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A review by jstilts
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
slow-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
2.75
Essential reading for those who read Volume 1 (and for those who plan to read Volume 3) as the main characters relationship progresses significantly, and (mild spoiler) the main plot of this book involves one character deciding whether or not to come out in public with their sexuality.
The reason why I haven't scored this volume particularly highly is still debatable to me - on the dpwnsode it's a relatively straightforward tale that goes out of it's way to avoid complexity and subplots: the route to coming out progresses with relatively little conflict, incidents such as a sudden burst of violence could have given rise to second thoughts in their partner, family who may have reacted badly to coming out are very accepting - it's all rather drama-free. However on the flip side this is remarkably refreshing: many of those ignored plotlines are rather commonplace and cliche, the self-torturous path to coming out has likewise done a thousand times, instead here we are presented with a wholesome positive coming-out experience that is still grounded in reality.
I think in the end I have to go with the slightly lower score, as while this book is valuable repr sentation of LGBTQIA+ and an essential continuation of Volume 1 (and probably an essential bridge to volume 2) it does mean it's a little lightweight if taken alone.
The art style is very similar to Volume 1 but I feel it has improved - some pages are genuinely gorgeous, with decorative touches that help give insight into the characters mood. For instance a page near the end where one character is sitting with his mother is particularly beautiful, the flowers of the garden seen through the window seeming to radiate upwards onto the page and into the room with some subtle pencil work adding interesting lighting effects. I don't recall so many of these done so well in Volume 1. Looking forward to Volume 3!
The reason why I haven't scored this volume particularly highly is still debatable to me - on the dpwnsode it's a relatively straightforward tale that goes out of it's way to avoid complexity and subplots: the route to coming out progresses with relatively little conflict, incidents such as a sudden burst of violence could have given rise to second thoughts in their partner, family who may have reacted badly to coming out are very accepting - it's all rather drama-free. However on the flip side this is remarkably refreshing: many of those ignored plotlines are rather commonplace and cliche, the self-torturous path to coming out has likewise done a thousand times, instead here we are presented with a wholesome positive coming-out experience that is still grounded in reality.
I think in the end I have to go with the slightly lower score, as while this book is valuable repr sentation of LGBTQIA+ and an essential continuation of Volume 1 (and probably an essential bridge to volume 2) it does mean it's a little lightweight if taken alone.
The art style is very similar to Volume 1 but I feel it has improved - some pages are genuinely gorgeous, with decorative touches that help give insight into the characters mood. For instance a page near the end where one character is sitting with his mother is particularly beautiful, the flowers of the garden seen through the window seeming to radiate upwards onto the page and into the room with some subtle pencil work adding interesting lighting effects. I don't recall so many of these done so well in Volume 1. Looking forward to Volume 3!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Bullying