A review by sphynxreads
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

September 2023
Actual rating: 3.5
I still think this was lazily written, particularly with the amount of nuance that discussions on eating disorders requires, although this time around I do think the characters have grown. Overall though I just don't like this volume as much as the others because of the significant tonal shift. It was just such a downer and I consume media like Heartstopper for the queer joy. This wasn't joyful at all.

---

April 2022
3⭐
I'm definitely in the minority in terms of my feelings about Heartstopper, but this volume honestly feels a little bit lazily written. I still thought it was cute and the discussion on mental health was good, but it lacked the nuance I usually want when it comes to serious topics. The story very much stayed in feel-good territory which isn't a bad thing in and of itself, I just wanted a little more depth since this is already the fourth volume and the characters have shown very little growth.