to see more volumes! I feel like the way that it has brilliantly been presented, these two people are my favourite OTP (bear in mind I'm not really one who thinks this way for any character couple). Usually, when I read something romantic, it is far more interesting to see the beginning of the relationship, but Nick and Charlie are on a completely different level. Almost superior in my eyes. I want to see more of the relationship as it blossoms and grows and it's exciting.

Really looking forward to the second volume and without much effort I gave this treat five stars.

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