<
https://theconversation.com/why-heartstopper-is-gen-zs-defining-publishing-phenomenon-221726>
"When Volume 5 of
Heartstopper, Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series (turned
Netflix adaptation, turned cultural juggernaut) was published in December last
year, the book was declared an instant number-one bestseller. In Australia
alone, it sold 12,300 copies in its first week.
To every generation a publishing phenomenon is born – and for Generation Z,
it’s
Heartstopper, which Oseman started writing aged 22 (she’s still just
29).
The rise of
Heartstopper reads like a history of the last ten years in
publishing tools and platforms. Oseman started self-publishing the comics on
microblogging site Tumblr and webtoon platform Tapas in 2016, building up a
loyal following and clocking millions of views.
Crowdfunding for the first print run met the funding goal within two hours.
Hachette Children’s Group picked up world rights for the series, publishing
Volume One in 2019.
To date, five graphic novels, two novellas, a yearbook and a colouring book
have been published. The graphic novels have also been adapted into a
successful Netflix series, with scripts written by Oseman herself.
Heartstopper follows the sweet friends-to-lovers arc of Charlie and Nick,
whom we first meet in Year 10 and Year 11. It depicts the giddying highs and
dizzying lows of being young, queer and in love.
Through Charlie, Nick and other well-drawn characters, Alice Oseman beautifully
portrays the inner workings of a healthy relationship, modelling open
communication, help-seeking, allyship and active consent. The books also touch
on rarely discussed topics like male eating disorders."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
