Once the Heartstopper graphic novel series by Alice Oseman had concluded (just a month or two ago) with Volume 6, it was time for me to watch the streaming series and cap it with the movie (which came out shortly after book 6 and concludes the streaming series). It’s always fun to join in the fandom for the fandom moments. Despite that the main fandom here is under 20, I am a fan, anyhow. I have been utterly charmed by Oseman and her MCs from the very first pages of Volume 1.
In fact, I was so charmed by the graphic novel series that I thought the show couldn’t compare. And in a way, the MCs are not quite as adorable, especially Charlie (Nick hits it pretty much on the head), but because of the writing, not the acting. The totally British and representation-strong series changes things, though it sounds like Oseman is totally on board and involved. I enjoyed the streaming series. I liked going back to the world and seeing what was the same. The series is also charming and addictive, just not quite as much. For me. For a teen who doesn’t want to read, then yeah, maybe for them it is. They did a pretty good job capturing just about everything (except the illustrations because you can only do so much to capture that in “real skin”). Some major plot lines are omitted of simplified for the series, and they concentrate way more on the eating disorder instead of the daddy issues. More on being trans and less on coming out gay/bi. One side-character was almost completely changed, in order to take on the sister’s arc, I think? And another character went from background to side. I enjoyed watching it. I kept bingeing it, even though every single character has an alternate identity. Like I said with the books, the point of the thing is the LGBTQ+ community. So, just squeeze it all in there for these teens.
I was really hoping the movie (titled Heartstopper Forever) would actually wrap up the series in the way the final book does. I was dubious about it because I heard it was “changed,” and with a six-book romance, a reader is always anxious that the right people will “end up” together. I didn’t find it tremendously changed, at least not in spirit, and that made me happy. For once, a wrap-up movie seems like the way it was always meant to be, not a rush-job or a money-grab. Again, I enjoyed it.
If I could do it all again, I would do exactly what I did: read the graphic novel series (1-6), watch the TV series, watch the movie. However, if I ever go back for a re-do, I will be content with just the graphic novels. It is the most charming version of Charlie and Nick, and I don’t need the (also cute) other versions to add anything for me. However, I feel like the streaming (with movie) is a solid series that plenty of people will enjoy, just for itself. And fans. Fans will also like it. (Though I know one younger fan, and he wasn’t as into the show because of some of the changes. He’ll live and learn: it was mild compared to most adaptations.)
One note: the series and the movie are a lot more graphic and, um, advanced, with the sex and sex-adjacent stuff. I certainly didn’t need that; it added nothing and made it more awkward to be watching as an adult. In case you care.
This is a very endearing franchise, meant largely for the LGBTQ+ community, especially the young ones and their friends and allies, but is calm, engaging and entertaining for all. A little preachy. But so darned sweet.
the starving artist 