How Heartstopper Inspired A Revolution
In the realm of entertainment, there are few things as gratifying as witnessing a beloved story transition from page to screen seamlessly. Such is the case with Netflix’s Heartstopper, a heartwarming coming of age tale that has not only captured the hearts of its readers, but also sparked a newfound enthusiasm for reading among its audience. For those uninitiated, Heartstopper, created by Alice Oseman, is a graphic novel series that explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery among teenagers, set in England.
So what has made this series such a success?
Heartstopper resonates deeply with its audience due to its exploration of topical themes relevant to today’s youth. From navigating relationships and sexuality to dealing with mental health issues, the series tackles these subjects with sensitivity and authenticity. This relevance ensures that readers not only connect with the characters, but that they also feel heard and understood, offering them solace, and perhaps makes them feel not alone.
Inclusive Representation
Perhaps one of the key reasons for the show’s (and graphic novels’) success, is its commitment to inclusive representation. The series features diverse characters from various backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, allowing readers from all walks of life to see themselves reflected in its pages. Indeed, Oseman is brave in the way she refuses to shy away from normalising LGBTQ+ community, and it is this inclusivity that fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, making the story accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
Fantastic Acting
Upon its adaptation into a screen series, Heartstopper received acclaim for its stellar performances. The actors, including Kit Connor as ‘Charlie Spring’ and Joe Locke as ‘Nick Nelson’, brought Oseman’s characters to life with nuance and authenticity. Their portrayals resonated with viewers, drawing them into the narrative and eliciting a range of emotions, from laughter to tears. And, again, Netflix have kept with Oseman’s desire for inclusivity by using actors “an essence of that character in them,” making the casting sublime.
Brilliant Writing
Undoubtedly, however, at the heart of Heartstopper’s success lies in its brilliant writing. Oseman’s storytelling is captivating, weaving together intricate plotlines and rich character development that keep readers eagerly turning the pages. The transition from page to screen is seamless, thanks to Oseman’s involvement in the adaptation process, ensuring that diehard fans of the graphic novel had little to quibble with.
Should You Watch The Show Or Read The Book?
Why not do both?
While the screen adaptation offers a visually stunning portrayal of the story, diving into the graphic novels allows readers to experience the full depth and nuance of Oseman’s writing. Each medium offers its own unique perspective, enriching the overall Heartstopper experience.
If you’re struggling with what to read (or watch next), click here to find Kellie’s personal reading list broken down for age and genre so you can find your next page-turner.
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Kellie McCord is a private tutor with over eight years of experience. Having been a lecturer and educator in China, India, Finland and the UK, she has a wealth of teaching experiences, allowing her to build rapport with students from all walks of life. Respect and inclusivity is at the heart of Kellie's tutoring, which is why she has Diplomas in the Pedagogy of Dyslexia and Mindfulness, allowing her to work with SEND learners. Kellie's mission is to empower students with the self-belief and confidence to achieve their academic goals and set them up for a life of success. She is also the founder of Uplevel Academy, which you can find more about by following the link below her blog - https://www.uplevel-academy.co.uk/