Is this book part of a larger story universe?

The characters Nick and Charlie first appeared as supporting figures in Alice Oseman's 2014 debut novel Solitaire before their relationship was expanded into this dedicated graphic novel series.

Can I read this if I have already watched the Netflix series?

The television adaptation is based on this graphic novel series, but the show introduces an ensemble cast and additional dramatic subplots that are not present in the original source material.

Was this story originally published as a book?

This work began as a webcomic serialized online on platforms like Tumblr and Tapas starting in 2016 before it was collected and published in physical volumes.

Heartstopper: Volume One

Contemporary Literature Graphic Novels

Pages: 292
Published: 2018
Language: English

Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson go to the same all-boys grammar school in England. Thrown together when they're assigned neighbouring desks at the start of a new term, the two quickly become friends — Charlie, an openly gay Year 10 who has weathered a rough year of being outed and bullied, and Nick, a good-natured Year 11 rugby player everyone assumes is straight.

As their friendship deepens, Charlie develops a crush he's sure can only end in heartbreak. Nick, meanwhile, begins to question feelings he's never examined before. Volume One follows the tender, halting early days of their relationship — first meetings, a snow day, a birthday party, and the small, brave moments that turn friendship into something more.

The opening chapter of Alice Oseman's beloved graphic novel series, Heartstopper is a warm, gentle coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself. Originally serialised as a webcomic, it grew into a bestselling six-volume series and the basis for the Netflix adaptation.

Prose complexity: 1/10

Heartwarming Hopeful Cozy Emotional Romantic

Coming of Age Slow Burn Friends to Lovers

Alice Oseman

Alice Oseman is a British author and illustrator of young adult fiction, born on 16 October 1994 in Chatham, Kent. She published her debut novel, Solitaire, at nineteen, and followed it with the standalone novels Radio Silence, I Was Born for This and Loveless, alongside the novellas Nick and Charlie and This Winter. In September 2016 she began posting Heartstopper, a webcomic about two boys at an English grammar school, which she both writes and illustrates. Hachette Children's Group acquired...

Charlie SpringProtagonist

An openly gay Year 10 student, thoughtful and anxious after a difficult year of bullying.

Nick NelsonProtagonist

A kind, popular Year 11 rugby player who begins questioning his feelings for Charlie.

Ben HopeAntagonist

A boy who treats Charlie carelessly and in secret.

Tao XuSupporting

Charlie's fiercely loyal best friend.

Elle ArgentSupporting

Charlie's friend who has transferred to the nearby girls' school.

All characters in Heartstopper: Volume One

Frequently asked questions

Is this book part of a larger story universe?
The characters Nick and Charlie first appeared as supporting figures in Alice Oseman's 2014 debut novel Solitaire before their relationship was expanded into this dedicated graphic novel series.
Can I read this if I have already watched the Netflix series?
The television adaptation is based on this graphic novel series, but the show introduces an ensemble cast and additional dramatic subplots that are not present in the original source material.
Was this story originally published as a book?
This work began as a webcomic serialized online on platforms like Tumblr and Tapas starting in 2016 before it was collected and published in physical volumes.