Alice Oseman on Heartstopper Volume 6: ‘Hope, happiness and happy endings are possible’

It’s fair to say that Heartstopper has been a cultural phenomenon. Written and illustrated by the brilliant Alice Oseman, the series – that began as a passion project – have spawned a TV series, spin-off novels and soon, a film. It’s also popularized the graphic novel to a new generation and been celebrated for its joyful queer storytelling. Here, Oseman talks to Rolling Stone about how the series has changed her life, her favourite Heartstopper moment, and her final day on set with Kit Connor and Joe Locke…

The end of Heartstopper marks the end of an era! How are you feeling?

It’s very strange. I’ve been working on Heartstopper for a decade, and it’s weird to know it’s finished. It’s been a part of my daily routine for so long and I’m proud to see it complete, but at the same time, sad to be saying goodbye to characters that I love so much. I miss them already!

Heartstopper began as a passion project but has taken you to international success. How has it changed your life?

It was literally a side project alongside my prose novel writing. I was in the YA world, but Heartstopper was just a little something I was doing on the side. It was free for people to read – it wasn’t making any money. It’s beyond my wildest dreams that it got such massive attention and has such a loyal audience. I feel hugely lucky to have shared Nick and Charlie’s story with so many people.

Why do you think Heartstopper hit the zeitgeist?

Heartstopper is optimistic and explores queer joy. I think the queer community crave such stories, where hope and happiness are possible and characters get a happy ending despite the difficulties and troubles they face. It’s a real comfort to people.

What made you choose the graphic novel form?

Heartstopper is episodic – I struggled to tell the story with a straightforward beginning, middle, end. It’s a series of vignettes of sorts, giving insight into a blossoming relationship. The comic form lends itself to that. I love how expressive images are as an artform too. There are so many moments where you don’t need words – the pictures express everything they need to say alone.

Heartstopper is all about growing up – and has been written over a decade. How do you feel you have grown with your characters?

As with the boys, my confidence has grown. I began as a writer in my early twenties, fresh out of university and writing alone. Now, with TV and film and a team behind me, it’s introduced me to a different way of working. I’ve had to become a leader. And also, I have the pleasure of meeting so many fans. Initially, it was scary, but I love that I’ve met so many enthused readers and viewers from across the world.

What is your favourite Heartstopper moment?

Nick and Charlie’s first kiss is an iconic moment. It encapsulates the series: the butterflies, the tension, the anxiety, but also the magic and wonder of leaning into your feelings and expressing yourself and being true to who you are.  

Where do we find Nick and Charlie at the start of Volume 6?

By the end of Volume 5, Nick reveals he wants to go to the University of Leeds, meaning he and Charlie will soon have to face a long-distance relationship. At the same time, Charlie is pushing himself forward by applying for the role of head boy, showing how much he’s grown. Volume 6 explores how these new pressures test their relationship and what the future holds for them both.

Beyond the protagonists, is there a character you are particularly sad to say goodbye to?

Nick and Charlie’s story originates in my novel, Solitaire. Tori, who appears in Heartstopper, was the protagonist of that very same novel – my first book! My first protagonist, so she’s hugely special to me. This is the end of her journey as well. I have always enjoyed her brutal honesty that comes from the inner conflicts and secrets she conceals.

As you leave these characters behind, is there one you are going to take forward into your own life as a part of you?

I hope to become more of a role model like Charlie. He’s gone from rock bottom to someone people look up to. I hope I can do him justice!

What can fan’s expect from the upcoming film, Heartstopper Forever?

It’s a final Heartstopper story, like the TV series, but with the benefit of film length, we really sit with the characters on their journey. I think it will offer a deep final insight into the characters fans love. We’ve also tried to make it feel more cinematic! It’s been emotional saying goodbye with Kit Connor and Joe Locke too. We had a really special final day on set – a key scene that celebrates all things Heartstopper – and we were all very emotional. It felt like the last day of school before everyone goes off into their own individual futures. It was very emotional and we are so proud.

What would your eulogy for Heartstopper be as a final farewell?

Nick and Charlie will forever be in my heart, hand in hand on a beach somewhere…

Heartstopper Volume 6 by Alice Oseman publishes on 2^nd July (Hodder Children’s Books, £14.99)