Alice Oseman has done more than almost any other writer to bring graphic storytelling into the literary mainstream. Her Heartstopper series has become a global phenomenon, introducing millions of readers to the power of comics through its tender portrayal of first love, friendship and growing up, as well as inspiring the hit Netflix adaptation, reports BritPanorama.
Long before creating Nick and Charlie, Oseman was a devoted comics reader herself. Here, she shares her favourite graphic stories of all time.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
“Spinning is a moving, honest graphic memoir about Walden’s life as a teen competitive figure skater, and how the intense, demanding world of ice-skating impacted her struggle to come to terms with being gay.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Tillie Walden’s work; she is often my go-to recommendation. Walden writes interesting and emotive human stories, often about queer girls finding their identities, and explores adolescence with a dreamlike, melancholy approach. Her minimalistic style doesn’t use a lot of dialogue but still manages to say so much. Spinning is very reliant on visual metaphor and symbolism – it’s packed with emotion and allows you to feel without it ever being overexplained.”
Avery Hill, £22.99
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
“This was such an unexpected read. I hadn’t heard much about the plot prior to picking it up and I went into it thinking it was a romance but there was so much more to it than I had realised.
“Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me tackles some tough subjects. It follows teen girl Freddy as she navigates an emotionally abusive relationship with her girlfriend Laura Dean. It’s not often this topic is explored through a queer teen lens and Tamaki and Valero-O’Connell do it with such care. Valero-O’Connell’s stunning artwork, with its splashes of pink alongside the greyscale, lend a real beauty to the narrative.”
Roaring Brook Press, £13.99
Long Exposure by Mars Heyward
“Heartstopper started life as a webcomic and I find the webcomic community to be full of such incredible, unique talent. Heywood is exactly that and his hugely popular Long Exposure is one of my favourites – I was buzzing to see him bring out his own self-published physical version too.
Long Exposure follows nerdy teen Jonas and his ex-bully Mitch. After encountering a strange research site in the woods, they both start to develop superpowers. It has got romance, mystery, and some supernatural drama. It’s super dynamic and the character-led artwork is so engaging. While the comic ended a while ago, it’s one I often revisit for a reread.”
longexposurecomic.com
It’s Lonely At The Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood
“Another graphic memoir for the list, this is a powerful, autobiographical comic that follows Zoe, a young cartoonist, as she navigates mental illness and depression through a really difficult and significant six months of her life.
“It explores the idea of the ‘selfish artist’ in an authentic, deeply personal and real way. I found it to be a really affecting read and I just love Thorogood’s art-style throughout.”
Image Comics, £11.99
The Victors by Wren James, illustrated by Beth Fuller
“Dirk Earnest saved the world four years ago, defeating the Demon Overlord and his horde, but now he just has to live in it. His new reality is navigating life as a uni student with an adoring fanbase (IRL and online) whilst trying to keep crushing loneliness at bay. Then in walks new flatmate Medusa, art student, war criminal and Dirk’s nemesis…
“The Victors has forced proximity, enemies-to-friends, found family, platonic soulmates and so much more. Wren is my long-time friend and collaborator and I’m always excited to read something new from these them. They are the master of plot twists and turns, always keeping the reader hooked, whilst also being incredibly funny too. Highly, highly recommend.”
Walker Books, £12.99
Heartstopper Volume 6 by Alice Oseman is published by Hodder Children’s Books, £14.99.
