A review by jstilts
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A definite improvement over the second book, this one feels like it could stand alone if it had to while being a solid continuation of the series - the majority of this volume is set on a school trip to Paris, which gives this part of the ongoing story some individual structure. The art quality continues to improve, or the style has just fully grown on me now!

This time our characters both discover coming out as a couple isn't as straightforward as they imagined, while touching on issues of mental health that will doubtless be explored more in the future. It's another very wholesome exploration of LGBTIQ+ relationships that highlights solutions (sometimes just attitudes!) to overcoming issues rather than mining them for grim dramatic potential - but there is still drama, as this series continues to be extremely engaging, and there are a few punch-the-air moments.

Definitely looking forward to seeing the threads laid down for Volume 4 explored, but in many ways this would have been a satisfying conclusion to the series.
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