There are few plots as reliable as the coming-of-age stories. Few experiences are as universal and yet so diverse in how things could play out. They're moments that are formative and will define us for the rest of our lives. Even with such conventions being done to an exhausting degree, there's still room to subvert expectations and find ground for new approaches. Alice Oseman has found just that with her queer love story "Heartstopper," which explores the relationship of gay teenagers in the middle of other high school drama. It's one of those awkward love stories that many face in their youth, but Oseman's gift for finding the tenderness and nonjudgmental perspective for her characters brings out what has made this into a franchise, including a Netflix series adaptation. On the surface, there's not a lot that makes "Heartstopper" and its leads exceptional. However, give it enough time, and it will work to warm your heart and appreciate the simple joys of love all over again.
There's a simple charm to be found in the way Oseman writes her leads. They are very innocent in nature. At most, they're social outcasts looking for a connection to a greater world. In the first installment, she finds a way to navigate the plot, emphasizing the different ways that these characters interact. The most enjoyable moments come in the comic beats where they're walking around, talking about their lives and texting messages. Every page has a cute exchange where these characters feel familiar. They're self-conscious, wanting to make the best impression but realizing that their sensitivity might ultimately be holding them back. When the love story starts to form, it's evident that they'll have to take more initiative and find ways to be more expressive to each other.
In this case, it's falling in love with another student while playing soccer. Because of its physicality, there's several awkward moments of male dominance, finding the tension easily transferring into accidental touching or coded language. Oseman does an excellent job of capturing the interiority of these moments, where sometimes it's unclear whether each character is on the same page. Still, the desire overwhelms them and even causes awkward exchanges at home with a family who finds their change of behavior curious. It's everything that a typical budding romance should have, save for the fact that the protagonist is not openly accepting his potential queerness. He recognizes the bullies around him and wonders if he'll be smeared for any revelation.
For general audiences, "Vol. 1" is a bit interminable in one sense. Knowing that there will be a series, the reader spends the entire time waiting for the big moment. They will kiss and start their relationship. The joy lies ahead. By the final pages, there is plenty of relief to be found in their kiss. It's such a cathartic way to break the ice and finally get to the heart of what the series can be. However, there may be issues for those wanting more. It's cute and awkward, but it's ultimately set-up for a relationship that will be more interesting in the later installments.
Another reason that "Heartstopper" is a great series is because of how it symbolizes a shift in queer representation. There are no great conflicts of suffering. While there's emotional toil and other struggles, they are not defined solely by being "the gay character." Instead, there is nuance and recognition of their joy. There are things that make them happy and want to live. After decades of one dimensional representation (especially among mainstream producers), "Heartstopper" merely being a tepid story of boys falling in love and trying to navigate the world is a revelation. It's heartwarming and beautiful. The way that nobody is villainized for their sexuality reflects a safe place for queer teens to have a story that uplifts their feelings and validates them.
Despite any argument that this story feels like a prelude to something greater, let it be known that Oseman still has a fantastic sense of control over her characters. She understands the interiority perfectly and manages to find the sharp pains that come with awkwardly trying not to disappoint a potential love interest. It's the building that audiences are familiar with from romantic comedies of yesteryear, but given a contemporized spin full of cultural references and small exchanges. Some of them may not come out the way that they want, but it all is forgiven. It's not a series with hard hitting issues, and that's fine. It's the perfect comfort read for those needing a break from the darkness of the world outside.
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