In a groundbreaking achievement for LGBTQ+ literature, Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series has once again made history by becoming the fastest-selling graphic novel in the UK. The release of “Heartstopper Volume 5” on December 7th saw an astonishing 60,012 copies sold within the first three days, solidifying its position as the overall best-selling book of the week across all categories, including adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction.
The Heartstopper series, penned by Oseman, revolves around the enchanting love story of two British schoolboys, Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring. It not only delves into their blossoming romance but also tackles vital themes of friendship, coming out, and mental health.
Oseman, humbled by this extraordinary achievement, expressed her awe, stating, “Heartstopper is a story that centers joy, love, and queerness, and to see it embraced in this way by so many readers, young and old, gives me a real sense of hope.” This monumental success of her work is a testament to the power of LGBTQ+ representation in literature.
Heartstopper Volume 5’s sales outshone its closest competition by around 15,000 copies, making it the highest-selling children’s book in over two years. The previous record for launch-week sales in the adult and children’s graphic novel category was set back in 2015, underlining the unprecedented popularity of the Heartstopper series.
The Heartstopper novels have been adapted into a Netflix series, with the first two seasons already released and a third season currently in production. The impact of this adaptation on book sales has been significant, with sales surging by over 220% across the entire series following the first season’s broadcast.
Alice Oseman’s remarkable success as a graphic novelist is well-deserved, and her portrayal of friendship and young love has resonated deeply with readers of all ages. With Β£11.5 million worth of copies sold, she ranks as the third best-selling graphic novelist since Nielsen records began in 1998, trailing only behind luminaries like Alan Moore and Robert Kirkman.
The Heartstopper series, initially a web comic on platforms like Tumblr and Tapas, has grown from a personal project into a global sensation. It’s a testament to the power of LGBTQ+ representation in literature and the enduring appeal of stories that speak to the heart, regardless of age.
As Alice Oseman gears up for the final installment of the Heartstopper series, it’s clear that her work has become a true global phenomenon, transcending boundaries of language, age, and culture. The Heartstopper series is not just for teenagers; it’s for everyone who believes in the universality of love and the importance of seeing oneself in the stories they read.
