Heartstopper writer, illustrator and creator Alice Oseman visited the region for a book signing event to meet fans and promote the release of the 5th graphic novel of the series.

Fans of the Heartstopper world queued across Park View for hours in Whitley Bay to meet author, Alice, at the bound bookshop on Monday, February 12.

The Northern Echo: Award winning Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman visits the North East on book tour

Thankfully it wasn’t a rainy day for fans who turned out in droves armed with copies of the best-selling books, those attending the book singing were wrapped up warm as they waited in anticipation.

In a queue that stretched across the entire street, there was an array of brightly coloured LGBTQ+ flags and stacks of copies of the best-selling series.

Approaching the doorway, the bound book shop was decorated with beautiful displays of the Heartstopper series including handmade lanterns covered in stunning illustrations.

The Northern Echo: The bound in Whitley Bay saw droves of fans turn up to the event

It was clear to see the success of Oseman from the turnout at Whitley Bay and fans were emotional as they waited for the opportunity to meet their hero.

Discussing the LGBTQ+ hit, one fan said: “I know it’ll only be a small conversation we have with Alice but I can’t wait to thank her for these books, everything she’s written and everything she stands for is so important.”

“Alice has paved the way for other LGBTQ+ stories, and that representation is so important, especially for young people.”

The Northern Echo: Fans of all ages were beaming with excitement to meet their favourite author

Another fan said: “I read one of Alice’s recommended books on Goodreads and it is one of my favourite books now, it’s like I’ve discovered this brand-new genre that I wish I’d had in high school.”

Created by the author-illustrator Alice Oseman, the Heartstopper series has become a global phenomenon and the graphic novels have sold over 8 million copies internationally.

The Heartstopper series has also been adapted to become an Emmy award-winning, BAFTA-nominated live-action Netflix series featuring Kit Connor and Joe Locke. The show, now in its second season was written and executive produced by Alice Oseman herself.

Following teenagers Nick and Charlie, who meet at school and fall in love. Heartstopper is a heartfelt love story that navigates the ups and downs of first love, exploring friendship, coming out and mental health struggles.

The Northern Echo: The bound in Whitley Bay displayed the best-selling series in their window

The event ran slightly behind as the independent bookshop welcomed fans who were waiting up to two hours in line to meet Alice, in Whitley Bay.

In a post on Instagram, the store said: Bringing an amazing Author like Alice to Whitley Bay was such a treat and we hope your moment with her was as special as it could be.”

 

Staff were extremely helpful and ensured everyone was up to date throughout the wait and the tech shop next door was offering sweets to fans passing the shop.

The Northern Echo: Oseman really took the time to speak to her fans during the event

Oseman took the time to speak to her fans during the event and event-goers wore beaming smiles as they left the signing clutching their precious new signed copies.

Author-illustrator Oseman initially started Heartstopper as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas and then crowdfunded for a limited print run edition in 2018.

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Hodder Children’s Group then published Heartstopper Volume 1 in spring 2019, now the series is achieving instant #1 spots on both The Sunday Times and the New York Times bestseller lists.

Tickets for the Whitley Bay book signing event were £12.99 and included a copy of Heartstopper Volume 5. 

Alice also visited Manchester, London, Hove and Margate, on her tour so it's wonderful to see a North East location on her list, I’m sure her visit created heart-felt and lasting memories for her North East fans.